Outdoor dining in Memphis: 5 new restaurant patios you need to visit this fall
The temperatures are finally dropping and fall is right around the corner — and that means it is prime outdoor dining season.
From shaded patios to sunny courtyards, we've assembled a list of five of our favorite new Memphis-area patios for al fresco drinks and dining.
Each patio is brand new in 2023 — either at a new restaurant that opened this year or it has just undergone extensive renovations.
Whether in search of an after-work happy hour, a romantic night under the stars or a lazy Saturday in the sun, head outside and take advantage of the nice weather at one of these spots.
Babalu
6450 Poplar Ave.; (901) 410-8909; eatbabalu.com
You can now enjoy your table-side guacamole on the patio at the Babalu in East Memphis no matter what the weather.
The outdoor patio at this location has undergone an extensive renovation that includes overhead covering, retractable walls, new furniture and better acoustics.
"It's always our goal to provide guests with the most comfortable dining experience and best atmosphere possible. By expanding the patio, adding an overhead covering, fans and heaters, and retractable screens that block 90% of the outside temperatures, we can provide an outdoor 'fresh air' experience for longer parts of the year,” said Rick Spell, co-owner of Spell Restaurant Group.
The patio can now seat 48 guests and includes large-party tables for groups.
Patio renovations are set to be complete this month.
Bog & Barley
6150 Poplar Ave., Suite 124; (901) 805-2262; bogandbarley.com
Knowing the popularity of the outdoor patio at Celtic Crossing Irish Pub, it is not a surprise that DJ Naylor included a patio space in his new Irish pub and restaurant, Bog & Barley.
Naylor credits his wife, Jamie, for much of the design. “She knew my love of patios, so it was her idea to create this space,” he said, as he explained the enclosed patio entrance serves as a transition from Memphis outside to Ireland inside.
The bright and airy space feels like you are outdoors on a patio, but it is climate controlled — making it enjoyable year-round. When the weather is nice, the oversized exterior windows are opened.
The patio seats around 50 guests and includes seating for both large and small groups.
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The Lobbyist
272 S. Main St.; thelobbyistatchisca.com
When chef Jimmy Gentry was looking at a location for his new restaurant, The Lobbyist, he told the landlord the deal for the space was a no-go if he couldn’t have the expansive patio that runs alongside his restaurant.
“I wanted to have a really cool, nice Downtown patio space,” Gentry said. “There is no other option like this Downtown for finer dining.”
Located in the historic Chisca Building on South Main Street, The Lobbyist is known for its elevated farm-to-table fare. The restaurant’s entire menu is available on the outdoor patio that includes a lovely pergola, shade sails to block the direct sun and a dedicated outdoor cocktail bar.
The patio can seat up to 60 guests. Gentry said he has plans to add heaters and additional coverage to make the space useable year-round.
The Lobbyist opened in January.
Momma’s
855 Kentucky St.; (901) 207-5111; mommasbar.com
Depending which direction you are driving on what Memphians call “the Old Memphis Bridge,” Momma’s is the last bar in Memphis … or the first bar.
A new and improved Momma’s reopened Aug. 17 after a two-year renovation.
The expansive outdoor patio, which has been nicknamed the “double-wide,” is twice as large and also now has a stage for live music and is Americans with Disabilities Act accessible. A 24-foot garage door connecting the original covered patio to the addition will remain open on pretty days and closed during inclement weather.
Owner Aldo Dean, who also owns restaurants such as Aldo’s Pizza Pies, Slider Inn and Bardog Tavern, thought of the customer experience when he designed the deck. “There is not a bad seat on the deck. There is a great view of the stage from each seat,” he said, as he explained the seats farthest away from the stage are higher than those closer creating an “amphitheater-like” experience.
The new deck also has shade sails and fans to keep customers cool on hot, sunny days. Outdoor heaters will be added in cooler weather.
The trucker-themed bar and restaurant serves ice-cold beers, burgers and snacks, plate lunches and even breakfast.
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Slider Out at Slider Inn
363 Mulberry St.; thesliderinn.com
Slider Out is the front yard of the Downtown location of Slider Inn. This grassy outdoor event space just underwent an extensive renovation.
The space now has a stage for live music, a large LED video wall, cabana seating and a redesigned outdoor bar. A 60-foot bar rail along Main Street is perfect for lounging with a slider and beer while taking in a movie or show.
The menu at Slider Out may be smaller than what is available indoors, but look for Slider Inn favorites like The Memphis (a classic cheeseburger slider) and The Lowrider (a citrus-marinated grilled chicken slider), plus newer additions like the No Beef, No Problem (a plant-based slider) and Choripán (an authentic Argentinean sandwich featuring a split-top grilled chorizo sausage on French baguette, paired with onion, tomato and topped with house-made chimichurri.) And, of course, their famous Jameson Slushies are available too.
From live music to televised sports games to family-friendly movies, there is something to enjoy in this outdoor space almost every night of the week.
“These improvements were always part of the grand plan,” said Eric Bourgeois, Packed House marketing director. “We are finally able to fully activate this one-third city block — the largest real estate on Main Street — in the hottest area of Memphis. We’re beyond excited to share the space with everyone.”
Jennifer Chandler is the Food & Dining reporter at The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at jennifer.chandler@commercialappeal.com and you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @cookwjennifer.
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This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Best Memphis outdoor patios: 5 new spots to try this fall
