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Downtown Knoxville's Best Patios

Food & Drink Outdoor Fall

Fancy a meal in Knoxville's fresh air? Everywhere you turn, you'll spot a Downtown patio that's second to none. 60+ spots across Market Square, Gay Street, the Old City, and tucked in out-of-the-way spaces are perfect for coffee, lunch, cocktail sipping, and romantic dinners.

Explore these patios to find your favorite!

Babalu

Situated on Gay Street, soak up the sun under Babalu's orange umbrellas while sipping a margarita and noshing on chips and guac! It's a spacious patio to dine with your friends and family over high-end Latin-inspired fare.

Balter Beerworks

With plenty of outdoor space, this gas station turned brewpub on Broadway is a must-try when visiting Knoxville. Balter's front patio is great for a satisfying brunch, and the back patio is charming for a cool night by the firepits. Either one you choose, order a pint of locally-brewed beer and potato chip nachos.

The Brass Pearl

The Brass Pearl boasts a serene patio surrounded by lush greenery and adorned with string lights. An inviting atmosphere to unwind over fresh oysters and seafood during lunch, social hour, and dinner. Their expansive wine and champagne list is the perfect compliment to any entree, like the po' boy, fish 'n chips, and sea bass. All with great views of buzzing Market Square!

Café 4

We love Café 4's patio for so many reasons. The delicious truffle parmesan fries, the shareable cocktail punchbowls, and maybe most of all, the people-watching on Market Square. If you haven't been yet, you need to put this patio on your list.

Calhoun's on the River

Our favorite time to enjoy Calhoun's outdoor deck is on a nice spring or summer day, where we can lazily eat and drink the day away. The view of the Tennessee River makes it that much better. Their deck menu is filled with tailgate favorites, like burgers BBQ, steaks, and cheesecake, and their outdoor bar keeps cold beer on tap.

Photo Credit: @kikiestradac

Chesapeake's

A hidden gem! Escape under the colorful umbrellas of Chesapeake's courtyard and keep the Bloody Marys coming alongside the crab cake benedicts. It's a great space for Sunday brunch, winding down during happy hour, or dinner any night of the week.

Chivo Taqueria

It's small but packs a punch! Order one of Chivo Taqueria's famous margaritas and enjoy the open-air before your table's ready inside. Or, have your whole meal outside and people watch while munching on chips and salsa, queso fundido, tacos, quesadillas, and of course, tequila!

Photo Credit: @wakingupinabrewery

Downtown Grill & Brewery

Did you know? Downtown Grill has two patios! You're probably most familiar with their prime spot out front, but they also have more room on their back patio with TVs! Enjoy a root beer float, pasta, wings, chicken tenders, beer, and good times. Both are pet-friendly.

Emilia

Grab your sweetheart and dine alfresco at Emilia, an Italian dining experience for both celebrations and a weeknight treat. Take your time over a bottle of wine, fresh focaccia, homemade pasta, and luxurious desserts. All while enjoying the energy of Market Square.

Fat Tuesday

Fat Tuesday has been perfecting frozen daiquiris for almost 40 years, and there’s no arguing with that much experience. From Bourbon Street to Gay Street, you'll find rotating flavors – Mardi Gras Mash and 190 Octane are must-tries – as well as appetizing small bites including flatbreads, pretzels, and shrimp cocktails! Visit their patio for Big Easy fun.

The French Market Creperie

Indulge in a sweet Nutella crêpe and cappuccino on French Market's patio on Clinch Ave, and you'll be transported right to Paris. They use flour imported directly from France, so their crêpes are as authentic as they come. Croissants, sandwiches, soups, omelettes, and an espresso and cocktail bar round out a menu that you need to experience.

Photo Credit: @a.day.in.the.heels

Frothy Monkey

Frothy Monkey has become a new favorite among Knoxvillians! The all-day café is perfect for coffee and a meal while enjoying all that Gay Street has to offer. Grab charcuterie and wine for an afternoon on the patio soaking up sunshine and a good time.

J.C. Holdway

J.C. Holdway is on Union Ave, a quieter part of Downtown, which makes their patio nice for a romantic evening out. Savor snack plates from Chef Joseph Lenn's kitchen, a James Beard Award winner of Best Chef Southeast. It was also named one of "The 12 Best New Restaurants in America!"

Jacks

A hidden treasure for an afternoon of "work" with coffee in hand! Located on the 100 Block of Gay Street, the adorable patio behind Jacks is an urban oasis shaded by lush trees. And their seasonal lattes are some of the best (and most creative) in town!

Photo Credit: @thesamanthakate

Jig & Reel

Visit Jig & Reel for whiskey-sipping and patio-sitting. In the heart of the Old City, you're sure to soak up the districts' scruffy vibes and spot a cute doggo too! Some say the fish and chips are as good as across the pond.

Kabuki

One of the most comfortable patios on Market Square goes to Kabuki. With large, padded booths, it's a great gathering place for lunch or dinner with friends over sushi. Lots and lots of sushi!

Photo Credit: @she_eatslikeaman

Kaizen

Kaizen's outdoor seating is a 10/10 (and their interior design deserves a shout-out here too). Hang out under the pergola next to the projector screen, or sit at a patio table under string lights in the gated alley near the mural painted on the brick wall — a cool spot to observe over fried eggplant, steamed buns, and chilled Dan Dan noodles.

KoPita

Enjoy fresh Mediterranean fare straight from Chef Avi's Moroccan/Israeli heritage, as he brings family recipes to Knoxville! KoPita serves their vegan and meat-friendly dishes on the mezzanine level of Embassy Suites, where their outdoor, covered patio overlooks Gay Street's buzz and activity. Delicious food, great views, match made in heaven!

Maple Room

You may have been bowling at Maple Hall, but did you know about Maple Room, the lounge located at the top of the exposed brick staircase between the lanes? They have board games, life-size scrabble, a killer bar, and an outdoor patio to enjoy a selection of cocktails only available upstairs.

Merchants of Beer

A haven for pups and beer lovers, there's no question that Merchants of Beer has one of the largest outdoor spaces in Downtown Knox. Chill under the shade of the pergola or on the large turf lawn, play some ping-pong and cornhole, order from the Pop Up Truck, stay for the day. This beer garden is loads of fun.

Myrtle’s Chicken + Beer

A great spot for lunch on Market Square, Myrtle’s patio might be small, but it's mighty. The hanging lights, the pretty planters, and the cute tables set an atmosphere you'll never want to leave. Plus the famous fried chicken and soulful sides will have you coming back for more.

Nama Sushi Downtown

Hello happy hour! Our favorite time to enjoy Nama is right after work on their wrap-around patio. They have underrated cocktails, fresh sashimi, and over-the-top delicious sushi that's half-off on Mondays and Thursdays.

Photo Credit: @capt.cara

Not Watson’s

A patio that needs no introduction: you'll find Not Watson’s buzzing for brunch, lunch, and dinner. If you're lucky enough to snatch a table, you're in for a yummy treat! Order up a burger, meatloaf, fried green tomatoes, and more.

Old City Sports Bar

Move over New Orleans, we've got Bourbon Street vibes right here in Knoxville. Head to Old City Sports Bar for 18 TVs showing the latest sporting events, a balcony overlooking historic architecture, and plenty of beer and cocktails.

Oliver Royale

We love this romantic patio, and it's all in the details for Oliver Royale. The French bistro chairs, the greenery surrounding patrons, and the romantic string lights above. The same attention to details is true for their well-crafted cocktails and farm-to-table entrees. This patio is hard to forget.

Osteria Stella

Ciao bella! Taste the Northern Italian cuisine of Osteria Stella from their intimate and charming patio, where the outside world goes out of focus, and it's just you and your company enjoying house-made bread, pasta, gnocchi, and an extensive wine selection. This romantic patio is waiting for you on Jackson Ave.

Pete’s Restaurant

The legendary Pete’s has been serving up breakfast and lunch specials to regulars and out-of-town visitors since 1986. Even if you're familiar with this famous breakfast spot, you might not have noticed their patio on Union Ave. Their outdoor seating is a great place to enjoy a mid-week lunch, if you ask us!

Photo Credit: @lilywallsinger

Petro's Chili & Chips

Petro's Chili & Chips is the perfect patio for a weekday lunch or a quick dinner before a stroll through Krutch Park! Dive into an original Petro® piled high with chili and toppings and wash it down with a Hint-of-Orange sweet tea. They also have wedge salads, loaded potatoes, and BBQ chicken nachos right on Market Square. Fun fact: Petro's started at the 1982 World’s Fair.

PostModern Spirits

PostModern's bright blue tables and chairs draw you into their magical patio to enjoy a carefully crafted cocktail overlooking the gorgeous architecture of Jackson Ave. Their distilled in-house liquors provide the base to creative, seasonal drinks that are full of surprises. Save some for us!

Pour Taproom

Connected to PostModern's patio, Pour Taproom's vibe is a bit more casual. The pay-by-the-ounce bar boasts large picnic tables outside, making it a go-to gathering spot for friends and afternoon drinks. Beer, bubbles, wine, and don't miss the great nachos. Of course, bring your dog! They'll be in great company.

Pretentious Beer

Another solid place for craft brews is Pretentious Beer! Located side-by-side to Pretentious Glass on Central Street, head out the back door to their large outdoor space to sip a locally-brewed beer out of a glass that's been hand-blown next door. Most of their patio is covered, so it's great for whatever the weather brings.

Photo Credit: @whatsbrewingnext

Ruby Sunshine

Benedicts, mimosas, and sweet sunshine on Market Square! Hailing from New Orleans, Ruby Sunshine has earned a place in the hearts of locals. Their patio is waiting for you and your friends to brunch the day away.

Photo Credit: @daxmiaralyost

Soccer Taco

Another coveted Market Square patio that always hits the spot ... Soccer Taco. It's great for lunch and dinner with friends, sipping margaritas, eating street tacos, and keeping those chips and salsa coming. On a beautiful night, it can't be beat!

Social Dove

Social Dove is a personality in-and-of-itself. If you want the tastes of Lonesome Dove with a more casual atmosphere, put this large courtyard on your list! You never know when there will be live music or an appearance from Chef Tim Love to get the party started.

STIR

The wrap-around patio at STIR is one of the largest outdoor seating areas in Downtown Knoxville, offering a delightful alfresco experience amidst the vibrant Old City atmosphere. It's always buzzing with friends catching up over brunch, lunch, and dinner – sipping on cocktails, sharing apps like cheeseburger egg rolls and char-broiled oysters, and chatting the evening away!

Stock & Barrel

The locally-sourced burgers are sensational, creative, and down right delicious. While the whiskey is warm, rich, and plentiful. Nothing brings those two together quite like the patio at Stock & Barrel! It's just the place on Market Square for some comfort food that will leave you happy and full.

Sweet P's Downtown Dive

The patio of the party! Sweet P's has an outdoor space true to their roots — a downtown dive for live music, good times, and great BBQ. Boston butts smoked low and slow, bone-in rubbed and smoked chicken quarters, Tennessee beef brisket. Yeah, it's good.

Tern Club

Tern Club's retro garden chairs, potted plants, and colorful patio make you feel like you're hanging out in someone's backyard. But, like, fancy. Sip on a tropical cocktail on the 100 Block of Gay Street and get whisked away at one of Knoxville's most unique cocktail bars!

Photo Credit: @heyitstaylorr

Tomato Head

The Tomato Head's patio boasts colorful string lights and neon green chairs, which match the bright flavors of their fresh meals. Nosh on hot pizzas out of the oven, tasty vegetarian fare, freshly baked bread, and healthy salads after a trip to the Market Square Farmers' Market. Or, really, lunch or dinner anytime. We could eat here every day!

Tommy Trent's

Tommy Trent's wrap-around patio stretches from Market Square to Strong Alley and is a prime gathering spot for gameday and other sporting events. All of their burgers, loaded fries, and hot dogs are named after sporting legends and parts of the game. Go for the "Peyton" burger with apple butter BBQ sauce and fried onions.

Tupelo Honey

Tupelo Honey calls their corner patio an "extended front porch," which makes sense, since they make us feel like we're at our Granny's home with their southern cooking! They've been serving delicious food and cocktails on Market Square since 2012. Sweet tea and fried green tomatoes, please.

Urban Bar

Located on Central and Jackson in the Old City, Urban Bar has a large smoker-friendly patio that starts getting busy after dark. Indulge in drinks and snacks that hit those late-night cravings, like cheesy bacon tots and pork rinds.

Vida

A hidden gem in the Holston Building, Vida's patio sits right next to Krutch Park. The hanging flower baskets add privacy to the romantic patio, where you can enjoy pan-Latin cuisine for a delicious dinner with friends. We hear the limonada suiza and empanadas are a match made in heaven.