The arrival of spring, with its blooms and balmy weather, signals the start of patio season. Perhaps it’s the much-welcome warmth or fragrant wafts of dogwood blooms, but there’s something so singular about a meal enjoyed al fresco come springtime. To inspire a spring dining experience — whether it’s a quick bite with littles or a much-deserved date night — we’ve scouted our favorite patios around town. From upscale spots worth the drive to casual local haunts that’ll keep you coming back for more, here are our tried and tasted favorites.

In search of a locally-owned patio that’s more booze-focused? Read our East Tennessee Winery & Distillery Guide and peruse the East Tennessee Brewery Guide.

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AL FRESCO DINING

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 THE RESTAURANT at RT LODGE

SCOUTED | 1406 Wilkinson Pike, Maryville |@therestaurantatrtlodge | The Restaurant at RT Lodge wins for exquisite dining and a serene, natural setting. Experience the gorgeous landscape while dining on delicious hand-crafted dishes inspired by the season’s bounty from their cozy wrap-around porch. Pro tip: After dinner, enjoy coffee and complimentary s’mores around the fire pit.

WILDER at WINDY HILL FARM AND PRESERVE

VOLUME 6 MEMBER | Breck Ellison Rd, Loudon | @wilderatwindyhill | Wilder at Windy Hill Farm and Preserve offers a delightful, seasonally-inspired dinner menu. It’s a true farm-to-table experience with patio seating that overlooks the very farm that produced the ingredients. And, Executive Chef Ben Warwick, stewards the farm’s bounty wonderfully. Expect a collection of small plates, seasonal offerings and nightly specials — all highlighting heirloom ingredients imaginatively prepared — alongside a thoughtfully curated selection of wine and beer inspired by the East Tennessee region.

EMILIA

16 Market Square, Knoxville |@emilia_knoxville | Chef Matt Gallaher’s Emilia is a neighborhood favorite that is, as the name suggests, inspired by the Emilia-Romanga region of Italy. Emilia specializes in daily handmade pasta and simple, seasonal Italian cuisine that are best enjoyed under their darling umbrellas with a glass of sparkling orange wine in hand.

HOLLY’S GOURMET MARKET & CAFE

5107 Kingston Pike, Knoxville | @hollysgourmetmarket | Holly’s is an all-day breakfast and lunch joint with superb Southern-inspired gourmet dishes. It’s a no-frills experience focused on the fare, so prepare to eat well and drink up.

KAIZEN

127 South Central Street, Knoxville | @knoxkaizen | Kaizen is a Japanese-inspired, izakaya-style restaurant in Old City led by Executive Chef and Owner Jesse Newmister. Delightfully un-traditional, Kaizen emulates the izakaya atmosphere, introducing additional Asian cuisines and influences including Szechuan and Thai with tapas-style small plates. Enjoy full dine-in service inside, at the bar, and on their outdoor patio for lunch and dinner. Pro Tip: Don’t miss out on their buns.

POTCHKE

318 N Gay Street, Suite 103, Knoxville / @potchkedeli / Potchke’s is a local delicatessen attracting national attention for it’s “fussed up” take on Jewish classics. Enjoy everything house made Babkas to the traditional Lox and Bialy…and keep an eye out for talented restauranteurs and local owners, Laurence Faber and Emily Williams. Grab a coveted patio seat with the weather is nice.

SOKNO TACO CANTINA

3701 Sevierville Pike, Knoxville | @sokno_cantina | The locally-owned, family-friendly SoKno Taco Cantina serves up Southern California, street-style tacos brunch through dinner. With 24 beers on tap, a lineup of delicious margaritas, and a casual patio, SoKno is the perfect place to refuel after a day Ijams Nature Center or AMBC biking trails.

SUNSPOT

2200 Cumberland Avenue, Knoxville | @sunspot_fresh | The Strip’s Sunspot is the self-proclaimed place where “tie-dyes and neckties unite.” And it is a crowd-favorite for carnivores and vegetarians alike. A mix of college students, business professionals and families make this a crowd pleaser owned by SCOUTED member Aubery’s Restaurant Group.

THE FARMACY

5018 Kingston Pike, Knoxville | @knoxfarmacy | The Farmacy is a full-service scratch kitchen led by Chef Bettina Hamblin. It’s a casual, airy local favorite for Southern comfort foods made with thoughtfully-sourced ingredients.

THE PLAID APRON

1210 Kenesaw Avenue, Knoxville | @theplaidapron | Sequoyah Hills favorite, The Plaid Apron, highlights local farmers and regional produce breakfast through dinner. Enjoy seasonal plates and indulgent favorites on their casual patio year-round.

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Did we miss your favorite Knoxville patio? Let us know and nominate them via email. Looking for more local favorites? Peruse our Insider Guides.