As the weather cools and we move into fall, there should be many good days to enjoy a meal outside. Murfreesboro and Smyrna offer a multitude of restaurants where local diners may sit outdoors.
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OFF THE SQUARE

The Alley on Main
223 W. Main St.
Mon.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m.

Enjoy steaks, seafood, pasta, sandwiches and a full bar along with homemade desserts in the relaxed, outdoor courtyard at The Alley.

Milano II & Jack’s Place
114 E. College St.
Tues.–Fri. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. and 5–9 p.m.; Sat. 5–9 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

Specializing in Northern Italian cuisine, find chicken marsala, veal Parmesan, steaks and more at Milano. Patrons can dine on Milano’s beautiful, covered front porch.

Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant
114 N. Church St.
Mon.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sat. 7 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sun. 7 a.m.–9 p.m.

Puckett’s has built a name on hosting live, local musical acts and serving Southern staples, authentic comfort food, meat-and-three and slow-smoked barbecue in a laid-back atmosphere. Porch seating available.
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MEMORIAL BOULEVARD

Primrose Table
1650 Memorial Blvd.
Tues.–Thurs. 4–9 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 4–10 p.m.

For fine dining with casual hospitality, Primrose Table offers made-from-scratch meals ranging from burgers and fish & chips to salmon and the Berkshire pork chop, with a kids menu and desserts including banana pudding.

Uncle Maddio’s Pizza
125 Wendlewood Dr.
Sun.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m. –10 p.m.

Customers build their own pizzas and salads, picking their ingredients assembly-line style, at this family-friendly chain.

Chipotle Mexican Grill
2113 Memorial Blvd.
10:45 a.m.–10 p.m.

Build your own burrito at Murfreesboro’s newest Chipotle and enjoy it in the outdoor dining area.
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OLD FORT PARKWAY

Coconut Bay Cafe
210 Stones River Mall Blvd.
Sun.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–12 a.m.

Pub food with a full bar. Enjoy the casual, beach-like atmosphere on the patio with a kids zone for the young ones.

Mi Patria Mexican Restaurant
230 Stones River Mall Blvd.
Sun.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–11 p.m.

Mi Patria offers an extensive Mexican menu featuring fajitas, enchiladas and more. Enjoy complimentary cheese dip with your meal while you dine on their covered patio.

Sam’s Sports Grill
1720 Old Fort Pkwy.
11 a.m.–12 a.m.

Tennessee-based sports bar serves pizzas, burgers, ribs, chicken tenders, pub grub and more. With first-come, first-serve seating on their covered patio featuring outdoor TVs for sports viewing.

Miller’s Ale House
1714 Old Fort Pkwy.
11 a.m.–11 p.m.

Miller’s serves steaks, pasta, chicken and more along with 75 varieties of beer.

Panera Bread
1970 Old Fort Pkwy.
Mon.–Sat. 6 a.m.–9:30 p.m.; Sun. 6:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m.

Pick up your pastry, sandwich or salad at the counter and head outdoors for some fresh air on the patio.

Ahart’s Pizza Garden
2476 Old Fort Pkwy.
Sun., Mon., Wed. and Thurs. 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–9 p.m.

This easygoing spot offers specialty pies, pastas, salads, sandwiches and draft beer, along with secret, spacious patio seating out back.

Greek Cafe Grill
2441 Old Fort Pkwy.
Mon.–Sat. 10:30 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.–9 p.m.

For a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, this cafe offers casual Greek and Mediterranean food made from fresh ingredients. A few patio tables are located outside on the sidewalk.

Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen
1829 Old Fort Pkwy.
Sun.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–10:30 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–11:30 p.m.

This chain restaurant serves up classic American comfort food, steaks, chicken and fish, plus cocktails, and is kid-friendly.

Bar-B-Cutie
805 Old Fort Pkwy.
Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.–8 p.m.

The first Bar-B-Cutie opened in Nashville in 1950, since becoming a chain that offers pulled pork, ribs, brisket and variety sides. The Mufreeesboro location has covered outside seating.

CHURCH STREET

Parthenon Grille
1962 S. Church St.
Mon.–Fri. 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.–9 p.m.

Enjoy steak, seafood and other Greek specialties in this upscale atmosphere with an outside seating option.

Mayday Brewery
521 Old Salem Rd.
Wed.–Thurs. 4–9 p.m.; Fri. 4–10 p.m., Sat. 1–10 p.m.; Sun. 1–7 p.m.

This music-centric pit stop brews and sells its own craft beers and has a large outdoor deck. There is usually a food truck onsite and guests can bring in their own food if they like.
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RUTHERFORD BOULEVARD

Nacho’s Mexican Restaurant
2962 S. Rutherford Blvd.
Sun.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m.–11 p.m.

Nacho’s offers tacos, burritos, fajitas, chicken, steak, seafood chili verde and more. Enjoy a tall pitcher of margaritas with chips and queso on the covered patio.

Applebee’s
2896 S. Rutherford Blvd.
11 a.m.–10 p.m.

Enjoy fresh-off-the grill entrees and appetizers or a cocktail. Applebee’s has expanded its patio for additional outside seating.

Mexiven
1706 Bradyville Pk.
Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–10 p.m.

Get tacos, tortas, gorditas, pupusas, empanadas, grilled chicken and other authentic Mexican food at this Bradyville Pike eatery. A few picnic tables are available under a covered area.
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BROAD STREET

Chuy’s
801 NW Broad St.
Sun.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m.

Chain serving “big as yo face” burritos and other hearty Tex-Mex dishes with patio seating.

Party Fowl
127 SE Broad St.
Mon.–Fri. 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sat.–Sun. 10 a.m.–9 p.m.

Local eatery with spicy fried chicken and other eats as well as craft beers and cocktails with outdoor seating on the front deck.

Champy’s
1290 NW Broad St.
Mon.–Thurs. 10:30 a.m.–10 p.m., Fri. 10:30 a.m.–11 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m.–11 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.–10 p.m.

Made-from-scratch fried chicken as well as fried green tomatoes, smoked sausage, hot wings, fried jalapeños, coleslaw and baked beans.

Buster’s Place
1615 NW Broad St.
Mon.–Sat. 10:30 a.m.–8 p.m.

Buster’s is a locally loved burger dive joint that opened in 1973 and features hamburgers, wings, chili, classic sides and a bar.

219 Broad Street Mixed Cuisine
219 NW Broad St.
Sun.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m.

This restaurant offers sushi, draft beers, Italian dishes, American food, Southeast Asian dishes and more. They have also brought back the big cakes that locals remember from the former restaurant at this location. Find a few outdoor tables out front.
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MAIN STREET/MTSU AREA

Slick Pig BBQ
1920 E. Main St.
Tues.–Sat. 11 a.m.–8 p.m.

This Southern restaurant serves up BBQ sandwiches, hickory-smoked wings, mac ’n’ cheese, catfish, white beans and more, with covered patio seating.

The Boro Bar & Grill
1211 Greenland Dr.
Mon.–Thurs. 3 p.m.–12 a.m.; Fri.–Sun. 12 p.m.–12 a.m.

Enjoy your burgers and beer on the green picnic tables at The Boro, located just across from MTSU and Floyd Stadium.

The Boulevard Bar & Grill
2154 Middle Tennessee Blvd.
Sun.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–12 a.m.

With their large draft brew selection and eclectic eats, this sports bar and restaurant quickly established itself as a popular hangout, and it offers patio seating.

Jefferson’s
1916 E. Main St.
Sun.–Wed. 10:30 a.m.–10 p.m.; Thurs.–Sat. 10:30 a.m.–11 p.m.

Jefferson’s specializes in wings, burgers, oysters and beer served up in a relaxed setting, indoors or out.

Van’s Bar & Grill
2404 Halls Hill Pk.
Sun.–Wed. 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; Thurs.–Fri. 11 a.m.–12 a.m.

Van’s cooks up some fine smoked wings and burgers. Hang outside as you eat and drink, if you like.

Jimmy John’s
2130 Middle Tennessee Blvd.
10 a.m.–2 a.m.

The Jimmy John’s near the MTSU campus, serving sub sandwiches and potato chips, has a few tables outside on the patio.

Hop Springs
6670 John Bragg Hwy.
Wed.–Sun. 1–9 p.m.

This brewery, restaurant, park and event center serves up food from the smoker as well as a variety of beverages. Hop Springs is known for its large amount of space for guests to spread out and enjoy live music. Find a spacious covered porch alongside the brewery.
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NORTHFIELD

Carmen’s Taqueria
206 W. Northfield Blvd.
Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.–8 p.m.

Enjoy homemade Mexican fare and drinks in Carmen’s covered patio area.

Don Ramon Mexican Grill & Bar
2069 Lascassas Pk.
Sun.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–10:30 p.m.

Enjoy classic Mexican favorites and margaritas served in a colorful setting with a covered outdoor patio.

Five Senses Restaurant
1602 W. Northfield Blvd. St. 515
Mon.–Thurs. 5:30–9:30 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 5:30–10 p.m.

Southern fare with a dash of French cuisine, Five Senses is an upscale restaurant that specializes in fresh seafood, local meats and produce as well as seasonal menus. Outdoor seating available.
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MEDICAL CENTER PARKWAY

Core Life Eatery
2330 Medical Center Pkwy. Ste. E
10:45 a.m.–8 p.m.

A quick stop for grain bowls, broth bowls, healthy plates and salads with some outdoor seating.

Mission BBQ
2314 Medical Center Pkwy.
Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sun. 11:30 a.m.–8 p.m.

Casual chain featuring BBQ and American sides, with memorabilia inside honoring soldiers and first responders. with some outside seating.

BurgerIM
2306 Medical Center Pkwy. Ste. B1
Mon.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.–8 p.m.

A burger place that also has wings and Nashville hot chicken sandwiches and beverages including bubble tea. Some outdoor seating available.

Jonathan’s Grille
2911 Medical Center Pkwy.
11 a.m.–12 a.m.

This upscale sports bar is part of a chain that has 55 TVs in each location and offers pub food, salads, pizzas, appetizers and more along with a full bar. Outside seating is available under the covered patio.

Blaze Pizza
2314 Medical Center Pkwy. Ste 1-A
Sun.–Thurs. 10:30 a.m.–10 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 10:30 a.m.–10:30 p.m.

Hip pizzeria dishing up crispy, thin crust pies made with creative toppings and sauces. Pick your pizza up at the counter and find a table outside for dining.

Steakhouse Five
1500 Medical Center Pkwy. Ste. 1K
Mon.–Thurs. 5:30 p.m.–9 p.m.; Fri. 5:30 p.m.–10 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.–1 p.m., 5:30–10 p.m.

An upscale restaurant that offers a variety of fine steaks as well as a long list of whiskeys, wines and cocktails. The restaurant also offers a tasty brunch menu. Steakhouse Five is located at The Fountains with available outside seating.

Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
2243 Medical Center Pkwy. Ste. B
Sun.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m.

Features burgers and other sandwiches, appetizers, chopped salads, handmade shakes, wine, beer and specialty cocktails.

Bar Louie
2615 Medical Center Pkwy. #2395
Mon.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–12 a.m.; Fri. 11 a.m.–1 a.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.–1 a.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.–12 a.m.

This upbeat grill chain located at The Avenue serves up all-American fare and has outside seating options. The menu includes craft burgers and fries, pasta, flatbreads, martinis, micro-brews and more.

Genghis Grill
2615 Medical Center Pkwy.
Sun.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–9 p.m.

Build your own stir-fry bowl at this Mongolian barbecue eatery at The Avenue.

Burger Republic
1500 Medical Center Pkwy.
11 a.m.–8:30 p.m.

Burger Republic, a Middle Tennessee-based restaurant and bar concept, brought its gourmet Angus burgers, craft beers and hand-spun milkshakes to Murfreesboro in 2017, and offers outdoor seating at The Fountains at the Gateway location. Some of the outdoor tables even offer a small firepit on the table, for cooler weather outdoor dining.

Firehouse Subs
2018 Medical Center Pkwy.
10:30 a.m.–9 p.m.

This counter-service chain offers made-to-order hot and cold subs, and tree-shaded outdoor seating, too.

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews
1986 Medical Center Pkwy.
11 a.m.–9 p.m.

Burger chain offering gourmet sandwiches, appetizers, soups and salads, shakes and desserts, brews and cocktails.

The Goat
2355 Adwell St.
Mon.–Wed. 11 a.m.–12 a.m.; Thurs.–Sat. 11 a.m.–1 a.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.–12 a.m.

Located at Henley Station, The Goat specializes in elevated pub fare, creative cocktails, live music and volleyball. Yes, volleyball! Find sand courts just outside of the restaurant. You can enjoy the game and your food outdoors.

Metro Diner
711 A-1 N. Thompson Ln.
8 a.m.–8 p.m.

This diner serves a classic breakfast and has a lunch and dinner menu including shepherd’s pie, shrimp and grits, salads and meatloaf.

Jason’s Deli
452 N. Thompson Ln.
10 a.m.–9:30 p.m.

Deli chain featuring piled-high sandwiches, salads and health-conscious fare.

Moe’s Southwest Grill
452 N. Thompson Ln.
10:45 a.m.–8 p.m.

Next to Jason’s Deli, Moe’s offers Southwestern staples from burritos to nachos. Pick your food up at the counter and take to an outside table to dine.

Five Guys
536 N. Thompson Ln.
Sun.–Thurs. 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 10 a.m.–11 p.m.

Have your burger and hand-cut fries on a picnic table outside.
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SMYRNA

Karin’s Kustard & Hamburgers
470 S. Lowery St.
Mon.–Sat. 10:30 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sun. 12–6 p.m

Small roadside eatery for burgers, hotdogs and frozen custard on cones. Walk up to the window to order and eat at one of the outside tables under a large roof. Also offers drive-thru service.

La Tavola
114 Front St.
Sun.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 10 a.m.–10 p.m.

Casual Italian eatery offering appetizers, entrees, drinks and desserts with special menu items on Friday and Saturday nights. with an outside dining option.

Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que
991 Industrial Blvd.
Sun.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m.

Barbecue chain serving wood-smoked meats and sides in an American West-themed space.

Carpe Cafe
115 Front St.
Mon.–Sat. 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m.

This cafe in downtown Smyrna is a mellow meeting place with coffee, light fare including quiche, local art and sometimes live music. Some seating is available on the small front porch.

Thida Thai
10644 Cedar Grove Rd.
Sun.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m.

Relaxed Thai eatery featuring traditional dishes and sushi bar, along with beer and wine.
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MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

Blue Coast Burrito
1122 Memorial Blvd.
Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
1141 Fortress Blvd.
635 President Pl., Smyrna
11 a.m.–9 p.m.

Burritos, tacos and other Mexicali-style eats, made to order. Head out to the open-air patio to enjoy.

Camino Real
3359 Memorial Blvd.
2628 Rideout Ln.
3919 Cedar Glades Rd.
3205 S. Church St.
105 Lasseter Dr.
408 Sam Ridley Pkwy. W., Smyrna
Sun.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–10:30 p.m.

When it comes to great Mexican food, Camino is a Middle Tennessee staple. Enjoy fajitas, margaritas, burritos and more. All locations offer patio dining.

Culver’s
2411 Medical Center Pkwy.
10:30 a.m.–8 p.m.

2993 S. Rutherford Blvd.
10:30 a.m.–10 p.m.

Famous for its Midwest beef burgers and frozen-custard creations, both inside its MTSU-themed dining room or outdoors.

Dairy Queen
2910 S. Rutherford Blvd.
1735 Memorial Blvd.
10 a.m – 10 p.m.

Soft-service ice cream and shakes with classic burgers and fries. Small patio for outside dining.

La Siesta Mexican
1111 Greenland Dr.
2424 S. Church St.
1608 NW Broad St.
Sun.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–11 p.m.

A long-time favorite of MTSU students and locals alike. Have your pollo loco, burrito supreme, cerveza or margaritas on the patio? Yes, please.

Newk’s Eatery
2615 Medical Center Pkwy.
149 Wendlewood Dr.
10:30 a.m.–9 p.m.

Regional chain offering a menu of salads, soups, pizzas and sandwiches in a casual setting.

Sonic Drive-In
2083 Lascassas Pk.
1918 Memorial Blvd.
1311 NW Broad St.
1650 Middle Tennessee Blvd.
2630 S. Church St.
1627 New Salem Rd.
215 Cason Ln.
1129 Fortress Blvd.
1889 Almaville Rd., Smyrna
791 Nissan Dr., Smyrna
799 Team Blvd., Smyrna
5210 Murfreesboro Rd., La Vergne
Hours may vary by location, most open Mon.–Thurs. 6 a.m.–10 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 6 a.m.–11 p.m.; Sun. 8 a.m.–10 p.m.

Of course, diners can enjoy their burgers, tots, corn dogs, slushies and chicken sandwiches in their car, but most Sonic locations have covered picnic tables as well.

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Anything missing from this list? Let us know your favorite place to dine outside in Rutherford County, or of any additions or changes to this list, below.