Read on for a curated list of some of the best decks, patios, rooftops and sidewalk spots where you can enjoy a good meal while maintaining your distance from fellow diners.
You can sort by neighborhood if you’re looking for something nearby or just scroll to see if your regular hang is on the list — we’ll be adding restaurants as they open for the season so stay tuned and definitely check back for updates.
Word to the wise: we’ll be adjusting the info below as needed so it’s still probably your best bet to give the restaurant a ring to make sure they can accommodate you.
Bistro du Midi
Bask in the glory of summer on Bistro du Midi’s sidewalk patio. The coveted tables on the intimate patio can be hard to come by but diners lucky enough to secure one will enjoy an expertly prepared meal of exquisite French fare looking out over the picturesque and historic Public Garden.
Buttermilk & Bourbon
Back Bay's New Orleans-inspired Buttermilk & Bourbon gets outdoorsy during Boston's warmer months. Tucked below street level, their patio provides the best of both worlds, offering a cozy spot to cool off in the shade on hot summer days, or to warm up by fire pits on chilly nights.
Eva Outdoor Dining
Relax and recharge (and take a break from your Newbury Street shopping spree) on Eva's streetside patio. Stroll right in or book a reservation in advance for one of their coveted tables, so you can enjoy some prime people watching while you have a cocktail or a bite to eat.
Faccia a Faccia
Faccia a Faccia serves their coastal Italian eats and their extensive array of spritzes, cocktails and wines out on their Newbury sidewalk patio when the weather warms. It's the perfect spot for a post-shopping spree lunch or dinner with an extra bit of people watching.
LUCIE drink + dine
Located at the base of The Colonnade hotel, LUCIE drink + dine, boasts a 40-seat, year-round sidewalk patio. Just steps from the shops at Prudential Center and the Christian Science Center’s fountains and reflecting pool, it's an ideal destination after a stroll through the Back Bay or South End, or for a pre- or post-shopping spree bite to eat.
Oak Long Bar + Kitchen
Nestled in the heart of Copley Square is Oak Long Bar + Kitchen and their perfectly situated—and stylish—patio. Snag a table under the expansive umbrellas for a lunchtime meetup or evening meal overlooking Copley Square. Or drop by for a refreshing cocktail break from seeing the sights or strolling around the Back Bay.
Rochambeau
Rochambeau, the Back Bay's go-to for French fare has added a sidewalk patio right on Boylston Street. Grab a spot and pretend you've been transported to Paris over classics like steak frites, french onion soup and crème brûlée.
Salty Pig
Centrally located between the Back Bay and South End neighborhoods, the Salty Pig’s patio offers a comfy reprieve from a day out shopping or soaking up the historic sights of Boston. Diners can enjoy rustic Italian fare including platters of house-made charcuterie while lounging on cushion-lined wrought iron chairs.
Sonsie
With both a sidewalk patio and floor-to-ceiling windows that open up right onto Newbury Street, Sonsie offers al fresco fans the best of both worlds – plenty of fresh air and shelter from the elements. It's also one of the best people-watching perches in the city.
Uni
Enjoy some of Boston's most creative (and award-winning-est) sashimi, sushi, and Japanese fare on UNI's patio facing Mass Ave while you sip down boozy treats like beer slushies and nitrogen cocktails.
