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.
Treat yourself to a mini trip to Southern Italy by way of South Boston - just grab a spot on the sidewalk patio at Bar Volpe, right there on West Broadway, and you can soak up some rays, sip on some spritzes and tuck into plates of handmade pasta from chef Karen Akunowicz and her team.
South Boston’s mainstay for hearty Italian eats sets up shop outside when the temps start to rise. Head down to West Broadway to post up on the sidewalk patio at Capo where you can tuck in to all your favorites under the summer sun and stars.
Fat Baby Sushi & Cocktails
118 Dorchester Street Boston, MA 02127 617-766-3450
You can have your fill of super fresh and whimsical sushi, tasty dumplings and craft cocktails out on Fat Baby's brand new sidewalk patio. Or find yourself a spot at a picnic table in The Garden, their even brand newer al fresco dining area adjacent to the restaurant.
Fox & the Knife's sidewalk patio allows you to take in the comings and goings on West Broadway while enjoying Karen Akunowicz's award-winning Italian fare. Akunowicz and co. make the most of the outdoor space which is open for dinner as well as afternoon-long Aperitivo Hours with spritzes, frosé and lots of snacks.
Hunter’s Kitchen & Bar
110 Dorchester Street South Boston, MA 02127 617-221-4200
Enjoy some Southern hospitality in Southie out on the streetside patio at Hunter's Kitchen & Bar. Whether you're sipping sweet tea or a Sam Adams (nibbling on biscuits or tucking in to shrimp and grits), you'll feel right at home on the plant-lined Dorchester Street perch.
South Boston diners and dwellers lucked out when Lincoln Tavern got the green light to open their al fresco dining area. Their sidewalk patio is open for lunch and dinner so grab a few buddies and get over to West Broadway for a bite to eat from their all-American menu of whimsical comfort food.
Turns out margaritas and tacos and oysters taste even better outdoors. See for yourself at Southie's Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar, where they've set up a sidewalk patio right on West Broadway.
If you're looking for a casual spot to grab a week or weekend bite outside, Lulu Green in Southie has you covered with their colorful outdoor patio. Cool down with a beverage from their cold coffee bar or an iced tea and pick your favorite plant-based dish like seitan shawarma or a hummus bowl.
Shy Bird South Boston
12 Old Colony Avenue Boston, MA 02127 617-766-8309
Satisfy your hankering for al fresco fried chicken out on the spacious patio at Shy Bird South Boston, located at the corner of Dorchester Ave and Old Colony Ave. Adorned with industrial chic planters and charming string lights, it's perfectly positioned to become your warm-weather go-to for crispy fried outdoor eats.
Worden Hall's sidewalk patio is now ready to host all your al fresco summer get togethers. The team at the West Broadway spot have moved the fun and the food out-of-doors so you can enjoy their menu of casual comfort fare with a side of fresh air whenever the mood strikes.