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.
Alden & Harlow
The subterranean spot on Brattle Street is bringing their cult favorite Secret Burger outdoors with their large patio. The seasonal hang sports blue umbrellas so you can lounge in the shade while you sip a cocktail and people watch in Harvard Square.
Bar Enza
Harvard Square neo-trattoria Bar Enza brings sophisticated and inventive Italian fare outdoors year-round on their covered patio. Nestled just inside the courtyard at the famed Charles Hotel, the plant-lined perch is cool in the summer and toasty in the winter so you can enjoy your meal al fresco whatever the weather.
Forage
The team at Forage has transformed a portion of their parking lot into a stylish outdoor dining area so patrons can enjoy chef-owner Eric Cooper's menu (and co-owner Stan Hilbert's stellar wine selections) al fresco.
59 John F. Kennedy Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
617-714-5954
Grafton Street
Nestled below street level in the heart of Harvard Square, Grafton Street Pub & Grill boasts two outdoor seating areas: a covered, brick-lined patio complete with heaters and high-top tables, as well as a sidewalk patio on JFK Street so you'll find the perfect al fresco dining spot purposes hot or cold, or rain or shine.
Harvest
Harvest’s tucked away patio is like an urban garden right in the center of Harvard Square. Lush green trees and full umbrellas offer plenty of shade for al fresco lunching and powerful heat lamps will chase away the chill of an unexpectedly cool summer evening.
Henrietta's Table
Overlooking the plaza at the Charles Hotel, the spacious outdoor dining area at Henrietta’s Table is just removed enough from bustling Harvard Square to be a quiet, relaxing spot to enjoy farm fresh honest-to-goodness home cooking.
The Hourly
Just a few doors down from The Hourly Oyster House's main dining, seafood fans can tuck into their fish and shellfish-laden feasts out on the quaint brick patio. The Harvard Square's cozy outdoor space is lined with shimmering overhead lights, offering an inviting space for al fresco gatherings.
The Longfellow Bar
If your outdoor dining routine has been lacking in waffle fries and wing flats, don't fret just get over to Harvard Square and plunk down on the patio at The Longfellow Bar where you can order your craveable faves from the curated a la carte menu.
Noir
Noir, the stylish cocktail lounge located on the ground floor of the Charles Hotel, lets its whole chic Parisian vibe extend out onto the adjacent terrace throughout the year. Diners can chill out with craft cocktails during the summer months or bundle up next to toasty heat lamps when the temps drop.
Pammy's
The Pammy's team has created an al fresco oasis between Harvard and Central Squares. Consult the forecast and get yourself over to Cambridge to snag one of the five tables on their beauteous, raised natural wood deck right out on Mass Ave.
Russell House Tavern
Even when the students are off for the summer – Harvard Square is humming. Lucky diners looking for a restful respite from the commotion can snag one of the tables on Russell House Tavern’s bricked patio – just off the well-traveled thoroughfare that is JFK Street – to enjoy a dinner at one of a handful of wrought iron tables.
Waypoint
Chill out on the Waypoint patio this summer. Michael Scelfo’s seafood-focused Cambridge spot now has sidewalk tables right on Mass Ave so you can slurp up some oysters as you soak up some rays or relax in the shade with refreshing crudos and tartares.
