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.
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.
Sarma
Chef-owner Cassie Piuma and her team at Sarma bring all the flavors of the Mediterranean out onto the restaurant's brand new patio. Reservations are required and the whole table's got to be on-board for the family-style feast of small plates which comes in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian (which is to say, meaty) versions.
Scampo
By the time summer rolls around, Bostonians have earned a little time off for good behavior – which they can spend in the yard at Scampo. At spacious, umbrella topped tables, diners can stretch out and enjoy the fresh air over dishes of Lydia’s Shire’s whimsical, award-winning fare.
Serafina Back Bay
Located on Newbury street, Serafina's brick patio puts you in your own private paradise all within the hustle and bustle of Newbury street. The intimate outdoor seating area is open for lunch and dinner and it's the perfect spot for great people watching and great food.
325 Assembly Row
Somerville, 02145
617-623-7427
The Smoke Shop - Somerville
Get ready for some lip smacking BBQ at The Smoke Shop's Somerville location at Assembly Row. Grab a spot on their breezy patio and soak up all that vitamin D while you tuck in to chef Andy Husbands' award-winning ribs, brisket, cornbread and more.
The Smoke Shop - Boston
Bostonians don't have to go to Cambridge or Somerville to have their al fresco fill of Andy Husbands' award-winning 'que now that the Seaport location of The Smoke Shop has opened a patio. Running right along Congress Street, the sidewalk perch allows for socially distant chowing down just a quick walk from the waterfront (if you want walk off some of your meal).
1 Kendall Square #100
Cambridge, MA 02139
617-577-7427
The Smoke Shop - Cambridge
What’s better than BBQ outdoors? The Smoke Shop’s patio at One Kendall Square offers a spacious spot to dig in (with abandon) to chef Andy Husbands’ award-winning Southern dishes and snag a little sunshine at the same time.
Sofra
Sofra actually means picnic in Turkish, so it's no surprise that the Cambridge bakery and cafe boasts a sunny little patio. No need to bring your picnic blanket though, just pop in for breakfast pastries or midday meze at one of the al fresco two-tops for a mini day-trip to the Middle East.
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.
South End Buttery
Follow the red brick sidewalk along Union Park until you find this cozy café patio. Whether you’re waking up your brain with a morning espresso or braving a dinner date, you’re sure to make room in your heart for this place. Canine companions are encouraged here, so you can bring your little dog too.
Spoke
You know it’s your lucky day when you snag one of the tables on the brand new parklet at Spoke. The beloved Davis Square wine bar has a new outdoor dining area so head for Somerville the next time the weather warms.
Sportello
Get over to Fort Point to post up on the patio at Sportello. You can celebrate the season and the sun with a sprtiz (or two!) and plates of pasta (and more!) from award-winning chef and cookbook author Barbara Lynch and her team.
