As Massachusetts continues to reemerge from the shutdown, restaurants are getting their al fresco areas up and running for dine-in patrons. 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 social 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 on-site dining so stay tuned and definitely check back for updates.
Word to the wise: we’ll be adjusting the info below as the situation continues to evolve and restaurants figure out what works for them (and you!) so it’s still probably your best bet to give the restaurant a ring to make sure they can accommodate you.
Shore Leave
Legendary barman Ryan Lotz and the team behind Shore Leave have launched a seasonal outdoor tiki pop-up at the South End restaurant’s Harrison Ave entrance, The Life Raft offers cocktail favorites from the Shore Leave menu, canned beverages and an assortment of snacks from chef-owner Colin Lynch.
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.
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).
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.
Sorellina
From its hidden-in-plain-sight perch right in the heart of Copley Square, Sorellina has added a lovely little al fresco are right out in front of the restaurant so you can enjoy chef Marga Rafucci's exquisite Italian fare overlooking Trinity Church, the historic Boston Public Library and the John Hancock Tower.
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 are so head for Somerville the next time the weather is fine.
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.
SRV
SRV offers guests a secluded and serene courtyard space located in the rear of the restaurant. With a capacity of 40, the outdoor dining space at the Venetian-inspired bacaro and wine bar features a wooden deck surrounded by ivy covered brick walls.
State Park
State Park offer fans of al fresco dining two different options: the lower-level, where the divey vibe of the of the Southern-inspired eatery extends to a handful a picnic tables; or upstairs where the summer chillin’ overflows onto the bricked plaza at One Kendall Square.
State Street Provisions
Situated a stone's throw from the harbor and within easy walking distance of the Rose Kennedy Greenway and Christopher Columbus Park, the shaded patio at State Street Provisions is an ideal al fresco option for diners in search of a little salt air without leaving the confines of the city.
