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.
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 offers 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 of 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.
Steel & Rye
Steel & Rye’s industrial chic vibe (the space was once a garage, after all) extends out of doors onto their enclosed patio. Park yourself at one of the umbrella-ed picnic tables or wooden two-tops to watch the High Speed Trolley trundle by and to enjoy a little fresh air while you eat.
Stillwater
Chef-owner Sarah Wade welcomes diners on the Stillwater patio with a menu of mouthwatering, Southern-inflected comfort foods. Grab one of the tables on the spacious terrace to enjoy a delicious meal surrounded by greenery, then enjoy a postprandial (and socially-distant) stroll on the adjacent Rose Kennedy Greenway.
380 Main Street
Stoneham, MA 02180
781-435-1344
The Stones Common House
Whether you're going out for a family dinner, meeting for drinks or going out with friends from work, the Stones's fenced in patio gives off a neighborhood backyardy vibe that everyone is able to enjoy. The Stones's easy but delicious dinner options accompanied with their secluded outdoor patio is sure to help anyone and everyone unwind this summer.
149 Alewife Brook Parkway
Cambridge, MA 02140
617-520-9500
Summer Shack Cambridge
The folks at Summer Shack have transformed the parking lot at their Alewife location into an intimate outdoor patio & bar so you can enjoy all your clamshack favorites even if you can't make it to your usual waterfront vacation destination. Revel in all the seafood-y flavors of the season right from the comfort of Cambridge.
Sweet Cheeks Q
Some purists might say that barbecue is best enjoyed out of doors – luckily, Sweet Cheeks Q in the Fenway has not one but two outdoor dining areas in which to enjoy authentic Texas ‘cue. There’s the Boylston St. patio lined with picnic tables, and the adjacent Beer Garden with whiskey barrel tables, a retractable roof and a rotating selection of beers on tap.
Sycamore
Chef-owner David Punch and co. extend their hospitality beyond the confines of their Newton Centre dining room and onto their al fresco seating area. A collection of two-tops, the patio is an ideal spot on which to enjoy their seasonally-inspired menu, complemented by grower wines, local beer & craft cocktails.
Thistle & Leek
The brightly-colored dividers and lime green tables on Thistle & Leek’s patio will make you feel like you're dining just off Portobello Road. Snag a table to enjoy a bit of nosh from their London gastropub-inspired menu for a casual and delicious night out in Newton.
Tony & Elaine's
You can tuck in to all your favorite Italian American eats out-of-doors on Tony & Elaine's North End patio. They've annexed a little brick-lined alleyway right off North Washington Street and transformed it into a quaint and cozy spot that's ideal for al fresco dining.
Toro
During the summer months, the flavors of Spain spill out onto Washington Street with the opening of Toro's sidewalk seating area as well as their secluded and quiet(er) and back patio. Find your spot and sit back and relax with a glass of cava and an assortment of small plates from chef and restaurateur Ken Oringer who brings his own take on traditional tapas to the South End.
