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.
2027 Massachusetts Avenue
Lexington, MA 02421
781-301-6655
Town Meeting Bistro
The outdoor dining area at Town Meeting Bistro in Lexington is like no other. A partnership with Whispering Angel, the woodland oasis, known as The Culinary Garden, is awash in pink hues, beautiful summer blossoms and seasonal greenery, linen blankets and teak furniture to create a unique ambiance you won’t soon forget.
Trade
After a trip to the New England Aquarium or a tour through Faneuil Hall, you can take a load off at Jody Adams' Trade. Located in the heart of the city, the restaurant’s large sidewalk patio sports a nice view of the Rose Kennedy Greenway and is a great place to refuel over Greek plates from a James Beard Award-winning chef.
Tres Gatos
Nestled into a shady corner of JP’s Centre Street, Tres Gatos’ garden patio has a homespun feel. Recessed from the sidewalk and enclosed by a brown picket fence, the patio provides welcome distance from the hustle and traffic of the thoroughfare.
Tresca
In addition to their legendary Table 77 (a two-top perched on a balcony overlooking Hanover Street), Tresca has added a sidewalk patio for the season. Snag a spot on a balmy summer night to tuck in to all your Italian-American favorites from the center of the North End.
Troquet on South
The team at Troquet on South is taking their wine-loving ways out onto the street with their sidewalk patio. Head down to the Leather District and grab a table for lunch or dinner paired with something from their extensive (and award-winning) drink list.
Uni
Enjoy the best of Chef Tony Messina's creative sashimi, sushi, and Japanese fare on UNI's patio facing Mass Ave while you sip down boozy treats like beer slushies and nitrogen cocktails.
Urban Hearth
Annexing the parking spaces in front of the restaurant and some sidewalk real estate from their lovely neighbors, the folks at Urban Hearth have opened an expanded seasonal patio with room for as many as 24 diners (weather permitting, of course). Reservations are recommended, masks are required and sunglasses are totally optional.
Viale
In addition to the al fresco dining area right out on the sidewalk in front of their Central Square spot, Greg Reeves and his team have added a new secret patio where you can have a socially-distant dinner down a hidden alley surrounded by graffiti and street art.
Vincent's Corner Cafe
Roll on up and plunk right down on the 24-seat sidewalk patio at Vincent's Corner Cafe. The Kendall Square newcomer (a post-pandemic iteration of Cafe du Pay) is the perfect spot to enjoy a quick, casual lunch, a low-key-yet-sophisticated dinner or super chill bodega brunch of breakfast tacos and kolaches.
Ward 8
The folks at Ward 8 invite diners to join them on their recently-opened outdoor dining area, located in the formerly-vacant lot to the left of the restaurant. Snag a table under the sparkling lights to enjoy menu of New American fare, craft cocktails and local micro-brews.
Waypoint
Chill out on the Waypoint patio this summer. Michael Scelfo’s seafood-focused Cambridge spot now has sidewalk table 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.
The Wellington
Belmont diners have another idyllic destination for al fresco eats - The Wellington has set up their patio for the season, inviting folks to join them for contemporary (yet classic) American fare whenever the mood strikes (and the weather permits).
