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.
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).
Woods Hill Pier 4
Woods Hill Pier 4 debuts their spacious waterfront patio which boasts some of the most beautiful views of Boston Harbor. The harborside oasis is serving a new all-day summer menu with chef Charlie Foster's signature sustainable and nutrient-rich dishes including East coast oysters, Little Leaf mixed green salad with seasonal veggies, lobster popovers, and more.
Woods Hill Table
Make like a modern day Thoreau and enjoy the great outdoors from the comfort of the expansive patio at Woods Hill Table. You can commune with nature with a cocktail in hand and a plate of oysters in front of you at the farm-to-table Concord restaurant – no cottage in the woods required.
Worden Hall
With a little rearranging, Worden Hall's sidewalk patio is now ready to host all your socially-distant summer get togethers. The team at the West Broadway spot have moved things around and spaced everything out so you can safely enjoy their menu of casual comfort fare whenever the mood strikes.
2297 Dorchester Avenue
Boston, MA 02124
857-267-4201
Yellow Door Taqueria Lower Mills
The fiesta spills out on the sidewalk at the Lower Mills location of Yellow Door Taqueria. The stylish little Mexican spot on Dot Ave has set up al fresco seating so you can spend the warm summer months noshing on tacos and sucking down margaritas.
354 Harrison Avenue
Boston, MA 02118
857-239-9276
Yellow Door Taqueria South End
The Yellow Door Taqueria folks have created an urban oasis right in the heart of the South End. Snag a table in the sun and get some much-needed vitamin D while you enjoy inventive tacos and creative house-made margaritas - just be sure to bring your shades and your sunscreen and also your mask.
