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.
Benedetto
Benedetto offers a rare opportunity to dine al fresco rain or shine. The Italian eatery's outdoor space, right in Harvard Square, is well equipped with heaters and covers to shield patio dwellers from the elements (if need be). The patio is equal parts charming and romantic, with twinkling lights and winding greenery, it feels like a little slice of Italy right in Cambridge.
Black Lamb
Black Lamb, the stylish South End restaurant from chef-owner Colin Lynch (his third), expanded their pastio onto Union Park this season so there's plenty of room whether you're looking for al fresco lunch, dinner or weekend brunch.
Bodega Canal
Post up on Bodega Canal's brand new sidewalk patio the next time you've got a hankering for tacos and margaritas (which, be honest, is pretty much always). The West End Mexican spot is open for dinner Monday through Saturday so they've got you covered whenever the mood strikes.
Bostonia Public House
Champions of industry, ladies who lunch and tourists all vie for spots on Bostonia Public House's sidewalk patio. Tucked right in the heart of the bustling Financial District, it's well-suited for an occasion - snacking on after-work apps or sipping one of their 70 premium wines.
Branch Line
Branch Line brings the fun outdoors with an expansive patio for enjoying the warm weather in Waterown. The bar and restaurant boasts plenty of outdoor seating to satiate the masses, plus a Bocce court and garden to supplement the eats.
Burro Bar Brookline
Burro Bar Brookline's Washington Square patio is all gussied up and ready to go. You can spend the summer chilling out right on Beacon Street noshing on Mexican and South American fare and sipping margaritas out in the sun—or pick out something from their lengthy list (100+!) of tequilas to go with your tacos.
Burro Bar South End
The Burro Bar's picturesque patio may be the South End's best kept al fresco secret. Tucked down a rustic walkway surrounded by brick buildings and adorned with flowering window boxes, it has a whole secret garden vibe - just with more tacos.
Buttercup
Buttercup, the Natick little sister restaurant to The Farmhouse in Needham, has a lovely patio where you can savor creative dishes from husband and wife team Gabriel Sanchez and Dora Tavel-Sanchez Luz. Their hand-crafted fare, full of locally-sourced ingredients, is a perfect reason to skip the trip into the city.
Buttermilk & Bourbon
Back Bay's New Orleans-inspired Buttermilk & Bourbon gets outdoorsy during Boston's warmer months. Tucked below street level, their patio provides the best of both worlds, offering a cozy spot to cool off in the shade on hot summer days, or to warm up by fire pits on chilly nights.
Buttonwood
Newton Highlanders have a new, local option — chef-owner Dave Punch has added outdoor dining to the mix at Buttonwood. Reserve a table for either of two seatings (weather permitting, of course) and enjoy their award-winning rustic American fare al fresco.
233 Cardinal Medeiros Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02141
(617) 314-7297
Vincent's at Cafe du Pays
The team at Cafe du Pays have transformed their French Canadian bistro into Vincent's Corner Grocery Store where they've got lots of groceries and a limited menu. Pop over to grab a spot on their sidewalk patio for a bite to eat before popping in to replenish your pantry.
Capo
South Boston’s mainstay for hearty Italian eats has set up shop outside this summer. Head down to West Broadway to post up on the sidewalk patio at Capo where you can tuck in to all your favorites from a safe social distance.
