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.
Bistro du Midi
Bask in the glory of summer on Bistro du Midi’s sidewalk patio. The coveted tables on the intimate patio can be hard to come by but diners lucky enough to secure one will enjoy an expertly prepared meal of exquisite French fare looking out over the picturesque and historic Public Garden.
Bodega Canal
Post up on Bodega Canal's 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 Tuesday through Saturday and for brunch on Sundays 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.
The Butcher Shop
The Butcher Shop expand its Tremont St. footprint with a sidewalk patio that's suited for all seasons. It's got umbrellas for those sunny summer days and heaters for cool fall evenings. Grab a seat any time of year to tuck in to delicious meaty dishes at this South End mainstay.
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.
100 Arsenal Yard Boulevard
Watertown, MA 02472
857-760-7128
Buttermilk & Bourbon Watertown
Jason Santos's second Buttermilk & Bourbon location at Arsenal Yards in Watertown can help you enjoy the taste of NOLA outside all year long with their four-season patio. The spot is decked out with a fancy retractable roof so there's plenty of shade in the summer months, and heat lamps, fire pits and fairy lights for cooler fall and winter days.
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.
Casa Verde
Jamaica Plainers looking for al fresco Mexican fare need look no further than Centre Street. Casa Verde has unveiled a seasonal sidewalk patio that's perfectly suited for tucking in to all your favorite tacos, nachos, margaritas, craft beers and more.
