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.
Boston's Best Outdoor Dining
For the Fall 2020 list of spots that have outfitted their outdoor dining areas for cooler temps with igloos, heaters, hot beverages and more, consult the YEAR-ROUND OUTDOOR DINING GUIDE.
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 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.
All Neighborhoods
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.
Cafe du Pays
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.
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.
Catalyst
Cambridge diners can get in on outdoor dining at Catalyst, where the beautifully landscaped patio is both covered and heated. Fans of al fresco eats can enjoy dinner or lunch overlooking the greenery of Technology Square well into the fall.
Ciao Bella
The folks at Ciao Bella have annexed the outdoor space on North Square (the oldest public square in America) so you can enjoy the flavors and feel of Italy a little closer to home. Grab a table, adorned with red and green umbrellas and white tablecloths, and you'll feel like you've just landed in Rome.
Citizen
The outdoor dining area at Citizen is one of the Fenway’s best spots for an al fresco bite to eat. The sidewalk patio provides an out-of-the-way spot from which to enjoy the bustle of Boylston Street and maybe even the crack of the bat from the ballpark, which is just a couple blocks away.
