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.
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.
Brasserie
You'll fall head over heels for Brasserie’s outdoor patio — it’s the perfect blend of french charm and urban chic. Dotted with cafe tables, gigantic, shade-casting umbrellas and toasty heat lamps, it's bound to be you South End go-to for al fresco French fare from early spring all the way through late fall.
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.
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.
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 Cana
Decked out with bright colors, lush greenery and vibrant murals, the patio at Casa Caña is a lovely little oasis in the city. The vibes at this taqueria and tequila bar, located in the eclectic Studio Allston Hotel, are so fun and funky, you might just forget you’re in Boston. Grab a drink, a wide-brimmed hat and find a high top or lounge seat – your staycation awaits.
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.
Never miss a food event again with e-licious in your inbox.
Every Tuesday & Thursday, you'll get the skinny on the most delicious happenings in Boston like donut pop-ups, taco parties, wine dinners and cooking classes with local chefs.
