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.
Orfano
Tiffani Faison's third Fenway endeavor, Orfano, has opened its sidewalk patio for the first time. Outfitted with vibrant red chairs and lots of greenery, it channels its swanky social club-meets-classic Italian American joint right onto Boylston Street.
Osteria Posto
Take in the weather in Waltham—the three-season patio at Osteria Posto offers plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy the scenery with tasty plates and glasses to match.
Ostra
Now you can enjoy Ostra’s elegant seafood-focused menu out-of-doors. They’ve set up a socially-distant dining area – complete with white tablecloths and mini tabletop topiaries – right out in front of the Theater District-adjacent restaurant.
Painted Burro
Get your ass over to Davis Square and park it on the Painted Burro's new tented outdoor dining area. You can while away summer evening sipping frozen margaritas (slowly, if you don't want brain freeze!) and chowing down on signature dishes like guacamole, nachos, tacos and brown butter churros.
Pammy's
The Pammy's team has created an al fresco oasis between Harvard and Central Squares. Consult the forecast and get yourself over to Cambridge to snag one of the five tables on their beauteous, raised natural wood deck right out on Mass Ave.
Pastoral
Pastoral, Fort Point's go-to for artisanal pizza, is bringing their wood-fire-grilled goodies right out onto Congress Street with the opening of their sidewalk patio. Soak up some sun or cool off in the shade while you tuck in to insalate and antipasti, piping hot pies and plates of pasta from chef Todd Winer and his team.
Pier 6
Eating outdoors at Pier 6 is a cinch since, technically speaking, more of the restaurant is located outside than in. The first floor of the waterfront restaurant is all-patio with a canopied bar; the second floor dining room has open-air drink rails and floor to ceiling windows; and the tables on the rooftop deck offer arguably the best views of the city.
175 River’s Edge Drive
Medford, MA 02155
781-874-9357
The Porch Southern Fare & Juke Joint
BBQ was made for eating out of doors so it’s a good thing the Porch Southern Fare & Juke Joint has a big old patio. Head to Medford to snag one of their umbrella-topped tables and tuck in to all your favorites – everything from ribs and pulled pork to fried chicken and gumbo. Play your cards right and you can enjoy a house-made popsicle or catch some live music.
Posto Somerville
The folks at Posto will bring all the antipasti, pizza, pasta and dolce you could possibly need out to you on their brand new patio. They'll be offering a curated menu to start and only seating parties with reservations (to avoid lines and unnecessary congregating) so you can satisfy your carb cravings comfortably and safely.
Precinct
You don’t have to be a guest at the Loews Hotel to enjoy this unique outdoor dining experience. Located in the heart of the Back Bay and just below street level, this fully furnished patio offers both a dining and a lounge option making it a great spot for any occasion from after work drinks with a gaggle or an al fresco dinner for two.
Puritan & Co.
Chef-owner Will Gilson and his Inman Square team bring their a-game (and their sense of humor) out of doors for a season of al fresco dining. The patio at Puritan & Co. may be small but it is mighty - full of fresh air, copious amounts of food and drink, and just a little bit of astro turf.
The Quarry
The Quarry's al fresco space overlooks, well, an actual quarry. The stone-built restaurant boasts a rustic charm that adds to the relaxing and welcoming ambiance. Settle in outdoors for fine dining (and the comforting sounds of nature).
