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.
Oak Long Bar + Kitchen
Nestled in the heart of Copley Square is Oak Long Bar + Kitchen and their perfectly situated—and stylish—patio. Snag a table under the red umbrellas for a socially-distant lunchtime meetup or a refreshing cocktail break from seeing the sights or strolling around the Back Bay.
Oleana
Come warm weather, award-winning chef Ana Sortun serves her accolade-grabbing fare in one of Cambridge’s most beloved outdoor dining spaces. Oleana's lush, flower-filled patio is set back from busy Hampshire Street for a peaceful and relaxing al fresco experience.
Pagu
Beloved Japanese tapas restaurant, Pagu, expands its service outdoors come summertime. Whether you're on a lunch break or winding down on a day off, the Cambridge bistro provides an excellent place to take in some fresh air and tasty fare.
219 Elm St.
Somerville, MA 02144
617-776-0005
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.
Painted Burro Waltham
Skip the trip into the city and indulge your cravings for fresh air and Latin American fare on the patio at the Waltham outpost of The Painted Burro. You can have an al fresco fiesta out under the sun or stars with tacos, guacamole, margaritas and more.
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.
Para Maria
The Envoy Hotel boasts two fabulous outdoor dining areas: Para Maria's greenery-laced streetside patio, perfect for summer sipping and snacking as well as their skyhigh rooftop bar, The Lookout, which boasts masterfully made drinks, spectacular views of the sparkling cityscape and Boston Harbor, and, come cold weather, cozy igloos so you can stay warm while you socialize (responsibly) with your peeps.
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 you all the antipasti, pizza, pasta and dolce you could possibly eat on their 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.
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 plenty of farm-to-table/Cantabrigian charm.
