Boston’s Best Outdoor Dining – 52 Top Patios, Decks & More
From lush hidden gardens in the South End to raucous roof decks in Harvard Square, here are the sexiest, liveliest, prettiest, chillest places to dine al fresco this season.
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KO Pies at the Shipyard
This is a truly unique spot overlooking the industrial (and artsy) Boston Harbor Shipyard. Order Sam Jackson’s Australian meat pies, wedges, and a Coopers (or local craft beer or cider) inside, and take your buzzer to the year-round deck, made possible by roll-down windows on the expansive awning. There is cornhole to play, and soon, they’ll throw open the beer service window so you don’t have to go back to the bar to keep the party going.
256 Marginal St., East Boston, 617-418-5234, kocateringandpies.com.
Photo by Chip Nestor Provided
Legal Harborside
This three-story behemoth is a stunner in all seasons, but summertime is when it really excels. Grab a pint at nearby Harpoon before hitting up Legal’s picturesque patio for some steamers, New England fried clams, and freshly shucked shellfish.
270 Northern Ave., Seaport, Boston, 617-477-2900, legalseafoods.com.
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Lookout Rooftop and Bar
Impress out-of-town guests this summer at this trendy spot. The seven-story lounge serves up breathtaking views of the Harbor and the Skyline, and craft cocktails.
70 Sleeper St., Seaport, Boston, 617-530-1559, theenvoyhotel.com.
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Loyal Nine
The patio outside Loyal Nine’s café is a quiet spot to sip espresso in the morning. At night, dine on chef Marc Sheehan’s oft-changing, rustic New England fare, with its emphasis on native seafood, vegetables, and herbs, like anise hyssop grown right on the deck. Don’t miss the refreshing, house-made shrubs and creative cocktails, like Hungry Like the Wolf, with Four Roses bourbon and peppery house-made ginger beer.
660 Cambridge St., East Cambridge, 617-945-2576, loyalninecambridge.com.
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Mare Oyster & Crudo Bar
Prolific North End restauranteur Frank DePasquale moved his seafood concept, Mare, to a Mechanic Street location that allows for a 70-seat outdoor lounge. With fire pits, a retractable awning, and plush seating, it’s an ideal place for the Mediterranean-inflected likes of grigliata di pesce (grilled seafood), daily crudo, and hot and cold lobster rolls, and a glass or two of wine.
3 Mechanic St., North End, Boston, 617-723-6273, mareoysterbar.com.
Photo by Joe Hennessey Provided
Myers + Chang
This miniature, 12-seat patio overlooking Peters Park is a serene refuge during Karen Akunowicz’s dim sum brunch on summer Sundays. Or, take a date away from the crunch inside at night and huddle over a boozy scorpion bowl. Don’t miss the mural by artist Alexis Weinrich.
1145 Washington St., South End, Boston, 617-542-5200, myersandchang.com.
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Naco Taco
This bright and lively patio has a permanently parked food truck dishing out spit-roasted al pastor and smoked chicken thigh tacos, plantains con queso, and more. The Mass. Ave.-adjacent spot is prime for people-watching while enjoying rounds of margaritas, sangria, and micheladas in the sunshine.
297 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge, 617-945-1548, nacocentral.com.
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The Neighborhood
Come springtime, this happening diner moves all service outside onto a gargoyle-guarded patio. Come high summer, it’s shaded with fragrant grapes owner Sheila Borges and family harvest to make the jelly for your house-baked, complimentary toast.
25 Bow St., Union Square, Somerville, 617-623-9710, theneighborhoodrestaurant.com.
Oleana
One of the most coveted seats in town, Oleana’s patio, adorned with a gurgling fountain, is the perfect way to enjoy Ana Sortun’s inventive, Eastern Mediterranean fare. The restaurant doesn’t take outdoor reservations, but there is an area—under the foliage of a fig tree—where you can wait, ensconced in the perfume of Sortun’s nearby herb garden.
134 Hampshire St., Cambridge, 617-661-0505, oleanarestaurant.com.
