The Best Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in Boston
Beautiful, historic Boston is one of the most fantastic cities in all of the United States! And they’ve got a fantastic dining scene to boot. There’s plenty to admire here including the craveworthy eats across Chinatown, the dining scene on Freedom Trail, and the enigmatic restaurants in the city’s North End. While the winter weather may send you indoors, when the weather is pleasant, there’s no better place to be than on a patio outside. And you’re in luck, because there are many fabulous places where you can find great outdoor dining in Boston.
photo credit: usarestaurants.info
Alcove
50 Lovejoy Wharf Boston MA 02114
(617) 248-0050
Alcove on Lovejoy Wharf is noted for many things. They offer wonderful views across the entire waterfront, so if you’re in search of food with a view, this is the place for you. It truly is a good place to enjoy all year long. The outdoor heaters make it possible to dine outdoors even when it’s quite cold. This is also a place where you appreciate an extensive menu of upscale specialties that delight every palate. Begin with an appetizer from the raw bar, and there’s also a full menu of easy snacks. If you have a crowd with you, they offer a family meal that is ideal for lots of people at the same time. Try the grilled whole chicken, and then add a few sides such as their marinated beets or a grilled sweet potato. And end the meal with one of their large selection of terrific desserts. You’ll be rewarded with a special time that you can appreciate in the very heart of modern Boston.
photo credit: usarestaurants.info
Deuxave
371 Commonwealth Ave. Boston MA, 02115
(617) 517-5915
This cozy French space has lots of charm indoors and outdoors. Head here and bring a blanket with you if you want to go for the latter option. Expect a menu of classic French cuisine with a modern American twist. We definitely recommend ordering the olive & rosemary focaccia for the entire table. And the main courses are just as inviting. The Lobster Gnocchi Fricassée makes great use of the local seafood Boston is so well-known for. The Crispy Duck Confit packs a bunch of flavor with the cranberry sauce. Or, opt for the Herb-Crusted Cod or the House-Made Ricotta Cavatelli. You really cannot go wrong here, AND there’s a large selection of desserts and wine on hand to make a full meal. That’s why so many people are happy to make this a home base when it comes to dining outdoors in Boston.
photo credit: usarestaurants.info
B&G Oysters
550 Tremont St. Boston, MA 02116
(617) 423-0550
At B&G Oysters, there’s a charming back patio with lots of fairy lights and plenty of heat so you can head here whenever you like. This is an ideal place to try the local seafood. They do lots of oysters so you’ll always have a selection of varied specialties. Start a meal with a soup or one of the many options from the huge raw bar. Entrees include wonderful offerings such as lobster, grilled branzino and many other seafood drawn from the local area’s catch of the day. Have a well-chilled beer or a glass of wine with your meal. This is also even a good stop when you are looking for a quick lunch that you can bring back to work.
photo credit: usarestaurants.info
Henrietta’s Table
1 Bennett St. Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 661-5005
If you are looking for a space that offers lots of menu items that change each week to take advantage of the wonderful food available in the Boston area, this is the place for you! They are hyperseasonal, offering farm fresh items in a charming setting that’s all about relaxation. There’s a marvelous outdoor patio that’s heated during the wintertime as well. Once you sit down, it’s easy to find something you’ll like. While the menu tends to change a lot, there are certain items that tend to recur again and again. They have breakfast made from local eggs, and for lunch, there’s typically a homemade soup as well as heartier options such as chicken and pork. Enjoy the views, and grab a glass of beer with your friends and family.
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Loyal Nine
660 Cambridge St. Cambridge, MA 02141
(617) 945-2576
Diverse dining options make this one a winner in every way. This is one place to bring lots of people. That’s because they’re all likely to find something they enjoy eating here. If you’re in the mood for breakfast, try a hearty breakfast sandwich. There’s lots of other sandwiches on the menu including a crispy fried chicken sandwich, and one with brisket, as well as a lobster roll made from local lobster meat. Talk about yum! Come here on a weekend to appreciate their weekend brunch possibilities like a mouthwatering apple pie French brioche toast. There’s also usually a soup of the day and an assorted cheese plate for charcuterie and cheese lovers. They have a heated outdoor space during the winter and lots of little nooks to dine outdoors during the summer. Come here at night for a snack on your way to one of Boston’s many nightlife destinations.
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Gather
75 Northern Ave, Boston MA 02210
(617) 982-7220
Glorious heated igloos are one way to combat the cold and enjoy a fabulous meal at this renowned Boston restaurant. Start a meal with an ample helping of fried fish tacos. Dip a few items in their heated fondue. They also have a bowl of French onion soup and a marvelous cup of clam chowder on hand to enjoy. Main courses are equally easy and just as tasty. There’s creamy mac and cheese, chicken alfredo pasta, and other delectable options including in-house made ramen with a rich and deeply satisfying broth. There’s also sandwiches and desserts like chocolate cake as well as lots of beverage options!
photo credit: timeout.com
Mare Oyster Bar
223 Hanover St. Boston MA 02113
(617) 723-6273
A large back patio is ideal for dining at this space any time of the year. Their enclosed patio has glass walls and lots of fire pits to keep you nice and cozy. The menu focuses on the best of Boston’s famous seafood. Sample the New England Lobster Bisque or a Maine Peekytoe Crab cake. They also have an incredible lobster roll, and lots of pastas with seafood. Their Pan Seared Salmon or Alaskan Cod Loin would also make for a tasty lunch or dinner.
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Petit Robert Bistro
480 Columbus Ave. Boston, MA 02118
(617) 867-0600
French food with a modern American update is the secret to this wildly popular local Boston restaurant. They know just how much diners love being able to dine outside so they’ve set up a greenhouse. The greenhouse is next to the main space. It’s lit with dozens of adorable fairy lights. This makes it all the easier to appreciate the extensive menu of lovely French food. Begin with classics like onion soup or smoked salmon. Risotto, quiches of all kinds and lots of steak options make this one a great choice if you really like meat. They have lots of sandwiches on the menu including a Parisian hot dog made from garlic and provolone sausage. There’s also a number of pleasing side dishes to go with your main course such as truffle fries and garlic spinach. In addition, there’s a lot of dessert choices and plenty of wine available by the carafe or the glass!
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