Great Outdoor Dining Spots in Boston for Social Distancing
Patio dining in Boston during COVID-19Alcove
Open daily for takeout and patio dining, from 5-9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 5-10 p.m. Thursday and Friday; noon-10 p.m. Saturdays and noon-8 p.m. Sundays.
A comfortable setting just off Causeway Street boasts sweeping views of the Zakim Bridge and Boston Harbor. Think: cool cocktails, summery salads, fresh seafood, and snacks.
50 Lovejoy Wharf, Boston, 617-248-0050, alcoveboston.com.
Banyan Bar + Refuge
SOpen for patio dining Wednesday through Sunday from 4-10 p.m. (4-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays).
Banyan’s brick patio is ensconced in strings of warm bulbs and lanterns and lush greenery, and features colorful, comfortable lounge seating in addition to dining tables and a cushioned banquette. No matter where you sit, cocktails just taste better al fresco. The patio features dinner, weekday lunch and weekend brunch for the season.
553 Tremont St., South End, Boston, 617-556-4211, banyanboston.com.
Area Four
Area Four’s deliciously charred, wood-fired pizzas are available al fresco at the Cambridge location, which is now offering patio seating on a first-come, first-served basis.
Craigie on Main
Craigie has transformed the parking lot next door into an expansive outdoor dining space. At “Craigie Next Door,” you’ll find a new experience distinct from Craige on Main, featuring family-style dinners and a weekly changing menu.
Pammy’s
Pammy’s outdoor patio has debuted in Cambridge. Reserve ahead of time for a three-course meal—choose from options like Big Eye Tuna Crudo with crispy pig ears and smoked trout roe; Binchoton Grilled Lobster Tail with swiss chard and rose harissa; and the classic Lumache pasta with gochujang Bolognese.
Forage
Another new entrant to the outdoor dining game, Forage has set up a “secret garden” backyard patio where you can enjoy locally sourced, vegetable-focused fare. The seasonal menu rotates frequently so you can always expect to find something creative and new to enjoy.
Mida
Bucatini all’Amatriciana with guanciale and pecorino; Eggplant Parmesan; Roasted Chicken with smoked orzo and shiitake mushrooms: You can now try any of these dishes on the streetside patio operated by the innovative South End Italian restaurant Mida.
Myers + Chang
Myers + Chang’s trellis-lined Washington Street patio is open for outdoor dining, so make room in your meal plans for Mama Chang’s Pork + Chive Dumplings and dim sum brunch.
Sweet Cheeks Q
Something about eating barbecue outdoors just feels right. Thankfully, Sweet Cheeks has opened its patio so you can enjoy trays of Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Heritage Breed Pulled Pork, and—naturally—the crumbly, almost-a-meal-in-itself Biscuits in the open air.
Tiger Mama
Tiger Mama’s Boylston Street patio is serving a condensed menu of Southeast Asian favorites, including Papaya Salad with peanuts and hot hot chilis; the highly shareable Bun Cha Hanoi with crispy pork rolls, sour broth, and grilled pork patties; and the ever-satisfying Coconut Sticky Rice.
The North End
Neptune Oyster
This North End seafood gem has opened up patio seating on Salem Street. Catch classic Neptune favorites including Fried Ipswich Clams; Fluke a Watermelon Crudo, the Neptune Johnnycake with honey butter, blue crab cocktail, or, the hot or cold Maine Lobster Roll.
The Daily Catch (Waterfront Location) - Check out the newest location along the North End Waterfront at 65 Atlantic Ave. Featuring indoor and outdoor seating along with pick up. Open Daily 4pm – 10pm
Cassarece - Outdoor seating on Hanover street as well as indoor seats at the open window. Try the Lasagna and the meatballs! The Gnocchi is great too.
Hojoko: The Fenway’s favorite rock-and-roll Japanese izakaya returned on Wednesday with both open-air indoor seating and an outdoor patio. Stop by to get your ramen fix, or try the kimchi fried rice.
Taberna de Haro (Spanish at St. Mary's station | Beacon Street in Brookline ) just emailed that they have two heaters out, and their patio is lovely.
Ivory Pearl (seafood in Washington Square) &
Blossom Bar (Chinese in Brookline Village) both have heaters!
Otto on Comm Ave (Try their Butternut Squash Pizza!)
Devlin’s (American in Brighton Center) has a huge back patio
O’Hara’s in Newton Highlands
Il Patio di Eataly: Eataly’s patio in the Back Bay has been open for a while now, they've revamped the entire space with an autumn theme that includes fall drinks like mulled cider and dishes like butternut squash ravioli; amid hay bales, decorative pumpkins, and festive fall decor.
Summer Shack: Craving seafood this weekend? Hit up Summer Shack’s new Harvard Square patio, which popped up on Wednesday and will last through the end of October. Located behind the Charles Hotel, the restaurant serves lobster rolls, crab cakes, calamari, and crispy fried fish sandwiches, plus homemade pies for dessert.