Before the summer bids us its final farewell, I plan to take advantage of as many al fresco dining experiences as possible! During the warmer months, eating and imbibing on the outdoor patios of Boston’s top restaurants is by far one of my favorite things to do. Since I love dining outside, each summer, I try to check out a handful of patios that I’ve never been to before and as a result, often find myself adding new restaurants to my list of favorite al fresco spots. You can check out which Boston restaurants made the cut for my top patios of 2016 here.
From laid back to a little bit fancy, I’ve rounded up my current picks for patio dining in Boston. We’re so lucky to live in a city that not only has restaurants and bars with amazing roof tops, but also so many that offer fantastic patios!
If this gorgeous weather keeps up, you’ll know where to find me on every remaining September and October evening!
Happy patio drinking and eating!
The A-Lyst for the Best Restaurant Patios in Boston
By its name alone, you would have no idea that this Somerville restaurant features an absolutely fantastic hidden patio! Serving up Greek-inspired fare (do not miss the sweet potato fries covered in honey and feta…so good!) and yummy cocktails, on a beautiful summer evening, Daddy Jones is worth the trip from Boston. Adorned with a string of bulb lights, colorful outdoor furniture and glassware, and funky details like a vintage refrigerator, this patio is as swoon-worthy as it is relaxing and fun. There’s no better place to soak up a sunny Sunday afternoon turned evening. 525 Medford Street, Somerville MA 02145
When you wrap up a shopping trip at the Shops at the Prudential Center, this is where you need to head. Featuring everything you could ever want in an alfresco experience; tables for dining, an outdoor bar, and a picture perfect lounge area, the patio at Porto is one of my favorite Back Bay spots. With acclaimed Chef Jody Adams at the helm of the kitchen, diners can enjoy a selection of shared Mediterranean dishes with a focus on seafood from the New England area. Order a glass of wine, a few bites, and toast to a shopping trip well done! Ring Road, Boston, MA 02199
Boasting the most amazing display of flowers including stunning mandevilla that have grown to perfectly frame its patio, The Beehive’s outdoor area truly feels like an urban oasis! Situated in the center of the sidewalk alongside bustling Tremont Street in the South End, this patio is unique in that you can visit a portion of it and just order drinks. With all of the crazy liquor laws in Boston, this is almost unheard of, so while this may not seem like a big deal, for us Bostonians, it is! I am absolutely obsessed with the restaurant’s Lavender Margarita (its official name on the menu is NO EXIT) and sipping it beneath the patio’s bulb lights and florals is one of my favorite things to do pre-dinner when I’m in the neighborhood. 541 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02118
This waterfront gem is putting East Boston on every patio lover’s radar! I admit that it took me until August to get there for the first time, but once I made the voyage across Boston Harbor (you can take a water taxi from various pick-up spots along the waterfront for $12 or a complimentary shuttle from Pier 6 in Charlestown), I was hooked. The outdoor patio of the ReelHouse offers an outstanding skyline view of downtown Boston and is such a fun place to enjoy dinner and drinks. Beyond jumping on a boat to get there, which is really an adventure in itself, I enjoyed the easygoing atmosphere of the restaurant and delicious raw bar selection! If you’re hesitant to explore uncharted territory (I personally had only been to East Boston a few times before coming here), I am here to tell you, it’s totally worth it. 6 New Street, Boston, MA 02128
Despite being located steps away from Mass. Ave, when you’re enjoying a meal on the patio at SRV (which stands for Serene Republic of Venice), you’d never know it! Tucked behind the restaurant and nestled between brownstones, the Italian eatery’s outdoor area feels exclusive and sexy, yet still approachable. I love ordering a bunch of the Cicchetti (don’t miss the polpette!) and then splitting a few different pastas for the main course. On a warm evening, there’s nothing better than enjoying a leisurely Italian meal under the stars, and of course, don’t forget the wine! 569 Columbus Avenue, Boston, MA 02118
Outfit Details:
Dress: Club Monaco Vonna Dress
Sunglasses: J.Crew Classic Sunglasses (similar here)
Bracelets: Hermes Enamel “H” Bracelet, and J.Crew gold bangles (similar here)
Lipstick: MAC Vegas Volt
Nail Polish: OPI Stop It, I’m Blushing!
The A-Lyst is a Boston-based lifestyle blog curating the very best of style, beauty, food, and travel.