Outdoor Dining in Boston

Boston does its fair share of waiting for longer days and sidewalks free of slush and snow. When the weather gets warmer, we are all ready to get out and about. Outdoor dining is one of the best ways to enjoy all the city has to offer – great food, beautiful architecture, and natural beauty. A few of my favorite Boston and Cambridge patios are below. I’m always looking for new outdoor spaces to visit, so please share your favorites (in Boston or not!) in the comments.

Legal Harborside – If you can get a seat, the roof deck at Legal Harborside is perfect for after work cocktails and small bites. Once the sun starts to set, head downstairs to the first floor for a full Legal menu, complete with raw bar offerings and great harbor views.

Sam’s at Louis – Sam’s has one of the best spots on Boston’s waterfront. They also serve up great cocktails, brunch, dinner, and a killer sunset.

ArtBar at the Royal Sonesta – While the above image is taken from our hotel room at the Royal Sonesta during a special celebration weekend, ArtBar definitely also offers some of the best views of Boston that you can find. A fun canvas of cocktails and addictive snacks like mac and cheese egg rolls and sweet potato tots make it easy to stay for another round.

 Ashmont Grill – Ashmont Grill is one of the reasons we moved to Dorchester, and it continues to be a favorite, especially during the summer and fall months. An enclosed patio that offers fleece blankets and a cozy fire pit make for a great date night. Bonus: in nicer weather, their Monday wine club events are sometimes held outside!

Ledge Kitchen & Drinks – I might be partial to restaurants in Dorchester, but the Ledge really has it all when it comes to summer dining. Their patio is a hidden oasis, and they offer dollar oysters on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Is there a better way to spend an evening than with a cold beer and some briny oysters?

The Blue Room – Talk about an urban getaway! Just a few stairs separate the Blue Room patio from the hubbub of busy Cambridge, but it somehow feels a world a way. They have a killer wine list (and wine bar next door). I had an amazing dinner there last year, but the patio and grill are also open for lunch.

There are a couple of new outdoor dining spaces I am looking to try. The Rooftop @ Revere at the Revere Boston Common Hotel sounds delightfully swanky; the pool might be the perfect summer splurge. Current favorite Steel & Rye also has a patio and plenty of Rosé to match those dreamy summer evening skies.