Dining alfresco is one of the most enjoyable experiences in Boston when the temperatures start soaring. Whether you are looking for an oceanfront patio seat or a table with a rooftop view, we have got you covered. Here’s a look at the best spots in Boston for summer dining.
Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar
Photo Credit: Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar
This haute new Fort Point Lolita location serves up some of the city’s best margaritas in the sun. We recommend kicking it up a notch with some extra spice in a jalapeno frolita (their frozen version of the traditional margarita). The waterfront patio serves up everything from three different kinds of guacamole and grilled steak tacos to octopus ceviche and turkey taquitos. Finish it off with a sweet treat of dulce de leche.
253 Summer Street, Boston; Website
NEBO Cucina + Enoteca
Photo Credit: NEBO
When it comes to patio dining North End style, no one does it better than the Pallotta sisters. NEBO located along the Rose Kennedy Greenway offers outdoor seating for up to 75 complete with umbrellas, heat lamps, and haute views of the city. Order up a bottle of Italian wine to go alongside a perfectly crisped pizza or their famous zucchini lasagna, a “Bobby Flay Throwdown” winner. You won’t believe this dish doesn’t contain pasta, but instead features layers upon layers of zucchini, fresh ricotta, mozzarella, pecorino and marinara.
520 Atlantic Avenue, Boston; Website
Rooftop at Taj Boston
Photo Credit: Taj Boston
Not exactly outdoor dining, but arguably one of the prettiest views and one worth a mention can be found at the Taj Boston’s seasonal Rooftop. The hotel is kicking off its high top series held on the 17th floor next week with the official opening of the Rooftop. Future events include a chic Pop-Up Rose Lounge to toast the first day of summer (and the summer solstice). From here, you can see views all the way from the State House and Boston Common to Fenway Park and The Charles River.
15 Arlington Street, Boston; Website
OAK Long Bar + Kitchen
Photo Credit: OAK Long Bar + Kitchen
The frozen drink specials, daily oyster happy hours and boozy popsicles made with ghost tequila will certainly keep you cooled down at OAK Long Bar + Kitchen‘s sizzling patio at the Fairmont Copley Plaza. This year, they have changed things up a bit on their dog-friendly patio with a new look and new menu items. The outdoor space in Copley Square has already been transformed into a stylish lounge featuring everything from couches to high-top tables where you can relax with a vodka soda, cosmo or “patio pounder” bucket of six cocktails. Did we mention they have a frozen drink machine offering daily specials like banana daiquiris and painkillers?
138 St. James Avenue, Boston; Website
Bar Boulud
Photo Credit: Bar Boulud
Over at the Mandarin Oriental in Back Bay, the seasonal terrace at Bar Boulud is serving up ice buckets filled with wine and signature seasonal cocktails such as Frosé Hangar 1 Rosé Vodka with hints of lavender and strawberries, and Boston Tea Party featuring Hendricks Gin, fresh squeezed lemon, ginger beer, freshly brewed iced tea and Earl Grey Tea syrup. They even have a specialty Canine Cafe menu just for your four-legged friends with treats like Watermelon Pupsicles made with watermelon juice and coconut water, a homemade Pup Cup and Gourmet Biscuits, which come in three flavors (peanut butter-banana, oatmeal-carrot and bacon-parsley) so your pooch can dine alfresco alongside you.
