Outdoor Dining Guide: Where to Go Al Fresco in Allston

We’ve all been there. It’s a gorgeous day (or night) outside, you’ve got a crew ready to eat and drink, but….where to go? Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be rolling out outdoor dining guides, neighborhood by neighborhood. First up: Allston.

(The Draft – Photo via CitySquares)

The Draft
OK, The Draft may not be the most beautiful boozing arena, but they do have a large area devoted to outdoor seating. Located past the bar, the outside area is open until 11 p.m. (drinkers are encouraged to re-enter the bar itself to continue nighttime escapades). But the beery “deck” has its own bar, a fire pit, and a rather random assortment of lawn chairs and tables. We recommend this outdoor venue for Thursdays to reap the benefits of 1$ Rolling Rocks all night (though you may want to relocate after you get your buzz on). 34 Harvard Ave., Allston, 617-783-9400, thedraftbarandgrille.com.

Deep Ellum
Deep Ellum always wins as Allston’s high point for drinks. The outdoor area is small but quaint, with a few tables, built in wraparound benches, and flowers. Though it is a busy place, the service is still fit when you sit outside, and kitchen noms (soft pretzels with beer cheese sauce, Hebrew National hot dogs) are served until 1 a.m. 477 Cambridge St., Allston, 617-787-2337, deepellum-boston.com.

Whitehorse Tavern
Another signature Allston spot, Whitehorse has a back patio—with a television, for all you sports fans out there. They also open their front windows so the inside eating area (white truffle deviled eggs or buffalo chicken lollipops, anyone?) becomes its own patio for pool players and drinkers. 116 Brighton Ave., Boston, 617-254-6633, whitehorseboston.com.

O’Brien’s Pub
This pub is a home for local and national acts to perform, featuring outdoor seating. Enjoy a show and the beautiful Allston scenery. 3 Harvard Ave., Allston, 617-782-6245, obrienspubboston.com.

Sunset Cantina
Sunset houses some of the city’s most serious margaritas, and enjoying a frozen one outside when it’s (finally) nice out is perfection. It doesn’t even have to be that hot out, because the outdoor patio (which was recently renovated to add seating) is equipped with space heaters. Open late, it’s a chill spot for a summer hangout with friends (and tequila). The mammoth platters of nachos are also an economical dining choice (go for the bbq chicken topping), as a large can easily stuff five people silly. 916 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, 617-731-8646, allstonsfinest.com.