A Sneak Peek at Lulu’s Soon-to-Open Outdoor Patio

The patio behind Lulu’s in Allston opens this summer. / Photo provided

UPDATE, July 13, 4:20 p.m.:  The Lulu’s patio opens on Friday, July 14, at 4 p.m. Happy summer!

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With a couple notable exceptions, secluded space in Allston is hard to come by amid the tightly packed student housing, secondhand shops, and all manner of casual dining options. Lulu’s, now in its third year in the neighborhood, is about to defy that norm with a spacious, 50-seat patio.

“It’s an oasis away from the city. It’s quiet and tucked away from the road,” says Sarah Wade, executive chef and general manager of the Cambridge Street spot.

Located just behind the restaurant, the 1,800-square foot concrete platform was formerly storage for Boston Foreign Motor next door. Wade, who opened Lulu’s with Peter Culpo (Parish Cafe, the Hill Tavern, and more), Joshua Culpo, Justin Dalton-Ameen, and Mark Murphy, says adding a patio was always in the long-term plan.

“We only get such a short period of nice weather,” she says, so they commissioned a pergola, sun shades, and a privacy fence from Walpole Outdoors to help them take advantage of those days.

The team hung globe lights, and plans to bring on a local artist to paint a custom, graffiti-style mural out there. They also had a sign-painter freehand a sign directing guests there from the restaurant. The space won’t be dog-friendly, as the only entrance to the patio is through a door inside the restaurant, to the left of the kitchen.

There are glass-topped wicker tables and armchairs for 50 guests, and extra space allows for yard games like corn hole and giant Jenga. In future seasons, Lulu’s may look into installing a permanent outdoor bar, Wade adds.

But for this summer, Lulu’s is just focused on securing the final OK from the city of Boston to serve guests outside. On Instagram, Lulu’s hinted the patio could debut within the week.

“Our frozen drink machines are ready to go to add to that oasis vibe,” Wade says.

421 Cambridge St., Allston, 617-787-1117, lulusallston.com.

Lulu’s patio signage photo provided