The Coolest New Outdoor Dining Spots around Boston

Just in time for summer, eat and drink al fresco on new patios outside Alden & Harlow in Cambridge, Lolita Fort Point, and more.

By Jacqueline Cain· 6/19/2018, 11:31 a.m.

Alden & Harlow’s patio is shaded by blue umbrellas. / Photo by Michael Scelfo

Alden & Harlow

Nosh on crispy Berkshire pork belly, or chicken-fried local rabbit, and sip a seasonal cocktail or two as you take in the sights of Harvard Square. Under Alden & Harlow’s new blue umbrellas, you can also daydream about the forthcoming Longfellow Bar.

Alden & Harlow, 40 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge, 617-864-2100, aldenharlow.com.

Benedetto’s covered patio. / Photo provided

Benedetto

For the second year in Harvard Square, chef Michael Pagliarini’s classic Italian dishes go al fresco on this 24-seat patio. A summery glass of Prosecco, or the chalkboard negroni special pair well with seasonal warmth, but the heated, covered area is also a fine choice for colder evenings. Any time, it has a classic feel with string lights and furniture in shades of red.

Benedetto, 1 Bennett St., Harvard Square, Cambridge, 617-661-5050, benedettocambridge.com.

Cunard Tavern has a roof deck with East Boston waterfrton views. / Photo by Brian Phillips Photography

Cunard Tavern

This rooftop boasts a glimpse of the East Boston waterfront and city skyline, along with street food-style snacks, a walk-up bar, and summery specials. The Top Deck can also be rented for private events.

Cunard Tavern, 24 Orleans St., East Boston, 617-567-7609, cunardtavern.com.

Eventide’s street-side patio. / Photo provided

Eventide Fenway

Baseball fans can pre-game with oysters, Maine beer, and famous brown butter lobster rolls at stools and tables outside this casual Boylston Street seafood spot.

Eventide Fenway, 1321 Boylston St., Fenway, Boston, 617-545-1060, eventideoysterco.com.

The Hourly Oyster House’s dreamy patio area / Photo provided

The Hourly Oyster House

This Cambridge restaurant makes date night easy. The brick-lined patio, which first debuted late last summer, fits a cozy 18 seats tucked away from the curb. Complete with string lights, a stone archway, and seasonal drinks like Strawberry Fields (Citadelle Gin, Pimm’s No. 1, strawberry syrup, lemon, mint), it channels romantic vibes—but you can bring your dog along, too.

The Hourly Oyster House, 15 Dunster St., Harvard Square, Cambridge, 617-765-2342, thehourlycambridge.com.

A new outdoor dining area and bar at Lolita overlooks the Fort Point Channel from the Harborwalk. / Photo provided

Lolita (Fort Point)

The newest location of this cocina y tequila bar has an outdoor bar and seating area on the Harborwalk. The modern Mexican cuisine and renowned margaritas taste right at home inside the gothic-style interior, but they also pair nicely with views of the Fort Point Channel.

Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar, 253 Summer St., Fort Point, Boston, 617-369-0931, lolitamexican.com.

An outdoor lounge debuted outside Matadora at the renovated Hilton Hotel in Woburn. / Photo by Eric Levin provided

Matadora

This Spanish spot is always kind of open-air, with its location in the lobby of the renovated Hilton Boston/Woburn hotel (second-floor guests can look down from the mezzanine into the restaurant). But this summer, it also has an outdoor area outfitted with fire pits, lounge sofas, and plush rugs. The full menu—designed by Yvonne’s, Lolita, and Ruka culinary director Tom Berry—is available outside, including three-for-$30 Tapas Tuesdays.

2 Forbes Rd., Woburn, 781-932-0999, matadorarestaurant.com.

The revamped patio at Oak Long Bar at the Fairmont Copley Plaza. / Photo provided

Oak Long Bar + Kitchen

The classic hotel bar at the Fairmont Copley Plaza spruced up its dog-friendly patio with comfy new couches and programming this season. Take in the Copley Square scene with patio-only frozen drink specials, house-made boozy popsicles, and bar snacks like crab and avocado toast. There are $1 oysters every day from 4-5 p.m., and keep an eye out for a Wednesday evening patio party series.

Oak Long Bar + Kitchen, 138 St. James Ave., Copley Square, Boston, 617-585-7222, Oaklongbarkitchen.com.

Our Fathers’ outdoor bar and patio area. / Photo provided by Corinne Elicone/@SoundAffects

Our Fathers

With its modern Jewish cuisine, Our Fathers is pioneering in taste and most recently, in setting. Diners can now feast on a delicious pastrami sandwich on the patio, or make a beeline to a gin-filled, al fresco happy hour at the indoor/outdoor bar. Bring a friend or your dog—or, if they’re both busy, your laptop: There are outdoor outlets for the workaholics.

Our Fathers Restaurant and Bar, 197 North Harvard St., Lower Allston, 617-303-0101, ourfathersboston.com.

The patio at Southern Proper. / Photo provided

Southern Proper

Home of the Pitcher of Dorian Gray cocktail, biscuit ice cream sandwiches, and updated Southern classics like shrimp and grits with tasso and gravy, this spot offers 32 open-air seats and partial cover for those who want to sit outside in less-than-sunny skies. The new restaurant dives into its first summer with seasonal offerings like grilled asparagus and rosé on draft, too.

Southern Proper, 600 Harrison Ave., South End, Boston, 857-233-2421, southernproperboston.com.

Uni’s outdoor patio area. / Photo provided

Uni

This James Beard award-nominated contemporary Japanese izakaya now offers outdoor seating for 18 in the heart of Back Bay. Explore the myriad mouth-watering seafood options and the street-food inspired small plates, then peruse the recently debuted tiki drink menu for an open-air treat.

Uni, 370A Commonwealth Ave., Back Bay, Boston, 617-536-7200, uni-boston.com.