With the first day of spring in the very recent past and temperatures across the country continuing to climb, the allure of patio dining tends to follow suit.
Though a well-managed restaurant should be able to alleviate the stuffiness and discomfort even during the sweltering summer months, nothing beats outdoor dining on a warm spring evening. Though science may not support this idea, food seems to taste better when fresh air is wafting under your nose and the sights and sounds of Boston surround you.
Here are four of the best outdoor dining restaurants in and around Boston that you should be sure to swing by in the near future.
Located in Charlestown, this view is going to be hard to beat for the other four entries on this list. The entire Boston city skyline is on display from the roof of this eatery, an unobstructed view that serves as a welcome departure from the normal hustle and bustle of city life. If a cold breeze sets in late into your meal, the bar inside of Pier 6 has a wide selection available and is staffed by knowledgeable bartenders.
With a fantastic view of the harbor and a menu featuring some of Boston’s best seafood, Pier 6 earned a spot on my top four outdoor eateries in and around Boston.
Pier 6
1 8th St
Charlestown, MA 02129
One of the most recognizable smells of warm weather seasons is the sweet scent of BBQ. If seafood isn’t up your alley but outdoor dining is, consider swinging by Sweet Cheeks Q where Top Chef contestant Tiffani Faison will whip you up some of the best BBQ around. A short walk from Fenway Park, Sweet Cheeks Q makes a great pre-game meal before heading to the park, or a fantastic way to celebrate a Red Sox win.
Sweet Cheeks Q features not one, but two outdoor dining areas, each with a different feel but the same fantastic food.
Sweet Cheeks Q
1381 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02215
Poe’s Kitchen at the Rattlesnake
Poe’s Kitchen, lead by head chef Brian Poe offers a little something for everybody. The roof deck features a fantastic view and more of a social party atmosphere, while the interior and outdoor patio provides a calmer environment in which to enjoy your wild boar or antelope tacos.
Named one of Gayot’s best outdoor dining spots in 2016, the reinvigorated menu has morphed the Rattlesnake from a place to get drinks into a place to spend your whole evening.
The Rattlesnake
384 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02216
Located inside of the Royal Sonesta Hotel, ArtBar’s menu rotates seasonally, providing some of the tastiest American food in Cambridge. The outdoor dining portion of ArtBar is beautifully designed with tables almost lining the Charles River, offering a spectacular view and dining experience, particularly at night.
Zagat recently named ArtBar one of the best outdoor dining facilities in Cambridge, with the excellent food, great atmosphere and great wine and cocktail list helping it to earn a spot on this list.
ArtBar Cambridge
40 Edwin Land Boulevard
Cambridge, MA, 02142
