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lexington rooftop
Photograph: Courtesy Lexington

14 best outdoor bars in Boston

Fresh air complements your craft cocktails and beer at these al fresco bars

JQ Louise
Cheryl Fenton
Edited by
JQ Louise
Written by
Cheryl Fenton
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When you’ve suffered (and made it) through New England’s frigid winter and its wretched summer heat is on the horizon, it’s important to take advantage of that sweet spot of Boston’s practically perfect weather. This is the coveted time when your daily dose of vitamin D can go hand-in-hand with conversation and cocktails as you enjoy just-right temps, stunning sunshine and, of course, outdoor patio season⁠. Head to one of these outdoor bars—from community beer gardens to waterfront patios—for your fill of sun, fun and al fresco beverages and snacks. To enjoy our lovely weather even further, check out Boston’s best parks or go sky-high with a visit to one of the many prime rooftop bars.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best bars in Boston

Time Out Market Boston
  • Restaurants
  • Fenway/Kenmore

Located on the Market's sprawling outdoor patio, the Daiquiri Deck is our new outdoor bar this year. There is ample seating and a relaxed atmosphere for visitors to unwind and enjoy their frozen treats alongside some tasty bites from inside. From after-work gatherings with friends to romantic date nights or leisurely weekend hangouts, the patio is the place to sip and enjoy New England in the summer.


The Daiquiri Deck at Time Out Market Boston is currently open:

            • Monday - Thursday: 5pm-9pm
            • Friday: 5pm-10pm
            • Saturday: 12pm-10pm
            • Sunday: 12pm-8pm

Best outdoor bars

  • Restaurants
  • Dorchester

This Dorchester tavern has a killer cocktail program and an even better patio. Take a seat outside this Lower Mills destination and order one of dozens of rotating drafts. For the harder stuff, check out its extensive list of whiskeys (to be sipped neat), as well as its craft cocktails mixed with house-made juices and syrups. The kitchen cranks out incredible, hearty plates of modern comfort food, and the entire patio is covered with a misting system for those hot New England summers.

  • Restaurants
  • American
  • West End

Located within the old Charles Street Jail and the now Liberty Hotel, this ultra-trendy bar consistently has one of the most packed patios in town. On the inside, Alibi stays on brand with nods to the building’s criminal past, like its brick walls and cell doors. But on the outside, this place is a prison break dream come true, with tall, green hedged walls that shelter tables from the buzzing streets of Beacon Hill and create a garden oasis. If warm nights are predicted, so are lines to get in, so plan ahead.

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  • Bars
  • Beer bars
  • Charlestown
  • price 2 of 4

Enjoy drinks, family friendly games and vast harbor views at The Anchor, located in Charlestown‘s historic Navy Yard. This open-air beer garden occupies one of the Yard's pre-existing, brick mezzanine structures, providing a communal space for guests of all ages. The drink booth offers a wide array of local and international beers, wines and more, while regular events and live music keep all members of the public entertained. 

  • Bars
  • Waterfront

In the summer, Tia’s is the place to be—for tourists and townies alike. Since the ’80s, this waterfront bar and its patio have been packed, with crowds throwing back pricey vodka sodas and BudLights in exchange for prime people-watching and that cool breeze coming off of Boston Harbor. It may not be the most sophisticated of establishments—and you’ll certainly be paying top dollar for well liquor in a clear plastic cup—but the experience is always priceless.

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  • Bars
  • Waterfront

Open from spring through late fall, this seasonal fully outdoor bar always draws a big crowd (and a committed one – as it’s open from 10am to 11pm), thanks to its spectacular spot right on Long Wharf. This patio is a great place for groups, as beers are served by the bucket and signature fish bowl cocktails like the 32 oz. Guppy Bowl and the 64 oz. Fish Bowl require more than one drinker. As you and the crew go to work on these large-format drinks, just don't forget to order a few snacks to keep up your strength. 

  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Restaurants
  • Seafood
  • Seaport District
  • price 3 of 4
  • Recommended

Patio season in Boston wouldn’t be complete without snagging a seaside seat at this iconic summertime hangout located on the city’s historic Fort Point Channel. Giving off a serious coastal vibe with its striped tent complete with hanging twinkling lights (and the occasional lobster trap), take your place at a picnic table on the open-air patio to overlook the harbor while dining on heaping lobster rolls and hearty New England clambakes.

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  • Restaurants
  • Contemporary American
  • Harvard Sq
  • price 2 of 4

Charlie’s Beer Garden is the favorite among the Harvard Square crowd but Daedalus’s rooftop patio offers a classier option for outdoor drinking. The patio features lush flower boxes and both heat lamps and fans to deal with our fickle weather. Tops on the extensive list of beer, wine, and cocktails is that summertime favorite, the cairpirinha.

  • Restaurants
  • American creative
  • North End
  • price 3 of 4

If you're looking for an outdoor space with a thoughtfully chosen wine list, Alcove is your place. It's fabulous patio offers stunning views of Boston Harbor and the Zakim Bridge, so you can pair that glass of mineral-forward pinot gris with some salty aired ambience. Fortunately, there's plenty of tables outside, so you'll likely still be able to score a seat during the after-work rush.

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  • Restaurants
  • South Boston

Gray’s Hall lets you stretch out on those Southie sidewalks and order from one of the most painstakingly curated wine lists in the city. This East Broadway bar offers a slew of picnic table seating, where folks can collapse, get a generous pour of Pét-Nat, split a seasonal charcuterie board and watch the world whiz by. Word to the wise: Order your grapes by the glass—not by the bottle—because you’ll definitely want to give more than just one varietal a try.

  • Restaurants
  • Seafood
  • Waterfront

Located on the historic harbor as part of the elegant Boston Harbor Hotel, this Rowes Wharf spot boasts a 25-foot outdoor bar and table seating for late afternoon to evening sips and snacks overlooking the marina. Bar bites (think raw selections, lobster rolls, coastal clam chowder and an untraditional take on a turkey club), signature cocktails and local craft beers are highlighted on the menu, and the people- and boat-watching can’t be beat.

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  • Restaurants
  • Roslindale

Nestled in the courtyard in Roslindale Village, Sophia's Grotto is like a trattoria located within a quaint little Italian town. Its warm glowing decor inside is nicely complemented by its shared brick patio outfitted with heat lamps (weather dictated, of course), greenery and twinkling lights. The wood-fired pizza is a hit, as well as the other delectable Mediterranean classics at this family-owned spot that has been around for ages.

  • Restaurants
  • East Cambridge

Cambridge Crossing (CX, for those in the know) is the connected neighborhood at the intersection of Cambridge, Somerville and Boston, that serves as a prime destination for al fresco socializing under the sun. Will Gilson (of Puritan & Company fame) developed three concepts in a building referred to as The Shed - Café Beatrice, an all-day café; Geppetto, full-service Italian; and The Lexington, a cocktail bar and restaurant with a huge rooftop terrace (one of the area’s only) overlooking the lush Common. This open greenhouse layout is perfect for enjoying spectacular seasonal outdoor sips and dining.

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  • Restaurants
  • American
  • Seaport District

On the inside, Lolita Fort Point is a gothic masterpieceand on the outside, it’s a bright and airy waterfront paradise perfect for throwing back margaritas. The patio of this tequila cantina runs right alongside the channel, giving guests a front row seat to the Seaport as they sip sangria and watch the different circles of fellow bar-goers. An added benefit to Lolita’s dockish deck: The refreshing breeze coming off the water really keeps you alert between cocktails. 

  • Bars
  • Allston/Brighton

Devlin’s massive patio, open in the warmer months, is a prime place to enjoy some alfresco drinking and dining. There's even a flatscreen at the outdoor bar, so you don't have to miss the Sox game during your outside escapades. Tables are plentiful, so settle in and try a few of the rotating drafts. There's a regular roster of musicians, plus live music playing during Sunday brunch. 

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