The best outdoor bars in Boston

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 the 19 beers it has rotating on tap. If you’re in the mood for some 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. Luckily, the kitchen also cranks out incredible, hearty plates of modern comfort food—perfect for absorbing all of that alcohol during a night of prolonged outdoor drinking.

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 right next to MGH. On warm nights, there’s always a crazy line to get in, so do yourself a favor: Round up all of your friends, reserve a table and prepare to meet that drink minimum you know you’d hit anyway so that you don’t have to wait.   

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. 

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.

Open from spring through late fall, this fully outdoor bar always draws a big crowd, 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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sleek decor, addictive appetizers and tasty entrées keep Dorchester residents coming back to this Dot hotspot. But the excellent outdoor space attracts fans from much further afield for cocktails and fresh air. The vine-covered fence surrounding the patio creates a cozy vibe and makes it feel like a true oasis.

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.

On the inside, Lolita Fort Point is a gothic masterpiece—and 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. 

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 jazz playing during Sunday brunch.