Here’s our guide to the area’s best outdoor dining
Our 10 Picks for Best Outdoor Dining in the Boston Area
These patios are bringing students together after semesters apart
While we may be bidding summer farewell, there’s still time to soak up the last bit of warm sunshine on a patio that’s walkable from campus or a quick T ride away. In light of COVID-19 cases trending upwards, we’ve assembled a list of top local picks for outdoor dining, where you can celebrate the opening of campus while safely gathering.

Casa Caña
1234 Soldiers Field Rd., Allston
If the Instagram-worthy ambience of the Casa Caña patio isn’t enough to draw you in, the Mexican-inspired bites will encourage you to head on over. The Allston gem, located inside Studio Allston Hotel, is an ode to south of the border flavors. Lounge seating is available through the courtyard. Happen to hit the patio on a cooler night? Grab a seat by the fire pit.
Casa Caña is open for dinner starting at 5 pm, Wednesday through Saturday. Expect a brunch and dinner menu on Sundays. Find hours here.

Cityside Tavern
1960 Beacon St., Brighton
The best spot for overlooking all the happenings of Cleveland Circle might be on Cityside Tavern’s rooftop deck, coupled with a hefty pasta combo of cajun chicken, broccolini, and cherry tomatoes doused in alfredo sauce (known as Mac n’ Fredo). The live entertainment beckons students from several local colleges to the convenient location.
Cityside Tavern is open for lunch, dinner, and late-night bites, with a brunch menu available on Sundays. Find hours here.

Naco Taco
297 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge
Tacos at Cambridge-based restaurant Naco Taco taste that much fresher since the corn tortillas and fresh bread are made in store daily. The $5 price tag per taco doesn’t hurt either. Choose from tacos, tortas, or bowls and salads with meat and vegetable bases. You don’t always have to take the Red Line out to experience the Tex-Mex flavors—the food truck stationed on Newbury Street can also hold you over.
Naco Taco has an all-day menu, with a special breakfast menu available on Saturdays and Sundays before 3 pm. Check out hours here.

Earls Kitchen + Bar
800 Boylston St., Unit 107, Boston
After climbing the Back Bay restaurant’s expansive three floors covering 14,000 square feet, you’ll arrive at the rooftop patio decked out in string lights. Dining options can fill an array of palates, from 45-day-aged steaks (these steaks have a special discount on Wednesdays) to options like sushi rolls filled with marinated ahi tuna, cucumber, mango avocado, and spicy mayo. Foot traffic is heavy, so reservations are encouraged.
Earls’ all-day dinner menu is available as early as 11:30 am, and brunch is available on the weekends.

Barcelona Wine Bar
1700 Beacon St., Brookline
Mediterranean, Spanish, and South American influences come together at this tapas-style restaurant walkable from campus. The small plates and vino earned several mentions in Eater Boston and Boston magazine. The intimate setting sets the vibe for a dressy outing or romantic dinner.
Barcelona Wine Bar offers an all-day dinner menu, with brunch served on Saturday and Sunday before 3 pm. Find hours and menus here.

Blossom Bar
295 Washington St., Brookline
The Chinese roots of this Brookline eatery run deep. The original owners were Chinese immigrants, and now their son is carrying out their legacy through the menu, which features a specific style of cuisine from a southwestern Chinese province. A standout are the colorful drinks (both alcoholic or nonalcoholic), lined with flowers, fruits, and garnishes.
Blossom Bar has dedicated hours for lunch and dinner, and is closed in between. Check out hours and menu here.

Audubon
838 Beacon St., Boston
Right in the heart of Fenway, Audubon is known for its shareable plates. Dabble in octopus ceviche or potstickers—although those might be gone by your next visit, since the menu is ever-changing. The back patio has a giant flatscreen TV (and is surrounded by bamboo trees), so you can catch all the Red Sox action while avoiding the crowds.
Audubon serves the same dinner menu every Monday through Friday. Brunch is available on the weekends. Hours are adjusted so the restaurant is open two hours earlier for Red Sox home games.

Time Out Market
401 Park Dr., Boston
When your friend group can’t decide on where to go, the answer is Time Out Market. The collection of eateries and bars means that Italian-style meatballs with whipped ricotta as well as lobster rolls are up for grabs (and that’s just for starters). Patio space is plentiful, with 6,000 square feet to stretch out in. Plus, the calendar of events allows for more interactions than just eating.
Time Out Market’s vendors are open at different times; find hours here.
Sunset Cantina
916 Commonwealth Ave., Boston
If you ever see a line of BU students forming outside of Sunset Cantina, it might be because the eatery once earned a spot on Thrillist’s 21 Best Nachos in America—or because those notable nachos are half off on Wednesdays from 6 to 9 pm. Since reopening amidst the pandemic, several menu options have been added, like the pork belly sandwich with chicharrón skin, BBQ rib platters, and birria tacos.
Sunset Cantina is open for lunch, dinner, and late-night bites. Check out menus and hours here.

Tasty Burger
1301 Boylston St., Boston
On your next Target run, take a detour to Tasty Burger, where the smell of burgers travels all the way down Boylston Street. For those on a budget, the price point is ideal, with burgers that cost $6 to $10. Outside of the loaded sandwiches, the eatery caters to those with a sweet tooth, thanks to the milkshakes and pies.
Tasty Burger, with an all-day menu, is open for lunch and dinner; find hours here.
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