Photo: Dan Salafia

Our square-by-square guide to the best outdoor dining in Boston’s northern neighbors

Davis Square

This Somerville hot spot near Tufts University has long been home to some of the area’s most beloved restaurants, and, as luck would have it, some of them even boast outdoor seating. In the heart of the square, feel the breeze at Irish pub/music venue The Burren and old-school pizza joint Mike’s Food & Spirits. 

Union Square

Near Somerville’s border with Cambridge, Union Square is packed with restaurants of all kinds. Two of the longer-standing eateries—which, perhaps not so coincidentally, boast large outdoor patios—are The Independent, a popular gastro-pub in the center of the square, and The Neighborhood, a welcoming Portuguese-American hangout known for its baked goods and excellent breakfast menu. For those looking for a taste of Germany and Central Europe, Bronwyn fits the bill, and even hosts a seasonal, outdoor biergarten. Indecisive diners can hop over to the multi-level Bow Market, which features a wide variety of global cuisines among its 16 food and drink vendors, all surrounding a central, open-air courtyard. The facility’s on-site brewery and a wine bar certainly shouldn’t hurt the decision-making process. There's also Michael Scelfo's Italian eatery Josephine at the Cambria Hotel, complete with ample al fresco seating.

Assembly Square

Assembly Row is the focal point of this area that has been vastly redeveloped over the last decade-plus. Several of the restaurants at this bustling shopping/dining/entertainment complex face Baxter Riverfront Park and the lovely Mystic River, including the global street food/craft cocktail specialist River Bar, which features an expansive, year-round outdoor patio complete with fire pits. The hot spot is currently being renovated, yet it's set to re-open sometime this spring. Outdoor spaces facing the water can also be found at Canadian import Earls Kitchen + Bar. A short walk away lies Andy Husbands’ barbecue palace The Smoke Shop, which has its patio right next to Assembly Row’s bocce courts.

Harvard Square

Home to world-renowned Harvard University, this popular Cambridge enclave has long been a dining destination, and many of its refueling outposts feature outstanding outside spaces. One of the most picturesque is the garden courtyard at Harvest (pictured above), one of the area’s premier farm-to-table eateries. Speaking of which, farm-fresh cuisine can also be savored on the patio of the pioneering Henrietta’s Table at The Charles Hotel. Another hotel dining experience of note can be found at the Sheraton Commander’s Nubar, which features a menu of modern New England fare along with al fresco seating. Dining bargains along with fresh-air noshing can be found at both the classic hangout Grendel’s Den and dive bar Charlie’s Kitchen, home to a year-round beer garden. For a hospitable Irish-American vibe, check out Grafton Street in the heart of the square. For modern American pub food, head to Russell House Tavern and enjoy a pint or craft cocktail street-side. Another intimate hot spot is Daedalus, which has an in-demand roof deck perched above the square that offers a birds-eye view. 

Central Square

One of the area's most vibrant and diverse locales, Central Square showcases cuisines from all over the world at its many restaurants, including Ken Oringer's acclaimed, internationally inspired Little Donkey, which also features a lively outdoor space. Other favorites with outdoor seats include the iconic restaurant/music venue The Middle East, Irish mainstay The Phoenix Landing, longtime MIT hangout Miracle of Science and Asian standouts like Shojo, which mixes delicious pan-Asian dishes with sought-after craft cocktails, creative sushi and live jazz destination The Mad Monkfish and Pagu, which adds Spanish flair into the mix.

Kendall Square

This high-tech wonderland adjacent to MIT has its own vibrant restaurant scene, including Jewish deli stand-out Mamaleh’s, which is a favorite for bagels, sandwiches and more, all of which can be enjoyed in the fresh air. Chinese eatery Sumiao Hunan Kitchen also has plenty of outdoor seats upon which to relax with an authentic Asian meal and creative cocktails, while delectable pizza can be enjoyed on the patio at Area 4.

East Cambridge

Although not technically a square, this area between Lechmere Square and the Charles River is nevertheless packed with dining options. Two hotel hot spots with notable patios reside here: Bambara Kitchen & Bar, which offers access the Kimpton Marlowe Hotel’s courtyard as well as its own intimate space overlooking the Charles River canal to enjoy Mediterranean-influenced food and drink, while the Royal Sonesta Boston’s ArtBar boasts seasonal American cuisine which can be savored on its lively outdoor perch overlooking the water. Also at the hotel is the relatively new Italian gathering spot MonteVerdi, which took over the coveted outdoor space on the Charles River that was formerly occupied by Dante.

Please check with individual restaurants to verify if their outdoor dining spaces are open for the season.