This is about as quintessentially Boston as a restaurant gets—which is to say, it’s on an actual boat. The floating oyster emporium is docked at Pier One in East Boston and features three mahogany bars built around the grand mast. The menu gets right to the point with oysters, shrimp and lobster cocktail, sushi, charcuterie boards, and many a summery cocktail, including five frozen drinks.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.
It’s the outdoor space that has been begging for its close-up ever since opening day, and now it’s fully yours for the taking. Time for some oysters, salmon poke, charred avocado, and summery cocktails like the Wimbledon (strawberry Pimm’s #1, cucumber, ginger ale), all served with a side of epic water views.
How to book: Reserve via OpenTable.
We all have a lot of Aperol spritzes to catch up on this summer.—and that’s just the start of the refreshing lineup here. Crudo, homemade pastas, summer salads, and grilled black bass make for the perfect warm weather spread on Bar Mezzana’s epic front patio, a prime spot for people-watching.
How to book: Reserve via Resy.
Yes, the roof deck is open, as is the sidewalk patio. Kick back for a relaxed meal of moules frites, blackberry and asparagus salad, and the famous Sam Cunard burger topped with fried clams. Then return for a brunch menu that includes chocolate chip pancakes and croissant French toast.
How to book: Reserve via Resy.
Before you can say, “But Saltie Girl doesn’t have patio space,” Kathy Sidell’s on it. She moved the Saltie GIrl menu over to the MET Back Bay’s sunken patio last summer; this summer she’s serving a full menu of raw bar items, grilled lobster, fried clams, cocktails, and the entire tinned seafood collection. Just expect a long wait—the setting is just that appealing.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.
Last summer, chef-owner Craigie on Main Tony Maws ingeniously pivoted by creating Craigie Next Door, an outdoor dining area in the adjacent parking lot. The al fresco joys continue this year, as the restaurant dishes up family-style meals that Maws cooks himself on the outdoor grills. You don’t get a choice in the day’s selection (vegetarians excepting), but with food this satiating, you’ll hardly be complaining. (Note: the restaurant will be closed throughout the month of August.)
How to book: Reserve via OpenTable.
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