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Whether they’re overlooking the Harbor or Harvard Square, Boston has a ton of great rooftop bars to hit up this summer.

Boston

Photo courtesy of Lookout Rooftop Bar Boston

We’ll be the first to admit it, Boston’s not always perfect. From the bone-chillingly cold winters to the oh-so flammable Green Line, there’s more than a few downsides to living in the Bay State capital—but it only takes one warm spring afternoon to remind Bostonians why they choose to call this historic city home. 
 
As temperatures climb and daylight increases, longtime locals and new transplants alike emerge from their homes to soak up the sun. And as an added bonus, Boston’s hottest rooftop bars begin their annual return right alongside them. Whether you’re craving hoppy craft ale, a crisp Albariño, or a couple of frozen margaritas with some top-tier tacos on the side, the perfect open-air hangout spot is just a short T ride away. Here are the best rooftop bars in Boston.

We’ll be the first to admit it, Boston’s not always perfect. From the bone-chillingly cold winters to the oh-so flammable Green Line, there’s more than a few downsides to living in the Bay State capital—but it only takes one warm spring afternoon to remind Bostonians why they choose to call this historic city home.

As temperatures climb and daylight increases, longtime locals and new transplants alike emerge from their homes to soak up the sun. And as an added bonus, Boston’s hottest rooftop bars begin their annual return right alongside them. Whether you’re craving hoppy craft ale, a crisp Albariño, or a couple of frozen margaritas with some top-tier tacos on the side, the perfect open-air hangout spot is just a short T ride away. Here are the best rooftop bars in Boston.

We’ll be the first to admit it, Boston’s not always perfect. From the bone-chillingly cold winters to the oh-so flammable Green Line, there’s more than a few downsides to living in the Bay State capital—but it only takes one warm spring afternoon to remind Bostonians why they choose to call this historic city home.As temperatures climb and daylight increases, longtime locals and new transplants alike emerge from their homes to soak up the sun. And as an added bonus, Boston’s hottest rooftop bars begin their annual return right alongside them. Whether you’re craving hoppy craft ale, a crisp Albariño, or a couple of frozen margaritas with some top-tier tacos on the side, the perfect open-air hangout spot is just a short T ride away. Here are the best rooftop bars in Boston.

This elegant Cambridge venue perched atop 907 Main offers stellar views of Central Square. At Blue Owl, travel the world without leaving Middlesex County with bites ranging from Colombian Bunuelos to Korean Fried Chicken Wings. For drinks, opt for the avant-garde with the Dill Or No Dill, which offers a blast to the taste buds with a fascinating blend of peppercorn sochu and aquavit. The lemon-infused Sadie is also a top choice for beating the summer heat.

Photo courtesy of Blue Owl

Blue Owl

The Boston Seaport has been growing like a weed since the early 2000s, and for a front row seat to all the action, it’s tough to beat the Omni Hotel’s Lifted Restaurant. While stunning neighborhood views abound at this fifth-floor outpost, the bar is no stranger to fine food and drink either, offering a menu loaded with seafood dishes spanning from Coconut Shrimp Bowls to Salted Caramel Lobster Rolls. For best results, be sure to pair your protein with a Golden Hour, a booze-forward option that meshes vodka, passion fruit, turmeric, and boba all in one vessel.

Photo courtesy of Lifted Restaurant

Lifted Restaurant

Located sixteen floors up from the DoubleTree lobby, Over the Charles provides some of the finest riverside views available across Allston. For any seafood fanatics, this spot offers ahi tuna tartar, seared Norwegian salmon, and a certified New England classic (clam chowder, of course) while plant-based diners can snag some Garden Vegetable Soup or an Impossible Burger as they soak in the surrounding views. Visiting beer fans should be sure to sample a few selections from beloved Framingham-based brewery Jack’s Abby, but for spirits aficionados, the whiskey flight and tequila flight are two particularly intriguing options.

Photo courtesy of Over The Charles

Over The Charles

After a slew of successful ventures in Tel Aviv, Miami, and New York City, Major Food Group from Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi, and Jeff Zalaznick, made their first foray into Boston in 2021, launching the opulent Contessa atop the Newbury Hotel. Italian favorites like Veal Milanese and Fusilli Genovese are all up for grabs here, while drink options range from the effervescent Spritz Contessa to the Raspberry Cobbler—but it’s the ambiance that really makes this spot shine. Outfitted with a marble bar, lush greenery, and a retractable glass roof, expect a healthy dose of old-school elegance while sipping on cocktails.

Photo by Ken Fulk, courtesy of Contessa

Contessa

Making the journey from Boston to Quincy can be quite a commitment, but Alba’s trendy atmosphere, verdant rooftop herb garden, and extensive drink menu all make it well worth hopping on the Red Line. Once you’ve alighted at the Quincy Center T stop, make your way five minutes south to find Grilled Swordfish and Braised Short Rib Gnocchi amidst classic warm weather cocktails like the Aperol Spritz and Gin Fizz. Don’t skip out on dinner just because it’s raining—the property has a retractable roof in place for those exact occasions.

Photo courtesy of ALBA Restaurant

Alba Restaurant

Alba's Restaurant

It’s a bit of a hike from downtown Boston, but if you’re willing to put up with the relentless metallic screech of the Green Line, Cityside Tavern is ready to reward you with tasty cocktails and a gorgeous bird’s-eye view of Cleveland Circle. Equipped with a diverse menu full of flavorful pub fare like Buffalo Chicken Dip and country fried chicken alongside boozy brunch cocktails and whiskies from across the globe, it’s no wonder that this spot has been adored by BC students and local professionals alike since 1985.

Photo courtesy of Cityside Bar

Cityside Tavern

Eastie is best known as the home of Logan Airport, but this underrated neighborhood is well on its way to developing a booming food and drink scene, with local favorite Cunard Tavern leading the charge in rooftop dining accompanied by stellar mixology. While you can feast on Fish Tacos and Pepper Shrimp &amp; Grits framed by the Boston skyline, don’t miss out on weekend brunch—it’s only served inside, but it’s still pretty killer, with chorizo and hash brown-loaded Breakfast Burritos, Cinnamon Roll Waffles, and Mimosas all up for grabs.

Photo courtesy of Cunard Tavern

Cunard Tavern

Classic cocktails and contemporary American fare await at Daedelus, a cozy pub that’s been serving the denizens of Harvard Square since the turn of the millennium. If the returning warm weather has you feeling drained, Daedalus’ breezy rooftop has the perfect antidote: A refreshing Bees Knees, Irish Mule, or Paloma paired with a hearty helping of Butternut Squash and Chicken Risotto—or the signature (and decadent) Daedalus Burger.

Photo courtesy of Daedalus Restaurant

Daedalus

Boston’s largest neighborhood tends to fly under the radar when it comes to tourism, but craft beer aficionados would be remiss to skip out on a trip to Dorchester Brewing Company. The open-air roof deck provides some of the area’s best skyline views, which conveniently pair perfectly with a fresh Forever OFD DIPA or thirst-quenching Down To The Core cider. Once you’ve worked up an appetite after a couple of brews, head right downstairs to M&amp;M BBQ for a cornucopia of savory selections ranging from Pulled Pork Sandwiches to Baked Mac ‘n Cheese. How to book: Via <a href="https://www.exploretock.com/dorchesterbrewingcompany/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Tock</a>

Photo courtesy of Dorchester Brewing Company

Dorchester Brewing Company

Head to the former stomping grounds of Elle Woods to find Felipe’s Taqueria, a charming Harvard-adjacent venue that specializes in hearty Mexican fare. While it’s definitely tempting to stuff your face with Crispy Chicken Flautas and savory Chicken Tortilla Soup, make sure to save some room for a frozen Passion Fruit Margarita along with a mezcal float if you’re feeling bold. Reservations are nonexistent around here, but no worries—that gives you the perfect opportunity to take a leisurely stroll around Harvard Square as you wait for a table to open.

Photo courtesy of Felipe's Taqueria

Felipe’s Taqueria

Felipe's Mexican Taqueria

Located steps away from the Leader Bank Pavilion (or whatever they’ve decided to call it this week), Legal Harborside is a haven for seasoned seafood aficionados and first-time samplers alike. The menu is decked out with lobster rolls, crab rolls, and a surprisingly large sushi selection, but nothing pairs quite so beautifully with a view of Boston Harbor as their opulent Chilled Seafood Platter (and a few glasses of hand-selected wine, of course).

Massachusetts Office Of Travel & Tourism/Flickr

Legal Harborside

A 2021 addition to the Greater Boston dining scene, The Lexington checks off all of our boxes with gorgeous architecture, picturesque views of Cambridge Crossing, and classic American favorites ranging from Beer-Battered Fish Tacos or a Fried Chicken Sandwich. Grab a mezcal and absinthe-loaded Against The Day, or opt for the East Side Izzy, a gin martini crowded with fresh pickles made on-site.

Photo courtesy of The Lexington

Rooftop bars and gorgeous skyline views tend to go hand-in-hand, but few destinations in the city offer such a spectacular shot of downtown Boston as Lookout. This polished venue has been welcoming curious diners into winter pods way before it was cool, plying them with Margaritas and Mai Tais since 2017—and now, as spring gets back into full swing, there’s ample opportunity to savor Bay State-inspired bites like Spiced Sweet Potato Tacos and Para Maria Caesar Salad without fear of the icy Atlantic wind interfering with your night.

Lookout Rooftop & Bar

Lookout Rooftop and Bar

A staple for idyllic open-air dining in Charlestown, this harborside haunt is home to some of the finest seafood-centric dining in walking distance of Bunker Hill. And if you’re desperately craving Jumbo Lump Crab Cake and Blackened Swordfish Tacos but don’t feel like taking the bus from downtown Boston, there’s no need to worry—the restaurant offers a complimentary water taxi that departs just a short walk from the Maverick T stop. A tip for cocktail lovers—spring for the Pier 6 Painkiller, a boozy concoction loaded with pineapple, crème de coconut, and rum.

Photo courtesy of Pier6 Boston Waterfront

Pier 6

Pier6 Boston

There’s plenty of room for activities atop the Revere Hotel—16,000 square feet’s worth, to be exact. While Rooftop@Revere is best known as the largest rooftop lounge in the city, this open-air hangout has a lot more to offer than just room to roam. Fresh off the heels of a new renovation, the space welcomed Lantern Lounge in April 2023, adding a brand-new bar space to the venue. Equipped with a lengthy international wine list, a constantly-rotating (and Massachusetts-centric) craft beer selection, and a wide array of refreshing cocktails, the world is your (boozy) oyster at this urban dreamscape perched seven stories above the Common.

Photo courtesy of Revere Hotel Boston Common

Rooftop@Revere

Rooftop Lounge

<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/authors/jared-ranahan" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Jared Ranahan</a>&nbsp;is a freelance writer focusing on travel, wildlife, and food &amp; beverage.

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15 Rooftop Bars in Boston with Jaw-Dropping Views

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