Boston Patio Favorites from A Boston Food Diary

As promised, I’m bringing you guys some great posts from some fellow bloggers while I’m away. Today, I have Fiona from A Boston Food Diary. Thanks Fiona for posting in my absence!

One Year Ago: Cannoli Cupcakes
Four Years Ago: Cookie Dough Chocolate Ice Cream Cupcakes

One of the things I’ve always loved most about living in New England is the true celebration of the
seasons. We know how to get the most out of the beautiful fall foliage, we can hunker down and enjoy
the snow swirling, and, probably most of all, we know how to fully maximize our time outside when
the weather turns warm. We are hitting that time again here in Boston, and as Jen jets off to enjoy
foreign locals, I thought I’d present you guys with a roundup of fantastic spots to both enjoy the sights
of Boston, the gorgeous weather, and some delicious grub.

Patio Favorites:

Audubon Circle- located on busy Beacon Street just before the bridge into Boston from Brookline,
Audubon Circle doesn’t look like much from the outside. However, one “in the know” knows that by
simply walking through the restaurant, with a friendly wave to the awesome bartenders and staff they
have there, in the back lies one of the loveliest patios. Bordered in sky reaching bamboo plants, this
little oasis doesn’t seat many, but it provides just enough space to gather with friends and enjoy one of
Audubon’s delicious cocktails, and one of their delicious salads or sandwiches.

Rattlesnake Bar and Grill- Talk about an oasis! Three stories above the bustle of Boylston Street in
downtown Boston, Rattlesnake takes patio dining to a whole new level. This roofdeck is separated out
into area for eating, and area for drinking and stays open as late as the main restaurant does. After 10
pm it definitely becomes a scene, complete with a line to gain access, but despite the crowds it wins out
as the perfect space to sip Sangria or a Mojito and chat with your fellow city dwellers. When the kitchen
is open- you have full access to the awesome mind of chef Brian Poe- the man is a comfort food with a
Mexican flair genius!

Del Frisco’s- If you are looking for a more upscale dining experience, Del Frisco’s opened their first
Boston restaurant on the water in South Boston- and included- wisely I might add- a delightful patio
overlooking the water. Of course as beautiful as the view is from their patio, and as delicious as their
steaks are (believe me- delicious), they have another unique feature to their patio. They are positioned
quite nicely near the Bank of America Pavillion, one of the best spots for a summer concert. The
Pavillion always seems to get in some of the best artists out there, and it’s rumored that their music can
be heard quite clearly from the patio of Del Frisco’s. Worth a visit I’d say…

Legal Seafood Harborside- Legal’s has long been an institution here in Boston. It was my family’s go
to “nice dinner” spot whenever we had a special occasion. Last year Legal opened up their brand
new flagship location on the water front in South Boston (next to De Frisco’s in fact)! Their top floor
is a dedicated roof deck serving up small bites and their first sushi experience. I have to say, enjoying
soaring temperatures on the water front while enjoying some delicious seafood-could there be anything
better?

Charlie’s Kitchen- Looking for a simple pint and a burger without the muss and fuss? Charlie’s Kitchen
provides a “beer garden”- esq space in a relaxed atmosphere right in the heart of Harvard Square.
Harvard co eds and hipsters alike mingle here creating a fabulous spot for people watching. Charlie’s is
known for their burgers, and serve up a pretty sweet veggie burger as well- or so I’m told.

ArtBar- One of my all-time favorite patios however is on the Charles River, Cambridge side, offered by
ArtBar, part of the Royal Sonesta located there. An expansive patio with comfy seating encouraging a
lingering stay, this is a perfect location to sit back, sip a cocktail and watch the boats find their wind on
the river. ArtBar is putting the time and effort into their offering to hand make their own juices and
sodas and creating an ever changing offering to keep their guests happy. This is a treasure if there ever
was one.

Soon enough the people of New England will be back to hunkering down –so get on out there and enjoy
that beautiful weather!