DIRTY WATER’S BEST PATIOS
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- Published on Monday, 16 May 2011 12:16
- Written by DWN
Patios. They are a make or break feature for bars and restaurants. And nowhere can appreciate a nice outdoor patio more than the Hub of the Northeast.
After arguably our most severe winter in recent memory we’ve all got one thing on our minds: warm weather. More specifically: enjoying a tall, cold Budweiser or sipping on a frozen margarita in some warm weather.
So we here at Dirty Water News took it upon ourselves to compile a list of Boston’s best patios to enjoy in these summer months. And where better to begin than at THE TIMES on Broad Street. One of Boston’s most popular patios offers you a view of the Wharf District Park. A past winner of The Boston Chowderfest, this Irish pub and restaurant has a superb menu and one of the liveliest patios from May through September.
Just a bit further down Broad Street you’ll find VINTAGE LOUNGE. While they are known for their sleek interior more people are discovering the quaint bistro-style patio just outside. As their bartender Chris noted, “it’s tucked away on Custom House Street where there’s little thru-traffic. So it’s a perfect spot to sit outside and relax any day of the week.”
Sometimes the best part of an outdoor dining experience is when you’re right in the action. Which is where RED SKY puts you. Situated on the sidewalk of North Street, the patio sets you on the fringe of Faneuil Hall. You can hear the street drummers banging away as crowds pass en masse to and from the TD Garden. Try their sweet “4S” lunch deal; Soup, Salad and a Sandwich for just Six bucks!
CAFETERIA has a patio. And Cafeteria is on Newbury Street. Enough said. But I’ll continue: Because when you have a fine wine list as well as specialty cocktails that include the Cafeteria Bowl (flavored vodkas, dark rum and tropical juices) you’ve got a winning combo. Add the heavy pedestrian traffic (read: people watching) of Boston’s chicest street and then you’ve got yourself a fun afternoon.
You could also choose to take a walk through Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park and end up at THE LIVING ROOM, where you will obviously feel right at home. The North End’s biggest outdoor patio is a great location for some after-work drinks.
Over on Kneeland Street you’ll find SPLASH. The best part about Splash is that their patio is on the roof. Plus it’s the only place you can enjoy their Signature Gin Martini in your own reserved cabana. Their lovely servers will make you feel like you’re the star…which you are, of course.
Some patios are geared towards the nightlife crowd. Over on State Street you will find two side-by-side nightlife patios. SANCTUARY is known as the intimately lit, multilayered party hot spot playing all the radio has to offer. And their backlit bar, packed dance floors and friendly staff keep the party going hard so stepping outside for some fresh air is a welcoming break.
Next door you’ll find GOOD BAR with their Great Patio! The cool breeze coming off the Atlantic and a couple of giant fishbowl drinks will make you feel like you’re at the beach.
Go to GAME ON on Lansdowne to revisit the days of sitting on the back deck and listening to the Red Sox game with your family. Only now you’ll be hearing the actual crowd noise pour over the walls from Fenway Park as you watch on a massive flat-screen and knock down a few aluminum canned beverages in place of the juice boxes of your Sox fandom salad days.
In Quincy’s Marina Bay the OCEAN CLUB is heading into its sophomore summer. This sprawling outdoor venue is like one grand patio open all summer long. It’s palm trees, tents and pools will make you feel like you’ve booked a trip to a resort. Not to mention the girls in bikinis.
Primarily, PIZZERIA REGINA in Allston is known for two things: its awesome pizza and its awesome staff. Well get ready for a third: its awesome patio. When you get the three together you’re going to have one hell of a night.
These next two spots up the ante on this entire list because they not only feature waterfront patios but also their roof decks are the talk of the town. The WHISKEY PRIEST exploded onto the scene last summer. Its floor-to-ceiling windows create an open-air atmosphere without leaving the massive bar. But when you do go outside its out to a patio or up to the roof deck overlooking an inlet of Boston Harbor. The adjoining ATLANTIC BEER GARDEN, affectionately known as the ABG, offers the same patio and roof deck tandem. The pair’s ample offering of flat screen TVs, huge liquor and beer selection and carefully crafted menus make these bars the Seaport District’s best spots to catch a Sox game then relax seaside without having to change venues in between.
If you feel like your favorite Boston patio has been overlooked then go onto DirtyWaterNews.com and tell us in our Discussion Forum in our “Boston’s Best Patios” thread.
