Prudential Center

News

8 p.m. sunsets. Regular temps in the 70s. Games at Fenway. That’s right, Boston — spring is in full force. And, what better way to celebrate than enjoying some crisp cocktails and delicious food in an al fresco setting? We may be a little biased, but Prudential Center has 7 of the best spots for patio dining in Boston. Let’s take a look (in no particular order)!

1) Earl’s Kitchen + Bar 

If you’re seeking a lively vibe, Earl’s may be your best bet. The massive three-season rooftop patio is always abuzz, especially on warm, sunny days or mild, breezy evenings. 

A something-for-everyone menu features some new, seasonal cocktails. We’re sipping on a Limoncello Spritz (St. Germain, limoncello, fresh lemon juice and prosecco). Why not share a seafood platter — featuring a chef’s selection of oysters, jumbo shrimp cocktail, ahi tuna poke, crispy shrimp sushi roll, and lobster tail, served with yuzu black pepper mignonette? Follow with sushi tacos, a burger, or a plant-based meal. You can’t go wrong when patio dining at Earl’s.

2) Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse

What’s better than a flawless meal at an ultra-premium steakhouse? A flawless meal on the outdoor patio of an ultra-premium steakhouse, of course. Snag one of Del Frisco’s tables on Boylston Plaza for a distinguished dining experience with a nice breeze and a side of people watching. 

Hand-cut steaks, freshly prepared seafood, and family-style sides rule the menu at Del Frisco’s. Pair with a selection from the extensive wine cellar. Just make sure that, even if you order the 32 oz prime tomahawk, you save room for dessert. The warm banana bread pudding is the stuff of dreams. 

3) Eataly

Another Boylston Plaza oasis, Il Patio di Eataly is a can’t-miss destination on the map of premiere patio dining in Boston. This outdoor terrace embodies the flavor of dining all’aperto in an Italian city square. If you close your eyes, sip your classic spritz, and bite into your warm Neapolitan-style pizza, you might just believe you’re an ocean away.

And patio dining at Eataly is about to be double the fun: A new rooftop terrace is opening soon. Expect all the authentic flavors you’ve come to love from the marketplace in an elevated al fresco setting.

4) Pressed Cafe

Patio dining in Boston shouldn’t be limited to two meals a day. That’s where Pressed Cafe’s all-day fast-casual concept comes into play. Open 7 days a week from 5 a.m. – 10 p.m., Pressed Cafe serves breakfast all day long, so you can savor house-made breakfast burritos, bagels, and classic breakfast plates morning, noon, and night.

The sunny Huntington Avenue patio is a great place for savoring a salted caramel latte while firing off some morning emails. Come back after a long work day to enjoy some bar tapas and a refreshing drink from the full bar. Might we suggest a What a Melon, a vodka cocktail with fresh watermelon, blood orange, mint, lime, and agave?

5) Porto

If Mediterranean seafood dishes in a high-energy setting are on your mind, the Porto Boston patio is calling your name. The work of James Beard Award-winning Chef Jody Adams and restaurateur Eric Papachristos, Porto is informal yet fancy enough to be fun.

Soak in views of the Boston skyline while slurping fresh local oysters, noshing on house-made pappardelle with wild mushroom ragout, and sipping craft cocktails. It’s no wonder Porto has been named one of the best spots for patio dining in Boston over and over again.

6) Cheesecake Factory

The raised terrace off Belvidere Street is the perfect spot to enjoy the classics from the wildly popular Cheesecake Factory. Known for its extensive menu, including more than 30 legendary cheesecakes, this family-friendly American bistro offers more than 250 dishes made from scratch, to order, every day.

We are picturing a Sunday brunch feasting on Cinnamon Roll Pancakes and Fried Chicken & Waffles Benedict with the whole family. Of course, there’s specialty drinks, draft beers, and a nice selection of wines if you fancy a beverage while soaking up the sun on The Cheesecake Factory patio. 

7) California Pizza Kitchen

Just off of Bridge Court, California Pizza Kitchen offers their classic hearth-baked pizzas and full-service patio dining. But, there’s so much more — salads, pastas, entrees, soups, sandwiches, and beverages. And, the fact that there’s a kid’s menu makes this another ideal option for a family-friendly al fresco meal. 

The famous Spinach-Artichoke Dip makes the perfect starter for your table to share. What are you having for your main course: BBQ Chicken Pizza, a Bahn Mi Power Bowl, or Cedar-Plank Salmon? The diverse menu ensures everyone is happy. Savor a slice of butter cake, and, once you’re ready to leave the sunny patio, grab a take-and-bake pizza to save for another day.

The forecast is calling for a beautiful long weekend ahead. So, what are you waiting for? Reserve your spot on one of these gorgeous patios to soak it up. 

P.S. Keep in mind that patio dining in Boston can be weather-dependent, so call ahead to your favorite restaurant to make sure the patio is open when it’s rainy or stormy out.