Where to Dine Outdoors in the South End
Outdoor Dining in the South End
The South End neighborhood is equally as known for delicious dining as it is for beautiful historic architecture. Because The South End is a protected historic district, demolition is prohibited and protective zoning restrictions prevent the establishment of a hotel in the area. The Upton offers guests the opportunity to experience the South End like a local, without having to walk or drive to the region from a hotel. You’ll be within a 10 minute walking radius of more than 15 different restaurants. The Upton is also a short walk to Back Bay, Copley, and Newbury Street.
Outdoor dining at Banyan
Outdoor dining in Boston officially became back in season in April and many restaurants in the South End have already created special expansive outdoor seating set ups unlike in previous summers to ensure a safe dining experience. Restaurants have worked so hard this year to provide safe dining experiences and we have been constantly impressed by their ability to innovate. There are more outdoor dining options than ever and we love it. Sidewalk space is narrow so many restaurants have thoughtfully created patios that extend outward into parking spots in the street to provide an outdoor dining experience that feels natural and comfortable. Prepare to enjoy scenic meals and warm weather. Whether you are looking for brunch, a celebratory dinner, or weeknight drinks, there is no shortage of restaurants offering outdoor seating nearby.
Continue reading for some of our favorite outdoor dining set ups in the South End. In addition to this list, there are many more restaurants. Feel free to ask us for a recommendation if you don’t see a cuisine that you are looking for on this list.
Outdoor Dining Options Nearby
The Black Lamb
The Black Lamb is an American Brasserie located on Tremont Street almost directly across from us. They have outdoor seating options in front of their restaurant and in a blocked off street next to it. Many of their tables have umbrellas overhead for warmer days and heaters for cooler nights. They are offering $1 oysters every day until 5:00pm. They have several small tables for parties of two and then a handful of larger tables up to 6 people. The Black Lamb accepts reservations and guests can select to dine on the patio or indoors.
Acquitaine
Acquitaine shares the same street reserved for outdoor dining as The Black Lamb. Acquitaine serves French cuisine and eating on a quaint brownstone street almost makes you feel like you are dining in Europe. They provide several umbrellas for sun coverage as well. You can make reservations 30 days in advance for up to 6 people online and select outdoor seating or indoor seating. Call for larger parties.
Kava Neo-Taverna
Kava Neo-Taverna has expanded their outdoor seating options to be larger than ever before. The restaurant itself is small, but now they now offer more outdoor seating than even possible indoors. As one of the most popular restaurants, their expansive outdoor dining options makes getting a table a little easier. They accept reservations only on a day-to-day basis starting at 7:00am and you can book a table for up to 6 people online. You can reserve to sit on the patio or indoors. Prepare to come here often while staying at our short term apartments.
Barcelona Wine Bar
Barcelona Wine Bar is a lively Tapas restaurant that is great for weekend nights and drinks. They offer expansive outdoor seating and are a great option for bigger groups of 4+ people.
B&G Oysters
Few things beat enjoying fresh seafood under the sunset. B&G Oysters has a patio hidden behind the restaurant that you would never know is there. The patio has about six tables so be sure to make reservations in advance to ensure a table there. You can make reservations for up to 6 people but they have a limited amount of tables that accommodate parties that large so this spot is more ideal for smaller groups. B&G Oysters offers happy hour under the sunset at B&G oysters every Thursday - Sunday.
Coppa
Our favorite Italian restaurant Coppa built a custom patio to accommodate extended outdoor seating and we hope it stays for years to come. You can book a reservation online a month in advance and select outdoor seating.
Banyan
Banyan’s outdoor dining offerings are one of the largest in the South End. The pan-asian gastropub has created a beautiful outdoor dining space with hanging lights, plush plants, and everything that you need to feel comfortable. You’ll feel like you are entering an urban jungle only minutes away from our short term apartments. They are currently offering patio seating only for up to 6 people.
The Buttery
The South End Buttery recently built a patio for outdoor dining. The patio creates a nice atmosphere that makes it feel like you are dining outside and not in the street. The Buttery offers breakfast pastries, sandwiches, salads, and prepared food to go. This is the perfect spot for breakfast, weekend brunch, or to get some work done outside. You can select indoor or outdoor dining when booking a reservation. This is a great go-to cafe if you are at The Upton for an extended stay.
The Beehive
The Beehive is a bar and eatery known for their nightly live musical performances. If you are looking for daytime dining or prefer warm weather to the musical performance inside, The Beehive has a decent sized outdoor seating area. Last summer their outdoor seating was decked in beautiful blossoms and greenery and we look forward to seeing the final set up this year. This is a great option for weekend brunch outside, drinks, dinner under the stars, and their picnic tables accommodate bigger groups. Reservations are for full brunch and dinner meals and you can walk-in for drinks and smaller bites.
The Butcher Shop
Anchovies Bar
Anchovies is a quaint neighborhood bar serving up food and drink. It’s a place where everyone knows each other. Their outdoor seating is limited so go early.
Petite Robert Bistro
Petite Robert Bistro is a french restaurant with an outdoor patio and outdoor street side seating.
SRV
This Venetian restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating, and we aren’t sure which atmosphere is better. The outdoor dining is on a patio behind the restaurant. SRV is a little farther from The Upton than the restaurants above, but worth the trip.
Ilona
Oops! We haven’t gotten to writing a description for this delicious Mediterranean spot yet but we highly recommend it.
Mida
We haven’t gotten to writing a description for this delicious Italian restaurant yet but we highly recommend it.