A good choice if you go to TD Garden, A&B has tacos, ribs, burgers, flatbread and a heated patio. 115 Beverly St., Boston, 857-449-2251, www.anbkitchen.com
alcove
With a convenient location near TD Garden and an extensive menu with kids’ portions, Alcove is a foolproof choice (especially now that Chef Charles Draghi of Erbaluce in Bay Village is in the kitchen). 50 Lovejoy Wharf, Boston, 617-248-0050, www.alcoveboston.com
Atlantic
This lively Portuguese-Spanish tapas bar, owned by Michael Serpa (Select), opened its South End terrace last weekend; Ask for availability. 600 Harrison Ave., Boston, 857-233-2898, www.atlanticoboston.com
Bar Enza
Mark Ladner of Manhattan’s acclaimed Del Posto runs the Charles Hotel’s new restaurant, serving up Italian fare (like his rich, famous 100-Layer Lasagna). At the back there is a green covered terrace with heat lamps on the ceiling. 1 Bennett St., Cambridge, 617-661-5050, www.bar-enza.com
The barking crab
The ever-popular downtown seafood party returns for the season with a large outdoor tent. 88 Sleeper St., Boston, 617-426-2722, www.barkingcrab.com
Bianka
There’s something for everyone here: sushi (Tim and Nancy Cushman also run O Ya downtown), delicious salads, pasta, wood-fired pizza, burgers, and a full kids’ menu with introductory sushi (pie and avocado) and a hi -lo Cheeseburger (Wagyu beef but topped with American cheese). 47 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, 857-576-8300, www.biancachestnuthill.com
Bistro du Midi
Overlooking the Boston Public Gardens, this tranquil bistro has patio seating for 20 and serves sumptuous shellfish towers for up to four. 272 Boylston St., Boston, 617-279-8000, www.bistrodumidi.com
Diners on the patio at Buttermilk & Bourbon in June 2020.Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff
Buttermilk & Bourbon
I have a weakness (or many weaknesses, after too many cookies) for this New Orleans-style restaurant that’s located in Back Bay but is also super easy in Watertown, with ample parking. I was told that their terrace is now open. Beignets, cinnamon butter cookies with honey icing, buttermilk fried chicken… you know. 100 Arsenal Yards Blvd., Watertown, 857-760-7128, www.buttermilkbourbon.com
Glasshouse
Jamaica Plain’s family-friendly taqueria plans to unveil its patio this spring with delicious queso dip, nachos, and tacos ranging from yuca and tofu to fried chicken and flavorful grilled shrimp — plus my kids’ favorite food: quesadillas. Drink? Maybe a watermelon bush mocktail. Sister restaurant Tres Gatos (470 Center St.) has a similar alfresco decor. 711 Center St., Jamaica Plain, 617-477-9977, www.casaverdejp.com
town hall
This tavern behind Fenway Park is opening a terrace for the first time this year (partially closed for rainy days). Settle into chili, burgers, meatballs, and even a whole roast pig when dining with a group. 1330 Boylston St., Boston, 617-450-9000, www.citizenpub.com
Davio’s seaport
Get Northern Italian steak and seafood along the waterfront. 26 Fan Pier Blvd., Boston, 617-261-4810, www.davios.com/seaport
The greenhouse and roof terrace of the Dorchester Brewing Company. Erin Clark/Globe Staff
Dorchester Brewing
Beer for adults and BBQ for all ages from M&M: baked mac and cheese, cornbread, loaded fries, brisket, ribs and more. 1250 Massachusetts Ave., Dorchester, 617-307-7674, www.dorchesterbrewing.com
big tour
Michael Serpa’s (Select) Newbury Street Bistro invites diners to dine al fresco with bavette, duck, mussels and plenty of wine. 314 Newbury St., Boston, 857-277-0800, www.grandtourboston.com
harvest
This neighborhood staple has a courtyard with a fireplace, as well as a partial canopy in case it rains. 44 Brattle St., Cambridge, 617-868-2255, www.harvestcambridge.com.
Place on the main street
Boston’s newest food hall has a little bit of everything: Mamaleh’s for Jewish delicacies; Gorgeous Gelato (for Gorgeous Gelato); Haley Jane Fried Chicken. Sit outside and order from the comfort of your own table – no need to wander from vendor to vendor. 100 High Street, Boston www.highstreetplace.com
The Terrace at the Grand Tour on Newbury Street.handouts
The Lexington
Head to this rooftop terrace in the growing Cambridge Crossing development for simple, people-friendly dishes like fried chicken and steak fries from Will Gilson (Puritan). 100 N. First St., Cambridge, www.thelexingtoncx.com
Lo La 42
The Seaport’s LoLa 42 features 1,000 square feet of outdoor dining so you can spread out with sushi, international fare and cocktails. 22 Liberty Drive, Boston, 617-951-4002, www.lola42.com
LoLa Burger
If you find yourself in the seaport, visit Lola for fried pickles, burgers, hot dogs, and 24-ounce shakes. Treat little gourmets to French fries with foie gras. 11 Fan Pier Blvd., Boston, 617-936-3170, www.lolaburger.com
Loretta’s last call
This country music themed bar in the shadow of Fenway Park, complete with brunch and bluegrass-style dancing, has a 56-seat patio (with four al fresco bar seats). 1 Lansdowne St., Boston, 617-421-9595, www.lorettaslastcall.com
Mare Oyster Bar
Slurp up conch and lobster rolls on this North End patio overlooking the Greenway, equipped with heat lamps and fire pits on cooler evenings. 3 Mechanic St., Boston, 617-723-6273, www.mareoysterbar.com
WHAT
Douglass Williams runs these outstanding Italian restaurants in the South End and Newton; Both locations will introduce patios this month. 782 Tremont St., Boston, 617-936-3490; 261 Walnut St., Newton, 617-546-8010, www.midarestaurant.com
Crazy about Porter
This family-friendly neighborhood has a kids’ menu, lunch and dinner daily, and $10 pasta on Tuesdays. 107 Porter St., Boston, 617-362-7663, www.pazzaonporter.com
Pier 6
Located in Charlestown’s Navy Yard, this elegant seafood joint features rooftop seating, a patio and a new alfresco bar overlooking Charlestown Marina. 1 8th St., Charlestown, 617-337-0054, www.pier6boston.com
PlantPub
If you want to be smart about getting your kids to eat their veggies, head to Kendall Square for a plant-based menu of cauliflower barbecue wings, wild mushroom truffle pizza and soft serve ice cream from former Harvest chef Mary Dumont. 675 West Kendall St., Cambridge, 617-714-5452, www.plantpub.com
postage
Shop at the Prudential Center, then relax on the 94-seat patio at Michelin-starred chef Jody Adams’ Mediterranean restaurant. Depending on the weather, it is open from Tuesday to Saturday. Ring Road, Boston, 617-536-1234, www.porto-boston.com
Public street bistro
From sliders to grilled cheese to pizza, there’s something for everyone on the street-facing terrace. 11 Dorchester St., Boston, 617-622-5700, www.publicoboston.com
role house
At this East Boston destination from the Pier 6 team, enjoy seafood and cocktails on an expansive patio overlooking the city. 6 New St., Boston, 617-895-4075, www.reelhouseboston.com
Rochambeau
This Back Bay brasserie near the Hynes Convention Center offers outdoor seating and all-day dining. 900 Boylston St., Boston, 617-247-0400, www.rochambeauboston.com
Seafood in Rochambeau. handouts
Season to taste
Covered, private patio cabanas are a big draw at this cozy, seasonal American spot in North Cambridge, where former Puritan chef Sam Day now helms the kitchen. 2447 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 617-871-9468, www.seasoncambridge.com
Sophia’s grotto
This cozy retreat in Roslindale is the ultimate spot in the neighborhood, with a light-filled patio and a family-friendly menu, from thin-crust pies to succulent meatballs. 22r Birch St, Roslindale, 617-323-4595, www.sophiasgrotto.com
sweet cheeks
Tiffani Faison runs this grill shop on the Fenway with buttermilk fried chicken, ribs and mac and cheese. The terrace is large (60 seats) and there is even a TV. It opened last weekend. 1381 Boylston St., 617-266-1300; www.sweetcheeksq.com
still water
Comfort food is the theme here, from myriad variations of macaroni and cheese to shortbread cookies and crème brûlée with peanut butter and jelly. Why not? 120 Kingston St., Boston, 617-936-3079, www.stillwaterboston.com
Stillwater in Boston.still water
Timeout Market Boston
Your patio is now open: Order via app at Union Square Donuts, Taqueria el Barrio, Gelato & Chill and more. However, it fills up quickly; Come by 11am on weekends to secure a good spot. 401 Park Drive, 978-393-8088, www.timeoutmarket.com/boston
Trattoria Il Panino
This North End classic features a fully covered patio, making it a safe option even when it rains. 11 Parmenter St., Boston, 617-720-1336, www.trattoriailpanino.com
Yellow Door Taqueria
Their tacos (scallops with prickly pear molasses; roast pork belly) are creative and delicious. Terraces overlooking the street are available now, with a larger South End to follow later this spring. 2297 Dorchester Avenue, Boston, 857-267-4201; 354 Harrison Ave., Boston, 857-239-9276, www.yellowdoortaqueria.com
Kara Baskin can be reached at kara.baskin@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @kcbaskin.
