Urban Oases: My Favorite Patios in the City

Aside from the beach, theres no place Id rather spend my summer leisure time than parked on a patio with a few friends, a chilled pint of seasonal beeror a tangy glass of red sangria...or a minty mojito (sorry, bartenders)...or a zesty margarita...or even a glass of fresh-brewed iced teain hand.

Unfortunately, not all urban oases are created equal, and while Im not here to bash the ones that have fallen into my ill favor, I feel that its my civic duty to enlighten your senses by sharing a few of my favorite outdoor spaces for enjoyment during the warmer months. Emphasis on "a few": Boston is chock-full of fantastic patios and roofdecks that are ripe for the picking, libations or not, and depending on your preferences, you might agree or disagree with my picks. But these are the spots that have served me well consistently over the years, and which immediately come to mind when someone asks for a recommendation.

So, please, sit back, enjoy and explore accordingly. Just dont be that guy who needlessly hogs the last remaining beneath-the-umbrella chair with his gym bag. (You know who you are.)

Update: A kind friend alerted me of two erroneous omissions after my initial posting. The additions are included after the jump.

The Middle East 472 Massachusetts Avenue, Central Square Save for a few seasonal umbrellas, the Middle East patio is about as bare bones as you can getits you, the sidewalk, and a piece of tarp used to corral the dozen or so tables that line a small section of Mass Avenueand maybe thats why I like it so much. Eats are cheap, with the average entree costing just $7, and beer is served by the glass or pitcher. Its the perfect place to fuel up before a late night, or to linger on the weekend while the rest of the city sits on traffic en route to the beach.

The Boston Public Library courtyard 700 Boylston Street, Copley Square

Yes, this exists in your backyard. Now, go! (Credit: Karyn Polewaczyk)

The courtyard at the BPL isn't so much a patio as it is a public space for enjoyment by all, but no matter: it's absolutely stunning. If you've lived in the city for awhile and haven't yet been, shame on youand visit, immediately, on your next day off, be it weekday (when you're most likely to secure a table amidst the lush greenery and marble walkways) or weekend (beware of tourists). Pack a picnic and call it a date. And did I mention there's free WiFi? Yeah, the library rocks.

Alibi Bar at the Liberty Hotel 215 Charles Street, Beacon Hill If I've got out of town guests visiting who want a taste of Boston plus a little something extra, I'll take them to Alibi. Yes, the patio gets full quickly, and yes, the wait for a drink can take a few extra minutes longer than one might like on a Saturday night. But the scene is swank, the furniture is cushy, the pour is generousand the Liberty, location-wise, is convenient, no matter where you're coming from (or going to come closing time).

Andala Caf 286 Franklin Street, Central Square

Read the original here:
Urban Oases: My Favorite Patios in the City