Alcove
With a convenient location near TD Garden, and a wide-ranging menu complete with kids’ portions, Alcove is a foolproof choice. 50 Lovejoy Wharf, Boston, 617-248-0050, www.alcoveboston.com
Atlantico
This lively Portuguese-Spanish tapas bar from Michael Serpa (Select Oyster Bar) offers a fun view of South End street life and tasty salt cod croquettes, too. 600 Harrison Ave., Boston, 857-233-2898, www.atlanticoboston.com
Bar Enza
Ben Affleck and J. Lo were recently spotted at the Charles Hotel’s in-house restaurant, which serves Italian dishes from new chef Tony Susi (the South End’s late, lamented Sage). Out back, there’s a verdant covered patio with heat lamps on the ceiling. 1 Bennett St., Cambridge, 617-661-5050, www.bar-enza.com
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The Beehive
Spread out on this 100-person South End patio while listening to live jazz and sampling a global menu. Groove until 10 p.m. on weekdays and until 11 p.m. on weekends; there’s also weekend brunch. 541 Tremont St., Boston, 617-423-0069, www.beehiveboston.com
Bianca
Get something for everyone: sushi (Tim and Nancy Cushman also run O Ya downtown), delicious salads, pastas, wood-fired pizza, burgers, and a full kids’ menu that includes introductory sushi (cukes 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
Branch Line
This Watertown rotisserie is known for two things: poultry and patios. There’s plenty of outdoor seating, with a heated terrace available year-round. 321 Arsenal St., Watertown, 617-420-1900, www.branchlinearsenal.com
Buttermilk & Bourbon
I have a soft spot (or many soft spots, after too many biscuits) for this New Orleans-style restaurant, which has a Back Bay location but also a super-easy one in Watertown, with tons of parking. I’m told their heated, covered, fire-pit-festooned patio is now open. Beignets, honey-glazed biscuits smeared with cinnamon butter, buttermilk fried chicken … You get the idea. 100 Arsenal Yards Blvd., Watertown, 857-760-7128, www.buttermilkbourbon.com
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Citizen Public House
This tavern behind Fenway Park has a heated patio (partially enclosed for rainy days); it’s ready now. Settle in for chili, burgers, meatball sliders, and even a whole roasted pig if you’re dining with a group. 1330 Boylston St., Boston, 617-450-9000, www.citizenpub.com
City Tap House
City Tap House has outdoor seating for 60-plus, with fire pits and portable heaters in case temps get chilly. Visit for weekday lunch, weekend brunch, and dinner every night. 10 Boston Post Wharf, Boston, 617-904-2748, www.citytap.com
Cosmica
This lively Mexican spot at the South End’s Revolution Hotel has a light-strewn, flowery patio that feels far removed from the urban bustle (particularly after a margarita). 40 Berkeley St., Boston, MA 02116 cosmicaboston.com
Davio’s Seaport
Get Northern Italian steak and seafood along the waterfront. 26 Fan Pier Boulevard, Boston, 617-261-4810, www.davios.com/seaport
Dorchester Brewing
Beer for the adults and barbecue for all ages from M&M: baked mac-and-cheese, cornbread, loaded fries, brisket, ribs, and much more. 1250 Massachusetts Ave., Dorchester, 617-307-7674, www.dorchesterbrewing.com
Faccia a Faccia
Celebrate spring at Jamie Bissonnette and Ken Oringer’s coastal Italian restaurant in the Back Bay, with pitchers of wine and green tagliatelle with clams. 278 Newbury St., Boston, 857-991-1080, www.facciaafacciaboston.com
Harvest
This neighborhood staple has a courtyard with a fireplace, plus a partial roof in case of rain. It’s open Wednesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner from noon onward; there’s also Sunday brunch. 44 Brattle St., Cambridge, 617-868-2255, www.harvestcambridge.com.
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High Street Place
Boston’s newest food hall has a little bit of everything, from Fuji sushi to Blackbird Doughnuts to Pennypacker’s porchetta sandwiches. When the warm weather hits, order from the comfort of your al fresco table — no need to traipse from vendor to vendor. 100 High St., Boston, www.highstreetplace.com
Il Casale
Dante DeMagistris (Dante, The Wellington) and family run this reliable Italian trattoria in Belmont Center, which is approachable enough for families but dressy enough for a nice night out. A heated sidewalk patio offers a nice view of the streetscape, and there are even blankets. 50 Leonard St., Belmont, 617-209-4942, www.ilcasalebelmont.com
Ivory Pearl Bar
Sip complex cocktails paired with high-low treats at mixology master Ran Duan’s seafood sanctuary and raw bar, which has a large patio and heaters (though they weren’t on during a recent visit). Duan is known for Baldwin Bar in Woburn, and Blossom Bar a few blocks away. 1704 Beacon St, Brookline, 617-487-5297, www.ivorypearlbar.com
Joia
Dive into calamari, spaghetti carbonara, lobster fettuccine, or eggs Benedict at this new all-day restaurant with 24 patio seats overlooking the Greenway, opening on Friday, April 21. 195 State St., Boston, www.joiaboston.com
The Lexington
Visit this rooftop at the growing Cambridge Crossing development for simple, people-pleasing dishes like roast chicken and steak frites from Will Gilson (Puritan), open Monday through Saturday for dinner. 100 N. First St., Cambridge, www.thelexingtoncx.com
Little Whale Oyster Bar
Inside, it’s a proper Newbury Street brownstone; outside, there’s a sunken patio perfect for enjoying bivalves, crudo, and champagne from chef Michael Serpa while people-watching. It’s open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. 314 Newbury St., Boston, 857-277-0800, www.littlewhaleboston.com
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Lolita Fort Point
Lolita Fort Point’s waterfront location has a heated 150-seat patio with full bar, but get there early: Those margaritas are first-come, first served. 253 Summer St., Boston, 617-369-0931, www.lolitamexican.com
Loretta’s Last Call
This country-music-themed bar in the shadow of Fenway Park, complete with a bluegrass-style brunch and dancing, has a 56-seat patio (with outdoor bar seats). 1 Lansdowne St., Boston, 617-421-9595, www.lorettaslastcall.com
Mare Oyster Bar
Slurp bivalves and lobster rolls on this North End patio overlooking the Greenway, outfitted with heat lamps and fire pits on crisper evenings. 3 Mechanic St., Boston, 617-723-6273, www.mareoysterbar.com
Pazza on Porter
This family-friendly neighborhood staple has a children’s menu, daily lunch and dinner, and $10 pastas on Tuesdays. 107 Porter St., Boston, 617-362-7663, www.pazzaonporter.com
Pier 6
This sleek seafood spot at Charlestown’s Navy Yard features roof-deck seating, a patio, and a new outdoor bar overlooking the Charlestown Marina. 1 8th St., Charlestown, 617-337-0054, www.pier6boston.com
PlantPub
If you need a sly way to get 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 from former Harvest chef Mary Dumont. 675 West Kendall St., Cambridge, 617-714-5452, www.plantpub.com
Porto
Jody Adams’s tribute to Mediterranean cooking on the outskirts of the Prudential has a light-strung patio with couches and heat lamps. It opens in time for Marathon Monday. Ring Rd., Boston, 617-536-1234, www.porto-boston.com
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Publico Street Bistro
From sliders to grilled cheese to pizza, there’s a little bit of something for everyone on this friendly patio. 11 Dorchester St., Boston, 617-622-5700, www.publicoboston.com
Puritan & Company
Chef Will Gilson’s farm-fresh American neighborhood restaurant has a covered patio, open Monday through Saturday for dinner. 1166 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, (617) 615-6195, www.puritancambridge.com
ReelHouse
At this East Boston destination from the Pier 6 team, enjoy seafood and cocktails on a sprawling patio with city views. 6 New St., Boston, 617-895-4075, www.reelhouseboston.com
Saltie Girl
Glimmering shellfish towers, tinned fish, bubbles: This hedonistic Back Bay hideaway from restaurateur Kathy Sidell (now with locations in London and L.A.) is open from 11 a.m. until late, with an outdoor terrace and lots of good vibes. 279 Dartmouth St., Boston, 617-267-0691, www.saltiegirl.com
The Salty Pig
Charcuterie is the star at this first-come, first-served courtyard patio, open daily until 10 p.m. starting on April 14. 130 Dartmouth St., 617-536-6200, www.thesaltypig.com
Sophia’s Grotto
This cozy hideaway in Roslindale is the ultimate neighborhood spot, with a light-strewn patio and a family-friendly assortment of dishes, from thin-crust pies to succulent meatballs. 22r Birch St., Roslindale, 617-323-4595, www.sophiasgrotto.com
SRV
Starting on Wednesday, April 8, SRV will begin serving arancini, stuffed shrimp, parmesan biscuits, and other delicate bites al fresco. 569 Columbus Ave., Boston, 617-536-9500, www.srvboston.com
Sweet Cheeks
Tiffani Faison runs this barbecue parlor in the Fenway, with buttermilk fried chicken, ribs, and mac-and-cheese. The patio is big (60 seats), and there’s even a TV. 1381 Boylston St., 617-266-1300; www.sweetcheeksq.com
Stillwater
Comfort food is the theme here, from countless varieties of macaroni and cheese to buttery biscuits to crème brûlée made with peanut butter and jelly. Why not? 120 Kingston St., Boston, 617-936-3079, www.stillwaterboston.com
Thirsty Scholar Pub
Swill a pint and slurp some Christina’s ice cream at a picnic table beneath an umbrella. 70 Beacon St., Somerville, 617-497-2294, www.thirstyscholarpub.com.
Time Out Market Boston
Sample treats from Squeeze Juice Co., Taqueria el Barrio, Lala’s Neapolitan-ish Pizza, and lots more. Outdoor seating fills up quick, though; on weekends, arrive by 11 a.m. to snag a good seat. (It opens at 8:30 a.m. on the weekdays, 9 a.m. on weekends.) 401 Park Drive, 978-393-8088, www.timeoutmarket.com/boston
Trattoria Il Panino
This North End classic has a fully covered patio, so it’s a safe option even when it rains. 11 Parmenter St., Boston, 617-720-1336, www.trattoriailpanino.com
Urban Hearth
This cozy North Cambridge hideaway opens a street-side, 26-person patio on Tuesday, May 2. Visit Tuesday through Saturday for buttermilk biscuits, scallop crudo, and seared halibut. 2263 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 617-682-7295, www.urbanhearth.net
Vee Vee
The patio at this sweet JP favorite opened the week of April 10. Enjoy ribs and gorditas while the sun shines bright on your face. 763 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, 617-522-0145, www.veeveejp.com
Kara Baskin can be reached at kara.baskin@globe.com. Follow her @kcbaskin.