One of the sure signs of spring in Boston is the reopening of outdoor spaces to eat, drink, and gather. After months of frigid weather, it’s easy to forget these options even exist.
But now that the sun is out, don’t you want to sit closer to it? Take your outdoor dining experience to the next level with a higher vantage point. Here are a few of our favorite rooftop spots around the city.
Let us know your favorites in the comments section.
Contessa
Atop the Newbury Hotel sits Contessa, serving up Northern Italian cuisine with views of the Back Bay and Boston’s Public Garden, this glitzy rooftop restaurant has a glass roof with retractable panels for sunny days. Reservations can be hard to come by, so book yours in advance.
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1 Newbury St., Boston. 888-974-3948, thenewburyboston.com
Blue Owl
The Blue Owl is one of Cambridge’s only rooftop terraces and bars. Located atop the 907 Main hotel in Central Square, Blue Owl has a lounge vibe and an impressive cocktail menu. Ever tried baijiu or aquavit? This is the place to do it. Open Wednesdays through Saturdays.
907 Main St., Cambridge. 617-349-2967, blueowlcentralsq.com
Lookout Rooftop and Bar
Trendy, busy, and central, the Lookout Rooftop and Bar located in the Envoy Hotel in the Seaport is a magnet for downtown workers and thirsty millennials. With views of Boston Harbor and city skyline, it’s hard not to pull out your phone and snap a pic at this spot. I don’t care how many times you’ve been.
70 Sleeper St., Boston (Seaport). 617-530-1538, theenvoyhotel.com
The Lexington
The Lexington at Cambridge Crossing opened in 2022. The bar/restaurant has a roof deck connected to its dining room and is a go-to destination for after-work drinks and evening get-togethers. The patio provides a spacious, comfortable space to enjoy a meal while taking in views of the Boston skyline.
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100 N First St., Cambridge. 617-945-1349, thelexingtoncx.com
Mare Oyster Bar
Mare is a seafood-focused restaurant hidden from the street and crowds that pack the North End on a warm day. The lounge-y patio from local restaurateur and chef Frank DePasqual is complete with fire pits, torches, tables, and a view of the Financial District skyline.
3 Mechanic St., Boston. 617-723-6273, mareoysterbar.com
Felipe’s Taqueria
If you’ve ever been to the Harvard Square Felipe’s, you know it has it all: casual Mexican fare, great margaritas, and tons of space for the reliable crowd this restaurant draws — including a lively roof-deck bar. Enjoy the view as you wash down those burritos and Baja-style tacos. Open weekends now, and every day starting around mid-May.
21 Brattle St., Cambridge. 617-354-9944, felipesboston.com
Legal Harborside
There are plenty of Legal Sea Foods locations, but the view from the three-story space located on Boston’s Liberty Wharf is unparalleled. Those that visit the third-floor promenade deck will enjoy a four-season rooftop lounge with a retractable glass roof and walls. Open Thursday through Sunday.
270 Northern Ave., Boston (Seaport). 617-477-2900, legalseafoods.com
Earls Kitchen & Bar
Serving up a globally inspired menu with craft cocktails, the rooftop lounge at Earls Prudential Center offers a three-season outdoor patio for guests to take in views of this lively part of the city. The 3,200-square-foot convertible indoor/outdoor rooftop patio features lush plantings, patio heaters, and chic decor.
Earls at the Prudential Center, 800 Boylston St., Boston (Back Bay). 857-957-0949, earlsrestaurants.com
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The Rooftop at the Revere Hotel
Opening in May, the Rooftop@Revere underwent recent changes and is introducing a new menu this spring. Eat, sip, and gather while enjoying views of the Theater District and Back Bay.
200 Stuart St., Boston. 617-482-1800, reverehotel.com
Six West
Located on the rooftop of the Cambria Hotel in South Boston, Six West is often bumping. The crowd tends to linger longer here because the views are stunning. It draws a diverse crowd of professionals and leans slightly on the swankier side. There’s a full bar and plenty of inventive cocktails.
6 West Broadway, Boston. 617-752-6681, sixwestbroad.com
Brittany Bowker can be reached at brittany.bowker@globe.com. Follow her @brittbowker and also on Instagram @brittbowker.