Where to Eat Lunch Outdoors on a Weekday in and Around Boston

September 9, 2021

Where to Eat Lunch Outdoors on a Weekday in and Around Boston

Whether one is sneaking out of the office for a weekday lunch date or booking a business meeting over a midday meal or just changing up the usual routine, it can sometimes be difficult to find a great restaurant that is open for lunch on a weekday and offers a nice outdoor seating area.

Here are 25 such options in and around Boston, serving tapas on a South End sidewalk, tacos on a hidden patio in Allston, banh mi in a Cambridge garden, and more.Please note that while operating hours mentioned in this map were accurate at the time of publication, restaurants’ hours are subject to change without notice — and many restaurants are changing them frequently these days, given the immense staffing challenges.

Lunch service is often first on the chopping block, so it’s best to double check with a restaurant directly before heading over.

Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; the latest data about the delta variant indicates that it may pose a low-to-moderate risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial transmission. The latest CDC guidance is here; find a COVID-19 vaccination site here.

Note: Restaurants on this map are listed geographically.

1. Snappy Pattys (Monday through Friday)

454 High St
Medford, MA 02155

(781) 219-4804

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The partially covered patio tucked away behind this West Medford mainstay is cozy and casual — great for a weekday lunch with friends, and it’s family-friendly, too. It’s comforting fare: the eponymous snappy pattys (essentially sliders in a variety of styles, which diners can mix and match), sandwiches, salads, and more. Don’t miss the chowder and the fried chicken, and be sure to order a side of tater tots, which come in a generously sized bowl. Solid beer list, too.

A stack of mini burgers on buttery toast sit in a white paper container on a patio table, with a big white bowl of tater tots and a mojito visible in the background. — Snappy pattys and tots on the Snappy Pattys patio in Medford.

2. Sugar & Spice (Monday through Friday)

1933 Massachusetts Ave
Cambridge, MA 02140

(617) 868-4200

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Even though it’s right on busy Massachusetts Avenue in the heart of Porter Square, the Sugar & Spice sidewalk patio always feels like an oasis, decorated with plenty of flowers and partially covered with umbrellas. It’s one of the best Thai restaurants in town — while its menu is huge, it expertly dials into various regional specialties — and there are plenty of vegan and gluten-free options. No reservations, but diners can add themselves to the waitlist on the way over.

A gold bowl of Thai soup with pieces of pork belly, an egg, and rolled rice noodles visible, as well as crushed chile flakes. — Guay jub at Sugar & Spice.

3. Gran Gusto (Wednesday through Friday)

90 Sherman St
Cambridge, MA 02140

(617) 441-0400

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Hidden away in a quiet part of Cambridge, Gran Gusto is one of the best Italian restaurants around; the pizza, the lasagna, and the paccheri are all must-tries. There’s some patio space out in front, embellished with trellises and greenery. The restaurant does take reservations, but not specifically for outdoor seating.

Paccheri garnished with a meaty short rib ragu and a sprig of rosemary sits on a white plate on a dark background — Paccheri with short rib ragu at Gran Gusto.

4. The Neighborhood Restaurant (Monday through Friday)

25 Bow St
Somerville, MA 02143

(617) 623-9710

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The Neighborhood’s enormous breakfasts are legendary, and the cream of wheat is iconic, but there are plenty of lunch options too — hearty comfort food with a Portuguese twist. Seating is first come, first served; the wait for the grapevine-covered patio is long on summer weekend mornings, but you shouldn’t have a problem getting a seat during weekday lunch hours.

A blue outdoor table is covered with large plates of breakfast food. Two pink plates in the foreground hold chocolate chip pancakes, hashbrowns, egg, and sausage. — Neighborhood’s meals are gigantic.

5. Bow Market (vendor schedules vary)

1 Bow Market Way
Somerville, MA 02143

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On weekday afternoons, Bow Market’s courtyard seating is first come, first served, and it’s dog-friendly and kid-friendly. Hours vary for the vendors at the Somerville collection of restaurants, bars, and shops, but you’ll almost always find at least a few dining options available. Mike & Patty’s and Saus are open for lunch every weekday, for example, serving sandwiches (Mike & Patty’s) and vegetarian poutine, Beyond dogs, and salad bowls (Saus). Catch Perillas (bibimbap) Tuesday through Friday, Hooked (poke bowls and lobster rolls) Thursday and Friday, Koshari Mama (vegan Egyptian food) on Friday, and more.