There is one upside to the utterly morbid gray weather that Boston has endured this not-so-merry month of May. When that sun finally pours out, we will be ready to soak it up — preferably with some al fresco dining.
The riverside patio at Restaurant dante has one of the best views: The Charles River’s tacking, bobbing boats and the Boston skyline. Then there’s the splendid view of dante’s sfizi — “little bites” — to order up en masse and share ($5 each).
Dot. Ave. oasis dbar’s secluded patio is the place for our favorite “gazpacho”: The excellent Black and Blue Bloody Mary ($8.95), which adds black pepper and blue cheese to an already excellent Mary. With the crispy celery stirrer and cornichon, well, that’s salad, isn’t it?
Sam’s at Louis welcomes well-mannered dogs to their lovely deck overlooking the harbor. Two-legged creatures can enjoy an open-faced oyster “Po’Boy” sandwich on toast with an Old Bay-spiced aioli and egg salad ($16) or snacks and burgers from the restaurant’s afternoon menu any day from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Tia’s offers a trio of patio spaces, which are for hire for your own patio party. Lobster and clambakes are available, too. Or just join the bustling after-work crowd and chow on Tia’s Seafood Fiesta ($27.99) — salmon, scallops, mussels and more in marinara over linguine.
Set in peaceful Charles Square, Henrietta’s Table brings New England to the plate. Enjoy Henrietta’s Yard Sale — Sunday to Thursday — and choose two or three courses from Henrietta’s Classics menu ($32/$25, includes choice of one side).
Speaking of New England: Whichever patio you choose, take a jacket, just in case.
