The Sinclair’s patio / cr. Erin baldassari
The mercury in our thermometer is finally on the rise, which means that patio dining around town is similarly peaking. We sought out two new, out-of-the way patios to get in on the action.
Benefitting from the advantage of height, the Sinclair’s second floor deck is hidden from Harvard Square street traffic. Though still a recent addition to the ‘hood’s culinary scene, their menu has already become a drunken night’s best ally — namely their disco fries, soaked in American cheese sauce and scattered with jalapenos.
The club’s offerings extend beyond late-night snacks, however. They’ve got a full menu with sophisticated seafood dishes like crisply battered oysters garnished with pickled celery, which adds an intriguing flavor twist to the shellfish standby. Take advantage of the new patio — which boasts hardwood pine tabletops, twinkling lights and a playlist spun by knowledgable staffers — to nosh on such summery dishes.
Meanwhile, in another square, al fresco diners will delight in communally-inspired nibbling at Kendall Square’s Belly. The lovely little wine bar opened just last fall and is embarking on its first patio season. The Blue Room’s little sister shares its brick-shrouded, basement level patio, but its space feels wholly separate and more casual.
Their Charcuterie, made in-house, and cheese platters are perfect sharable snacks. New to the menu is a fried chicken dinner, also for sharing. Fixings include biscuits with locally-made honey and a bitter slaw of radicchio, cucumber, fennel, and thyme. All the fixings of an urban picnic beneath stars.
