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The best places for summer food in Boston – Metro US

The best places for summer food in Boston

A band plays at Church. Credit: Derek Kouyoumjian It wouldn’t be summer without a little music. Try Church for both food and live music.
Credit: Derek Kouyoumjian

For that sliver of time when Boston’s weather is at its best, locals flock to the city’s restaurants and watering holes like moths to a flame. Here’s ten of our favorite spots to sit back and revel in that short, but glorious summer.

The Colonnade Hotel’s Roof Top Pool

Finding a poolside oasis in the city is no simple task, but the Colonnade’s rooftop pool is the place to be for city-dwellers who aren’t looking to sit in traffic on the way to the Cape. Recently refurbished to include luxurious private cabanas and lounge chairs, the pool will also be the only place in the city that will serve Pizzeria Regina pizza outside of an actual Regina Location. 120 Huntington Ave., www.colonnadehotel.com

Russell House Tavern

Harvard Square is so much more peaceful without the legions of college students hovered over Macs. Located smack dab in the middle of the Square, Russell House’s menu has diversified its offerings this year. Enjoy the Seared Yellowfin Tuna BLT on the adorable first-come, first-serve brick patio area. 14 John F. Kennedy St., Cambridge, www.russellhousecambridge.com

Poe’s Kitchen at the Rattlesnake

Chef Brian Poe’s casual bar/restaurant on Boylston St. is a popular watering hole for those seeking both high-quality comfort food and a fun roofdeck in the summer heat. Poe puts an adult twist on classic bar food like Fish Tacos, made of Celery Root Tempura battered Local White Fish, Apple & Anaheim Chile Slaw. 384 Boylston St., www.rattlesnakebar.com

Tico restaurant. Credit: Derek Kouyoumjian Stop by Tico for summer fare.
Credit: Derek Kouyoumjian

Tico

Michael Schlow’s popular Back Bay spot has something for everyone, and if your something happens to be a spacious patio with couches and a fireplace, you’re in luck. Tico is always bustling, and with summer dishes like Island Creek Razor Clam Ceviche with pineapple, horseradish, and cilantro, it’s no surprise why. 222 Berkleley St., www.ticoboston.com

Rialto

A staple of Harvard Square, there’s a reason Rialto has maintained a stellar reputation. Slight variations on Grilled Striped Bass with tomato, corn, basil, aioli and clams are a summer menu staple, as is a glass of Italian Rose from Puglia or Tuscany to go with it. Their outdoor dining space is a hidden gem, with lush grape vines and ivy climbing up the trellis. 1 Bennet St., Cambridge, www.rialto-restaurant.com

Island Creek Oyster Bar

If you’re on the quest for top-of-the-line seafood, Island Creek is your dream come true. Competition for the best lobster roll in town is fierce, and ICOB’s Warm Buttered Lobster Roll is a New England summer staple. 500 Commonwealth Ave., www.islandcreekoysterbar.com

Church

Located in the Fenway neighborhood, Church is known for its live music scene and good-time grub. Classic snacks like roasted chicken wings with mustard stout dipping sauce are always big with the barfly crowd, and the spacious patio is casual enough to loiter around for a long summer afternoon. 69 Kilmarnock St., www.churchofboston.com

Towne Stove and Spirits

For those who enjoy a side of celebrity sightings with their meal, head to Lydia Shire’s sprawling Back Bay restaurant Towne. In addition to a lively bar scene, Towne’s patio provides the perfect spot for going al fresco in Back Bay. Try the Turkey Burger with cabbage & fennel Slaw and chipotle dressing. 900 Boylston St., www.towneboston.com