12 best spots for outdoor brunch in Boston

Tucked along the waterfront at Boston’s Lovejoy Wharf, just steps from TD Garden, Mediterranean-inflected New England brunch awaits in the middle of the city’s hustle and bustle. Settle in to a view of the Zakim, order the pastry basket to start (the chocolate chip-almond scone is so cozy) and move onto a breakfast sandwich, scramble plate with Iggy’s sourdough toast and home fries, or lunch options like grilled shrimp tacos.

The perfect casual brunch option in Fenway, Audubon has a slightly secret back patio shrouded in baboo that’s heated if there’s a chill in the air. Walk on in to dine outside on French toast, breakfast burritos and excellent burgers, away from the foot traffic of Fenway. If you show up during an F1 race, or any compelling sports event, expect a fun crowd of fans, as the patio is fitted with outdoor TVs and Audubon is Boston’s top F1 viewing spot. 

Bistro du Midi complements its nouveau French cuisine with a striking view of the Public Garden, and there’s no better place to take in the food and the view than on the patio during brunch. This romantic spot calls for splitting a bottle of rosé (Côtes de Provence is always a good call), a dozen oysters and the ricotta pancakes or bistro burger while watching the world go by.

The Bowery Bar delivers the fun with an expansive patio dotted with bright umbrellas and even cooling mist on those particularly hot days. During the winter, the Dorchester outdoor spot has private, cozy yurts. Go with a group, order “hangover cure” adult iced coffees spiked with vanilla vodka and hazelnut liquor, and split breakfast tacos and banana bread bites for the table.

Housed in a 1918 armory building in Watertown, Branch Line has one of the most charming patio spaces around (hello, bocce!)—and a killer brunch on Saturdays and Sundays to match. While the menu from the wood-fire grill is ever-changing, you can always count on the famous rotisserie chicken, served with piccata or piri piri style; plus breakfast and lunch options as well as the mandatory mimosas and bellini. 

Tuck into the Dubliner for incredible food and an authentic atmosphere inside and out. At this pub helmed by celebrated Irish-born chef Aidan Mc Gee, you’ll enjoy a full Irish breakfast, baked eggs or the house-smoked salmon on a bagel. Given the patio’s décor—picture comfy sofas surrounded by lush green hedges—you can almost pretend you’re in the Irish countryside instead of Government Center.

The tented parking-lot patio behind this Jamaica Plain gem doesn’t boast a mind-blowing view, but the stellar weekend brunch at Brassica Kitchen would be worth even the worst atmosphere. Along with espresso drinks, funky cocktails and natural wines, brunch brings out Brassica’s destination-worthy fresh doughnuts and breakfast plates, like the house-favorite B.K. Fried Chicken accented with local maple syrup and fermented hot sauce. 

Head to Southie to take advantage of the chic internal atrium at Publico, which evokes the outdoors inside. Make a reservation amid the florals thriving under soaring skylights—a clutch move on a rainy summer day. To eat, choose among shareables such as a bag o’ donuts, French toast sticks, chicken and waffles and omelets. Cocktails are coined the “hair of the dog” at this fun spot.

It’s hard to beat the food, service and, of course, the famous garden patio at Harvest, a go-to in Cambridge for almost 50 years. With an outdoor fireplace, twinkling lights and sun-drenched cover, this outdoor escape is a year-round favorite. Brunch bites like chocolate babka and steak and eggs are not to be missed.

A sprawling, bustling patio situated in the heart of Back Bay is like a taste of Paris, serving daily French-inspired brunch. If you love a side of prime people-watching to go with your bucket of bubbles, croque monsieur and ricotta pancakes, Rochambeau is the place for your outdoor brunch crew.

Dine al fresco on this spacious South End patio with cheery, bright yellow tables that put you in the center of a lively brunch scene. Alongside the award-winning tacos are brunch-only options like churro French toast, a brunch chimichanga, chorizo breakfast tacos and of course, margaritas and mimosas.

A farm-to-table vision on the Seaport waterfront, Woods Hill Pier 4 uses ingredients raised with care to create modern, seasonal American fare. The signature lobster popover steals the show at brunch, along with high-quality takes on eggs Benedict, cinnamon swirl French toast and a glorious patisserie basket. Beyond the food, the expansive harbor views from the enormous patio will make you fall in love with Boston all over again.