During a mid-May grand opening party, the new Governor Bradford in Provincetown feels remarkably like the old Governor Bradford. The interior is a bit different, sure: new floors, a new bar with a tile backsplash, a new wood ceiling in the main restaurant area, windows that let in lots more natural light. But that seaside watering hole vibe still permeates the decades-old place at the corner of Commercial and Standish Streets—an enviable spot so bustling that a police officer directs foot and car traffic during busy season—and thankfully.

Familiar sights for anyone who’s frequented the tavern abound: the pool table, albeit sporting fresh blue felt to match the refinished chair cushions; the same black and white sign bearing the iconic spot’s name on the wall of the stage that has seen memorable karaoke performances over the past 20-odd years. And because it’s Provincetown, some TVs play the Sox game while others are tuned to RuPaul’s Drag Race. Not that you can hear much over the pleasant hubbub as servers pass around free bites from the new comfort-food-focused menu, including chicken pot pie croquettes and bang bang shrimp. In other words, even if the spot’s handsome wood detailing now boasts a bit of shine, new management (again, following the 2022 changing of the guard) doesn’t change the fact that the Bradford is still a favorite townie bar in the very best possible way.

See also: The Top Restaurants in Provincetown Right Now

“We are big on saying that we are custodians, we are not owners,” says Joe Johnston—the director of operations of Coastal Hospitality Group, which now leases the building—a few hours ahead of the opening party. “I’m not coming into the Bradford and whitewashing it.”

Whitewashing, no—except maybe the new literally gleaming white exterior siding. Another upscale perk: Seats by the new giant accordion windows will be future people-watching spots for the Carnival parade in August and other town events, too. But despite the newness, customers can still sip cocktails in a space full of charm, history, and just the right amount of kitsch.

What helps, surely, is that the staff knows Provincetown. When word came late last year that the building’s owner, Lexvest Group, had found a new tenant for a fifteen-year lease, the town collectively held its breath. Surely, this was another sign of Provincetown’s corporatization—another hospitality giant coming in to kill the local charm. And, yes, Coastal Hospitality Group is, indeed, a group, with four Cape Cod restaurants under its belt (Chapin’s Bayside in Dennis; the Chatham Cut, Codo Mexican Kitchen, and Pate’s in Chatham). “That just means that we have the support to give the buildings what they need,” Johnston says. In Bradford’s case, that means upgraded TVs and a new sound system, a new forthcoming patio, and—hallelujah!—goodbye to the tiny old bathrooms.

Like the restaurant that’s been called the Governor Bradford since 1960, Johnston has been kicking around Provincetown for a while. He was the general manager of seafood-focused Fanizzi’s for two decades. Governor Bradford’s new general manager, Vincent Bosely, worked with Johnston at Fanizzi’s and managed Codo last year. Most of the staff stayed on from the previous incarnation of the Bradford that featured chef/co-owner Collin Kolisko at the helm, serving an izakaya-inspired menu. (Kolisko and his team took over in 2022.)

“It was like a hidden gem,” Johnston says of Kolisko’s concept. “All of our industry was like, ‘Oh, it’s great. You gotta go.’ But it was tough in a tourist town where you walk into this [building] and you don’t necessarily expect that concept.” (Kolisko previously told the Provincetown Independent that he’s looking for a smaller spot in town, and we can’t wait.) “The building dictates what works,” Johnston says. As in, most people walk into a pub and expect pub food.

Johnston developed the new menu of elevated diner-type food himself over about four months and describes it as “comfort chic” and “elevated enough, but still approachable.” Think: a beef Wellington/shepherd’s pie hybrid, branded with the bar’s name on the puff pastry; hearty meatloaf with creamy, garlicky potatoes dauphinoise; shake-and-bake pork schnitzel; and burrata-topped chicken, cod, or shrimp parmigiana. Some particularly retro favorites make the cut, like deviled eggs, oysters Rockefeller, and fondue, not to mention laidback classics like burgers and fried chicken. “We wanted to give you that grandma’s cooking feel,” he says. “The emotional strings that come attached with the food—we really wanted to tug on those.”

Other dishes lean into Provincetown’s Portuguese heritage and the building’s history as a Portuguese fisherman hangout: Portuguese kale soup, for one, as well as cod, seafood stew, and a seven-cheese version of mac and cheese with spicy pork sausage and a garnish of crumbled bolo lêvedo (a slightly sweet Azorean roll that’s like the lovechild of an English muffin and cake).

The bar program boasts some surprises. Johnston is excited to offer wines on draft, including beauties like a rosé from Provence, France; sauvignon blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand; and prosecco—all dispensed from a temperature-controlled system that’s free of potentially wine-spoiling exposures to sunlight and air. “It’s not too prevalent in town,” he says. “It’s a huge up-and-coming trend in Europe. A lot of people think draft wine is like boxed wine, but it’s totally different.” The draft wine program allows easy sampling of different varietals without committing to a whole bottle. Highlights of the cocktail menu, meanwhile, include a blueberry basil smash with gin and a reimagined mint julep with butter-washed whiskey and matcha syrup. Boozy milkshakes and zero-proof offerings (an espresso cocktail with orange zest syrup and a cream float; smoked tea with maple, orange, and club soda) are on offer, too.

Governor Bradford, like other spots on Commercial Street, has always pulled triple duty—at once a bar, restaurant, and entertainment venue. The legendary drag karaoke isn’t going anywhere. And at least five nights a week, diners can come in for live music. “In such a huge art community, we wanted to give performers a chance to get their face out there,” Johnston says. And like a heckler in the concert crowd, there are always going to be naysayers when something new—or sort of new—happens in town. That packed first night of service, though, saw Johnston, Bosely, and familiar staff working in harmony. “It put people at ease, seeing Vince and I,” Johnston says. “We’ve worked here [in Provincetown] forever. We’re not strangers.”

312 Commercial St., Provincetown, thegovernorbradford.com.

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More Cape Cod dining

New Restaurants to Try This Month

Recent (or imminent) openings to check out.

The Alley (Downtown)

The Craft Food Halls team has opened a new all-day venue in Post Office Square, the Alley—not to be confused with the Alley Bar. Offering everything from coffee and breakfast to dinner and drinks (including a snazzy pour-your-own-beer-and-wine system), not to mention ping pong and shuffleboard, the space feels tailored toward casual group outings. Think: after-work gatherings over charcuterie boards, sandwiches, and chicken vodka parm mac ‘n’ cheese (sure, why not?)

1 Post Office Sq., Downtown Boston, alleyboston.com.

Alice & Monarch (Kendall Square)

Hospitable Italian on the ground floor, a dessert-and-cocktail bar hidden below—there’s something for everyone at this new restaurant from the team behind Harvard Square’s pizza-and-more gem Source. (Yep, there’s pizza here, too; it’s similar to Source’s pie, but not wood-fired.)

238 Main St., Kendall Square, Cambridge, 857-856-5055, aliceandmonarch.com. 

Bey (South End)

Tabbouleh Negronis, olive coladas, and Beirut pilsners set the stage for upscale Lebanese dining at this Shawmut Avenue newcomer. Bring a group to dine through a wide selection of cold and hot mezze (labneh with za’atar chips, makanek—beef and lamb sausages, pan-fried halloumi with orange blossom honey, etc.), kebabs, and a few larger plates, such as grilled whole branzino.

280 Shawmut Ave., South End, beyboston.com.

Beyond Proof (Jamaica Plain)

This new zero-proof bar provides the date-night ambiance—in gorgeous pinks and florals—sans alcohol, but with just as much care poured into spirit-free concoctions. Mediterranean bites make them sing.

597 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, Boston, beyondproofboston.com.

Foxglove Terrace (Allston)

What’s better than a creative cocktail? A creative cocktail on a rooftop with expansive skyline views, of course. This Comfort Kitchen and Ama at the Atlas sibling sits high atop Allston’s Atlas Hotel, pairing mind-blowing drinks with genre-hopping dishes. (Most of the space is fully enclosed, but there’s an open-air portion as well.)

40 Western Ave., 16th floor (Atlas Hotel), Allston, Boston, foxgloveterrace.com.

Sanbada (Allston)

Banchan are more than supporting players at this new Korean spot: Excuse us if we devour plate after plate of the sweet-spicy eggplant. But the restaurant serves delectable main courses, too, particularly grilled fish. Win, win.

165 Brighton Ave., Allston, Boston, instagram/sanbada.allston.

Scull & Keel Fish House and Spirits (Cambridge)

So long to ArtBar, the Royal Sonesta’s long-running restaurant, and hello to its replacement, the seafood-focused Scull & Keel. The opening menu includes dishes such as Atlantic crab cake sandwiches with spicy remoulade; shrimp po’ boys; hot and cold seafood towers; lobster dinners for two; and lots more. Bonus: It’s in a hotel, so it has convenient all-day hours, from 7 a.m. breakfast to an 11 p.m. closing time.

Royal Sonesta, 40 Edwin H. Land Blvd., East Cambridge, scullandkeel.com.

Sugar’s Hot Pizza (Seaport)

Slice alert: Sugar’s Hot Pizza is now open steps from its comfort-food sibling, Stubbys. With a slogan of “nothin’ fancy,” the casual spot is offering a streamlined menu of pizza (by the slice or pie), sandwiches, soft serve, and a handful of other items. Pizza toppings include vodka chicken, because every Italian-ish spot is required to serve vodka sauce these days; a hot honey, capicola, jalapeño, and red onion combo; chicken, bacon, and ranch; and more. Ok, maybe a little fancy.

29 Northern Ave., Seaport District, Boston, sugarshotpizza.com.

The Zebra Room (Downtown Crossing)

You haven’t seen a steakhouse like this one: Hidden beneath sibling Yvonne’s, the Zebra Room eschews the leather-chair, white-tablecloth norms of the genre in favor of an intimate, exclusive space with comfy lounge seating—perfect for sipping very cold martinis.

4 Winter Pl. (enter through Yvonne’s), Downtown Crossing, Boston, zebraroom.com.

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Outdoor Openings and Reopenings

Seasonal beer gardens and more. (Find additional options in last month’s roundup.)

Island Creek Raw Bar (Seaport)

Summer must be here now that this Seaport offshoot of a Duxbury fave is back for the season. Lobster tacos, caviar-topped hot dogs, and frozen hibiscus margaritas, here we come.

99 Autumn Ln., Seaport District, Boston, islandcreekoysters.com.

The Grove at the Lawn on D (Seaport)

Seaport’s expansive Lawn on D, reopening June 6, got a bit of a rebrand (enter “the Grove”) and refresh this year. The all-ages outdoor spot features cabanas, swings, live music, big screens for sports and movie nights, and plenty of food and drink, not to mention photo-friendly greenery throughout (designed in collaboration with Floratorium). On the menu: poke bowls, Tajín mango cups, fried fish, grilled cheese, watermelon frosé, and s’mores martinis.

420 D St., Seaport District, Boston, signatureboston.com/lawn-on-d.

Night Shift Brewing (Allston, Esplanade, and Downtown)

Night Shift’s seasonal beer gardens are back up and running for the warmer months: on the Esplanade along the Charles River, in Herter Park in Allston, and in Dewey Square downtown. All dog-friendly, the gathering spots are featuring some fun seasonal releases, including Rickey Sour, a raspberry lime rickey-inspired sour ale; Double Parked, a citrusy double IPA; and Levity, flavored sparkling water with hops and electrolytes. Outside food is welcome, and watch for rotating food trucks at the Esplanade and Allston locations.

Multiple locations, nightshiftbrewing.com.

Saguaro Garden Bar by the Fat Cactus (Kendall Square)

The make-your-own-hard-seltzer bar is the main attraction at this festive, dog-friendly seasonal patio, which also offers lawn and card games; entertainment like trivia nights and live music; and snacks like chips and dip and grilled cheese. Tuck’s Twists is onsite, too, with soft serve, milkshakes, and other treats.

300 Athenaeum St., Kendall Square, Cambridge, instagram.com/saguaroboston. 

Tree House Brewing Company (Downtown)

Beers from this ultra-popular, huge-line-drawing, Central Massachusetts-based brewery aren’t as hard to get these days, now that there are a half-dozen locations around the state, but who’s complaining? This new beer garden at Faneuil Hall Marketplace is open daily this summer for your after-work juicy IPA needs (plus cold brew, seltzer, and other options), as well as merch and retail beer sales.

200 Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Downtown Boston, treehousebrew.com.

Older Restaurants Doing New Things

Expansions and other changes—time for a (re)visit.

Anna’s Taqueria (South Boston)

This recent Southie opening brings the 31-year-old burrito chain to 14 current locations—convenient for when you’re craving, say, a super super (two 12-inch burritos) with chimichurri steak, or birria tacos, or a loaded Mexican bowl with all the fixings. Don’t forget the horchata.

457 W. Broadway, South Boston, 617-830-8228, annas.com. 

Dos Manos Kitchen (Brighton)

After several years of pop-ups around town, Dos Manos Kitchen—known for its pupusas—has its own location at the Charles River Speedway. Chef Edwin Orellana, an alum of Posto and Yvonne’s, is cooking up Salvadoran comfort food in a petite, colorful space.

Charles River Speedway, 525 Western Ave., Brighton, Boston, dosmanos.online.com.

Hecate x El Yaqui (Back Bay)

Sidling into hidden Back Bay bar Hecate for a complex cocktail or two? Now there’s more to enjoy: Bartender Orlando Parra has launched a side project, El Yaqui, featuring Sonoran-style hot dogs, an ode to his hometown. The bacon-wrapped, condiment-topped dogs are available Tuesday through Saturday night at Hecate, dine-in or takeout. If you’re staying, try the El Yaqui canned margarita, too—a Bacanora-based drink with yellow bell pepper soda and chiltipín, a smoky pepper.

Kowloon Tiki on the Beach (Revere Beach)

Pupu platters and over-the-top decor are to be expected when this sibling of the iconic Saugus restaurant Kowloon opens in Revere Beach early June. Some classic dishes will carry over to the new location (sticky wings, General Gau chicken, etc.), but there’ll be new tropical fare, too, from spam musubi to sushi. (Meanwhile in Saugus, Kowloon’s spacious outdoor dining area, dubbed Tiki on Broadway, is officially open for the season.)

21 Revere Beach Blvd., Revere, kowloontiki.com.

Kush Modern Mediterranean (Union Square)

Takeout lamb merguez mac ‘n’ cheese consoled us during the nearly two-year wait for this dine-in debut from Chopped champion and former food-truck operator Saba Wahid Duffy, who thankfully offered delivery and catering during the restaurant buildout. The former alleyway garage (previously home to Wade BBQ) is stunning; the Mediterranean-meets-South-Asian food even more so.

5 Sanborn Ct., Union Square, Somerville, kushbysaba.com.

La Saison (Cambridge)

Best of Boston bakery La Saison—seriously, try the chocolate cake, croissants, and, really, everything—finally has a bit of indoor seating at its tiny original location in Cambridge, and the existing outdoor seating is looking pretty spiffy, too. Time for a revisit! (Meanwhile at the Charlestown location, it’s that froyo-in-a-croissant time of the year.)

407 Concord Ave., Cambridge, lasaison-bakery.com.

Lulu Green (Kendall Square)

This fully vegan all-day café has long been a hit in Southie; now it’s in Cambridge, too, with sweet potato and broccoli Caesar salads; crispy chick’n Vietnamese noodle bowls; Korean lettuce wraps with gochujang-glazed seitan; spanakopita grilled cheese; and other globally inspired goods free of animal products. (Don’t miss the smoothies and baked goods, too.) Brunch, coffee, cocktails—this little café does it all.

675 W. Kendall St., Kendall Square, Cambridge, lulugreen.com.

POE-Lenta at Hub Hall (West End)

The Tip Tap Room and Crane River Cheese Club chef-owner Brian Poe and chef de cuisine Guillermo Guzman are expanding their food hall endeavors: Their casual Italian spot POE-Lenta—which they opened at Time Out Market Boston in 2024 with pasta, sandwiches, and more—is now operating at Hub Hall, too, as the duo eyes more locations around town. Try the wild game Bolognese.

Hub Hall at the Hub on Causeway, 80 Causeway St., West End, Boston, hubhallboston.com.

Presto Pasta at AquaPazza (North End)

Nearly a decade in, North End Italian restaurant and oyster bar AquaPazza debuted a renovation and updated menu a few months back. Now, the dinner spot has added a daytime grab-and-go pasta window, Presto Pasta. Choose your pasta (rigatoni, gnocchi, etc.), sauce (carbonara, vodka, etc.), and add-ons (meatballs, black truffle, etc.); watch it all come together on the spot.

135 Richmond St., North End, Boston, instagram.com/prestopastanorthend.

Rocco’s Sports & Rec. (Seaport)

Game day now has a vibe. This New York export pairs nostalgic design with big high-def screens for the ideal sports-viewing experience, alongside creative comfort food. Lobster clubhouse, anyone?

250 B St., Seaport District, Boston, gotoroccos.com.

Rubato (Quincy)

Chef-owner Laurence Louie is crushing it on the current season of Top Chef, and he’s been featuring some rotating dishes from the show at his Hong Kong-style café on weekends, such as fried catfish sandos and rabbit siu mai. Watch Instagram for details on dishes and scheduling, and prepare to take your food to go; Rubato has just a few seats inside.

412 Hancock St., Quincy, 617-481-2049, rubato-food.com.

Saloniki Greek (Allston, Back Bay, Cleveland Circle, Fenway)

There’s lots going on with A Street Hospitality’s 10-year-old fast-casual Greek chain these days. The original Fenway location, for one, is moving within the neighborhood to 1330 Boylston St. later this month (around June 20, as plans currently stand). Plus, new locations are set to open on Harvard Avenue is Allston (around mid-June) and in Cleveland Circle (around July). More chances for us to stock up on our favorite little glass jars of yogurt with lemon curd and eat lamb meatball-stuffed pitas. But wait, there’s more! The Newbury Street location recently debuted a froyo window.

Multiple locations, salonikigreek.com.

Tampopo (Porter Square)

Pay your respects to this 34-year-old Cambridge mainstay with a last meal or two: The Japanese restaurant closes at the end of June, as owner Yasumasa Ito announced earlier this year. Grab crispy pork cutlets in curry, a shrimp tempura bowl, or oyakodon for lunch or dinner (daily except for Wednesday).

1815 Massachusetts Ave. (inside the Porter Exchange building at Lesley), Porter Square, Cambridge, 617-868-5457, tampopocambridge.com.

Urban Hearth (Inman Square)

You’ll have to wait until later in the month for this one, but reservations are now live for the June 20 debut of Urban Hearth, when the Michelin-recommended locavore superstar completes its move from a cozy little North Cambridge space to roomier digs in Inman, complete with full-service bar, a salon area, and a six-seat chef’s counter (two more than before). “We’ve been rolling in our tiny space that’s fallen apart,” chef-owner Erin Miller previously told Boston. “We’ve been doing this exceedingly hard thing really well for a long time. Imagine if we had a little bit more space, a little bit more time, more hands and hearts in the kitchen. Imagine what we can do.”

1281 Cambridge St., Inman Square, Cambridge, urbanhearth.net.

Looking Ahead

Intriguing spots coming soon (or not-so-soon). Find more to look forward to in our 2026 anticipated openings guide.

Buitoni Spaghetti Bar (Kenmore Square)

Giant meatballs, nostalgia, pasta-makers in the window—this 2027 opening (in the old Eastern Standard space) sounds like a fun shot of energy for Kenmore, courtesy of the Tuscan Brands team (Tuscan Kitchen, Tuscan Market, and other Italian food businesses in Massachusetts and New Hampshire).

In addition to the now-open Tree House Brewing Company beer garden (see above), Quincy Market’s getting a bunch of new fast-casual vendors in the coming months. On the list: Smashed by BRED, from the burger-and-comfort-food experts at BRED Gourmet in Dorchester and Cambridge; an outpost of Harvard Square Indian stalwart the Maharaja; Azul Mexican Kitchen, from Taco Azul’s Dan Leyva; and more.

206 S. Market St., Downtown Boston, quincy-market.com.

Alcove

Here’s the recipe for a lovely night on the wharf: Start with a comfortable setting just off Causeway Street that boasts sweeping views of the Zakim Bridge. Pair the scenery with cool cocktails and an impressive wine list; Alcove owner Tom Schlesinger-Guidelli is a veteran drinksmith, after all. Add coastal New England cuisine—think: summery salads, seafood, and snacks from the fertile waterfront of southern New England. Serve. Immediately.

50 Lovejoy Wharf, West End, Boston, 617-248-0050, alcoveboston.com.

The Barking Crab

The Barking Crab’s audacious red- and yellow-striped tent screams “HERE!” from its longtime plot right on Fort Point Channel. In the unlikely event you miss it, listen for the similarly roar-like calls of “Smitty!” as old friends are reunited over their post-pandemic oyster shooters, rum runners, and seafood platters. This is Boston, this is home.

88 Sleeper St., Fort Point, Boston, 617-426-2722, barkingcrab.com.

Battery Wharf Grille

This is one of those hotel restaurants you would never think to wander into as a local—because, why? Because of the terrace, that’s why, a lovely little brick-lain plot that’s right on the water and perfect for digging into cuisine of the “modern New England” (read: fish, sometimes not) variety, while scoping the Battery Wharf Hotel guests who arrive via water taxi and work for companies that still spring for waterfront rooms. You can delete Bumble tomorrow.

3 Battery Wharf, North End/Waterfront, Boston, 617-994-9001, batterywharfhotelboston.com/dining.

Belle Isle Seafood

As soon as you cross the bridge from East Boston to Winthrop, you’re welcomed by one of the best places around to get a (large, very large) lobster roll loaded with tender tail, knuckle, and claw meat. There’s plenty of other fresh and fried seafood dinners available inside these spare, warehouse-like quarters, which—true to its salty legacy—remains staunchly cash-only. But you’re here for the waterside deck right across from the Logan airport runways, a pretty cool place to watch planes take off while daydreaming of your next vacation.

1 Main St., Winthrop, 617-567-1619, belleisleseafood.com.

Boston Sail Loft

The Sail Loft’s side patio dangling over the harbor is small, but the mugs of chowder are not. They are, in fact, rich and overflowing—and among the absolute best in the city. The snug loft has all the other fried-seafood standards you’d expect to find in a no-frills, wood-paneled shanty like it, plus big windows overlooking the harbor for when you can’t find space on the little plank outside.

80 Atlantic Ave., Downtown Boston, 617-227-7280, thebostonsailloft.com.

Davio’s Seaport

The Boston-born chain of northern Italian steakhouses has nearly a dozen locations across several states now, but the seven-year-old Seaport outpost is perhaps its flashiest, enjoying an enviable position right on the waterfront. If you don’t “do” wind, feel free to request a table by the huge wall of windows inside—otherwise, take to the other side for patio dining on chops, pasta, seafood towers, and desserts (the key lime baked Alaska is quite a treat), with enough gluten-free options to blow you away.

26 Fan Pier Blvd., Seaport District, Boston, 617-261-4810, davios.com/seaport.

La Tavernetta

New for 2026: The team behind Mida has brought this Southern Italian coastal tavern to East Boston, and the result is one of the most transportive waterfront spots in the city. Soak up the Boston skyline from the massive teal-and-blood-orange-striped patio, while digging into sticky Calabrian chile wings, mozzarella en carrozza with anchovy dipping sauce, and squid ink frutti di mare. Spritzes and highballs lean on Southern Italian flavors—prickly pear, limoncello, carob—keeping things bright and breezy well beyond the warm-weather months.

45 Lewis St., East Boston, latavernettaeastie.com.

Legal Harborside

This three-story behemoth is a stunner in all seasons, but summertime is when it really excels. Grab a pint at nearby Harpoon before hitting up Legal’s picturesque patio—or killer third-floor roof deck—for some steamers, New England fried clams, and freshly shucked shellfish.

270 Northern Ave., Seaport District, Boston, 617-477-2900, legalseafoods.com.

Marcelino’s

The spacious, fully covered patio looking out onto Fort Point Channel feels like a hideaway (albeit one that seats up to 180 fellow diners and drinkers)—the perfect spot to sip creative Middle Eastern-inspired cocktails, such as a bubbly sumac Paloma sized to share, in nearly any weather. (But when the weather doesn’t permit? The inside’s beautiful, too.) An outdoor DJ booth and bar add party vibes to the patio at this Providence export, but don’t dismiss this as a nightlife-only spot: The food is very much worth a try, from grilled ribeye garnished with pistachio butter and pomegranate seeds to za’atar-crusted grilled tuna.

2 Northern Ave., Seaport District, Boston, 857-957-0094, marcelinosboutiquebar.com/boston.

Nautilus Pier 4

Nautilus Pier 4—younger sibling to an ultra-popular Nantucket spot—splashed into Boston in 2021. This city outpost is much bigger than the original, boasting a sprawling patio at the Seaport’s iconic Pier 4 address and turning out a globally inspired menu of plates for sharing. Think: East Coast oysters wrapped in nori, kinda taco-style, with wasabi aioli and a spicy chili barbecue sauce; Berkshire pork belly buns with a coffee mayo and pickled cucumbers and herbs; and house-made dandan noodles with heritage pork, peanuts, and a dash of tongue-numbing Sichuan peppercorns.

300 Pier Four Blvd., Seaport District, Boston, 857-957-0998, thenautilus.com.

Pier 6

Dine in full view of the historic Charlestown Navy Yard and the USS Constitution on the roof deck, or on the huge, first-floor patio. Downstairs, there’s an outdoor bar, with rosé magnums and cocktails like the Pier 6 Painkiller, a soothing tincture of rum, orange, pineapple, crème de coconut, and nutmeg. Plus: There’s a complimentary (weather-dependent) seasonal water taxi directly to the equally scenic East Boston sister spot, ReelHouse.

1 8th St., Charlestown, Boston, 617-337-0054, pier6boston.com.

ReelHouse

… like we said, ReelHouse! On this sprawling, 130-seat deck, you’ll take in panoramic views of the harbor and skyline from the unique vantage point of Eastie. There’s a granite-topped outdoor bar, yacht-themed décor, tropical cocktails, and a seafood-focused menu from chef Marc Orfaly.

6 New St., East Boston, 617-895-4075, reelhouseboston.com.

Rooftop at the Envoy

Want a slightly elevated waterfront experience? (See what we did there?) Along with craft cocktails, the seventh-story lounge on top of the Envoy Hotel serves up breathtaking views of the harbor and the skyline. And even when the weather is cold, the place trots out glowing, plexiglass igloos that small parties can reserve to huddle inside with hot drinks and noshes.

70 Sleeper St., Seaport District, Boston, 617-530-1538, envoyrooftop.com.

Rowes Wharf Sea Grill

Chef David Daniels is still flexing his considerable talent at Rowes Wharf Sea Grille, the property’s casual-elegant (or is it, elegant-casual?) restaurant right on the water. Go for the Scottish salmon with brown butter kuri squash purée. Blue mussels, meanwhile, are lazing in red curry flavors with lime and fried shallots.

70 Rowes Wharf, Downtown Boston, 617-856-7744, roweswharfseagrille.com.

Sullivan’s Castle Island

It ain’t fancy, but that’s not what you’re here for. You’re here for some tasty cheap eats—James Beard-caliber eats, at that!—including hot dogs and burgers for a few bucks apiece, and lobster rolls for not many more (by the standards of lobster rolls). Dodge rollerbladers and walk ’em over to the beach, or stroll the Harborwalk around the perimeter of grassy Castle Island park. It’s summa’, kehd. 

2080 William J Day Blvd., South Boston, 617-268-5685, sullivanscastleisland.com.

Venezia

A rare waterfront restaurant on the south side of the city, Dorchester’s Venezia has been around for over a quarter-century, but the views still feel like a discovery. How often do you get this vantage point of the water, where the Neponset River meets the ocean bay? The Italian cuisine is uncommonly good, too, from the seafood pastas to turf-turning classics like chicken parmigiana, plus a standout burger topped with Vermont cheddar, fried onion rings, bacon, and cherry mayo.

20 Ericsson St., Dorchester, Boston, 617-436-3120, veneziaboston.com.

Woods Hill Pier 4

As waterfront dining goes, it’s hard to beat natural foods activist-turned-restaurateur Kristin Canty’s chic setup at an iconic Seaport address. The sprawling patio is a superlative setting for chef Charlie Foster’s upscale locavore cuisine, which sources many of its ingredients straight from sibling Woods Hill Farm in New Hampshire. In the same building, don’t miss Woods Hill Pier 4’s younger sibling, the Block at Woods Hill—a restaurant and market showcasing even more local fare (and tons of dry-aged, grass-fed meats).

300 Pier 4 Blvd., Seaport District, Boston, 617-981-4577, woodshillpier4.com.

Thanks to last year’s launch (finally!) of the commuter rail to Fall River, New Bedford, and the surrounding area, it’s particularly easy to take a culinary tour of the southeastern swath of Massachusetts. Dubbed the South Coast, this region is a magical, liminal space: Somehow all at once it’s Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Portugal, with time-jumping layovers through the immigration-influenced past. And even better—the area is home to some wild, wonderful, and delicious hyper-regional cuisine. All aboard for five of these must-try bites.

Awful Awful

“IT’S A DRINK”—so goes the quote on the cups of this dreamy milkshake concoction at regional chain Newport Creamery, with locations in Fall River and Seekonk, along with six more in Rhode Island. Still, Awful Awful, we have questions. Just what are you, why are you so good, and why are there no commas in your name?

The restaurant, which was founded in 1928 in (you guessed it) Newport, Rhode Island, dishes out ice cream, hearty breakfasts, and comfort food—though it’s most loved for the Awful Awful. Which, according to local lore, gets its name because it’s “awful big, awful good.” The thick and indulgent drink replaces ice cream with a signature ice milk, which contains less dairy fat, with flavors amped up by syrups.

“It’s richer and more filling than a typical milkshake and has a loyal following thanks to its unique texture and classic flavor,” says Katelynn Dodson, business manager of Newport Creamery. “It’s been a staple of the region for generations.” While the standard Awful Awful comes in ten flavors ranging from the classic (vanilla and chocolate) to the slightly kooky (cotton candy, anyone?), a very scientific and entirely-not-biased study conducted by this author has concluded that coffee is the ultimate flavor. The sip is sweet and not cloying, thick and cooling enough to pair with a breezy drive out to the beach. Think of it like a sippable summer vacation.

But wait, there’s more: Gander the “topping & fancies” sign outside the walk-up window of the Fall River location on President Avenue, which lists bourbon caramel, hot fudge, and cookie dough pieces as ice cream additions. It’s unclear just what the difference between a topping and a fancy is, so your best bet is to try them all.

Chouriço Hot Dogs

We could spend several hundred words on Portuguese cuisine alone; in fact, we already have in our South Coast-heavy Portuguese dining guide here. But beyond the area’s colossal steaks and soulful seafood options, one favorite dish stands out as a United Nations-esque transatlantic diplomatic alliance: the chouriço dog, a marriage of the all-American hot dog and the Portuguese pork sausage that’s heavily spiced with paprika and garlic. Unlike the thick sausages you can buy at spots in Fall River like Portugalia Marketplace, a chouriço dog is svelte enough for a hot dog bun and could pair well with a dollop of ketchup and mustard at your next cookout.

Both locations of Nick’s Hot Dogs in Fall River deep-fry chouriço dogs to order and serve them with your choice of toppings, such as tangy Coney Island sauce. You can also pick up chouriço dogs (plus leaner linguiça dogs) made by Fall River-based Michael’s Provision and/or North Dartmouth-based Gaspar’s at grocery stores in the South Coast, and often at Stop & Shop in Dorchester’s South Bay shopping center. To kick up your next cookout, toss them on the grill and wait until the skin gets blistered and slightly black in spots before you dig in.

But wait, there’s more: Those same purveyors sell chouriço patties to toss between hamburger buns and top with cheese (either classic American cheese, or tangy Portuguese São Jorge cheese). Different shape, same delivery system for big flavors. In the wonderful land of southeastern Massachusetts, chouriço can be many things—also a pizza topping, for instance, or stuffed inside a sub roll with hand-cut French fries (a chouriço and chips grinder).

Chow Mein Sandwiches

Not to be confused with another regional cult classic, the chop suey sandwich of the North Shore, the chow mein sandwich is a Fall River original. The seemingly random equation of this dish—a hamburger bun plus fried chow mein noodles plus gravy equals delight—has cultural cross-pollination to thank for its genesis, as do other items on this list. It traces its roots back to the early 1900s, when Chinese restaurant owners were looking for ways to make their cuisine more familiar to waves of European immigrants. Turns out the sandwich is a culinary lingua franca, and the affordable (not to mention delicious) dish took off.

Most versions at local restaurants add bean sprouts and sliced celery to the mix, and the sandwich is a savory flavor-bomb of contrasting crunchy and soft textures. To be fair, the chow mein sandwich is a sandwich in the barest sense of the word: Sure, there’s a hamburger bun involved, but you have to eat it with a knife and fork (unless you want gravy-soaked noodles in your lap). Still, that doesn’t dim the dish’s clear star appeal, as evident when the region collectively melted down when Oriental Chow Mein Co., the Fall River-based company that has produced the noodles since 1938, temporarily stopped production because of a manufacturing mechanical failure, leading to “no-chow-mein May.” Fear not, because the machines are whirring again and cranking out noodles. Find the dish at Mr. Chen in Fall River (where you can add chicken and other proteins to the mix), along with Roger’s Family Restaurant in Somerset.

But wait, there’s more: Oriental Chow Mein Co. also produces the noodles for Hoo-Mee Chow Mein kits, which come with noodles and a gravy packet for you to make the delicacy at home. Find them in the international aisle at local supermarkets or online.

Stuffed Quahogs

At their shell, stuffed quahogs (alternatively called “stuffies” around Rhode Island) are pretty basic. A stuffing of bread, meat, spices, and chunks of quahog—a large hard-shelled clam—is packed into a quahog shell and baked until golden brown. But like the shimmery purple bands inside a clam shell, the story behind this dish is more vibrant.

Indigenous peoples in the area, including the Narragansett and the Wampanoag, harvested and cooked clams long before English settlers arrived (see “Q is for Quahogs” in our ultimate New England seafood guide), and these culinary traditions led to the New England favorites of clam chowders and clam boils. The influence of Portuguese immigrants over the last 200 years added to the culinary melting pot (er, clam boil pot?) of the Indigenous-British-American dish.

The regional Portuguese version is made with breadcrumbs or crackers (or, ideally, day-old papo seco bread sourced from a local Portuguese bakery) plus chopped chouriço, quahog, and a generous amount of parsley and spices. The appetizer-like bite is rich and savory, with a sea-forward kick: Most versions call for reserving some of the briny boiling leftover liquid to toss it into the stuffing before baking. Find it at plenty of South Coast restaurants. One of our faves is the Cove in Fall River, where a spacious deck overlooks the Taunton River—pair the view with stuffed quahogs and a squeeze of fresh lemon.

But wait, there’s more: New Bedford brand Whaler sells both hot and mild stuffed quahogs online. Or better yet, start at the Cove and then hit the specialty markets around Fall River—like Chaves Market and David’s Fish Market—where they offer quahogs to go.

Venus De Milo Soup

We have Venus De Milo, a Swansea restaurant and function hall that’s been family-run since the 1960s, to thank for two culinary legends. The first is Emeril Lagasse, who got his start working banquets there, first in the mid-1970s when he was a junior at Diman Vocational Technical High School in Fall River and then for a few years while attending Johnson & Wales University in Providence. The second? Venus De Milo’s famed minestrone, a soul-warming soup with ground beef, vegetables, and pasta.

Venus sells takeout half-gallons of the soup, which—especially during the winter months—basically keeps the community from wandering into the frozen Taunton River. That’s why when the spot closed during COVID, then switched to takeout only for a while, then went on and off the real estate market, everyone’s blood pressure spiked as they wondered just how much soup they could fit in their freezer if the supply dried up.

In another pivot, Venus announced in late 2023 that it would reopen soon for in-person dining after extensive renovations to the vintage, Rat Pack-chic spaces. At the time, I envisioned a feature story about the scrappy function hall and how places like it are often the setting for our best and worst memories—from weddings to bereavement brunches—and called up Lagasse for his take. “They do something really special there and I’m glad to hear they’re opening back up,” he said in October 2023. The reopening, and thus the story, didn’t quite pan out; Venus delayed its plans to resume regular onsite dining. But in the meantime, the location still hosts events and offers takeout, including oven-ready catering pans of prime rib to warm up at home—and, of course, the soup.

But wait, there’s more: “They have baked stuffed shrimp with a butter cracker topping that I really loved,” Lagasse also says.

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Sometimes you’re fine with simply finding the closest possible restaurant patio for a pleasant al fresco meal. At other times, though, there’s something about ascending to a rooftop bar for a slightly more, well, elevated experience. When that mood strikes, here’s where to head, from a cocktail bar 12 floors above the city to beers and barbecue with skyline views to tasty tacos under clear blue skies.

This guide was last updated in May 2026; stay tuned for periodic updates.

Bubble Bath Back Bay

Bubble Bath’s original Downtown Boston food hall location sure is fun (A Champagne vending machine! Popcorn!)—but the 2025 expansion to Back Bay takes things up a level, or 15. Atop the CitizenM hotel, take in uninterrupted Boston skyline vistas over caviar carts (including make-your-own savory caviar cannoli), fancy bar snacks, and bubbly. This comes from Tiffani Faison’s restaurant group (Sweet Cheeks Q, Fool’s Errand), so you know it’s equal parts whimsical and tasty.

408 Newbury St. (CitizenM Back Bay Hotel; take the first elevator to floor 2 and the next elevator to “R”), Back Bay, Boston, bubblebathboston.com.

Cityside Tavern

A popular watering hole for Boston College grad students and their Brighton neighbors since ’85, Cityside is a friendly, straightforward city tavern with great people-watching, thanks to its roof deck overlooking Cleveland Circle and the comings and goings of the Green Line’s C trains. Enjoy your anthropological studies with something from Cityside’s “Hangover Cures” menu of brunch cocktails, including a boozy iced coffee with vanilla vodka, hazelnut liqueur, and whipped cream.

1960 Beacon St., Cleveland Circle, Brighton, Boston, 617-566-1002, cityside-tavern.com.

Daedalus

In Harvard Square, a neighborhood that has transformed dramatically over the last decade, enduring hangouts like the 25-year-old Daedalus take on a kind of mythic quality now. At this point, it has one of the oldest rooftop dining scenes in the area, still full of garrulous grad students who either sound like they’re on double dates or as though they’re practicing for debate club. In all instances, the people-pleasing New American food and drink, from sangria to some dessert-friendly Scotch and ports, remains a reliable social lubricant.

45.5 Mt. Auburn St., Harvard Square, Cambridge, 617-349-0071, daedalusrestaurantcambridge.com.

Deck 12

You’ll want to book a reservation in advance for this little nook a dozen floors high in the sky at the Seaport’s Yotel—and bring sunscreen, as it’s mostly uncovered, aside from a couple of umbrellas. Twinkling string lights add a bit of magic after sunset, but the spot is also a favorite for brunch—hello, crab-, shrimp-, and tuna-bedecked seafood towers. Views are impressive closeups of the Financial District skyline, and there’s plenty to drink. Start with the house frosé and then dip into other warm-weather concoctions, such as a cucumber melon cooler or an elderflower and cran-piña spritz. A concise selection of wine and beer is available, too. Keep it in mind for the cooler months, too, when Deck 12 breaks out the heaters and a ski lodge theme.

Yotel Boston, 65 Seaport Blvd., Seaport District, Boston, 617-377-4640, deck12bos.com.

Dorchester Brewing Company

The upper level of this neighborhood fave features a year-round enclosed space—with greenhouse-style floor-to-ceiling windows for views regardless of the weather—and a lively seasonal outdoor deck. (Look past the parking lot for impressive Back Bay skyline vistas.) Friendly crowds gather in the sun to enjoy ribs and brisket from the on-site restaurant, M & M BBQ, and, of course, beer. Dorchester Brewing’s own beers are on tap in numerous styles—fruited sours, New England IPAs, and more—plus other options produced on-site by partner brewers. There’s a bit of cider and wine, too.

1250 Massachusetts Ave., Dorchester, Boston, 617-514-0900, dorchesterbrewing.com. 

Earls Kitchen & Bar

This twinkling roof deck seats more than 200 people across various dining and lounge-style settings. It has a gigantic tree and an ivy-lined wall, and the retractable roof allows for year-round enjoyment. Earls, a Canadian chain, offers a globe-trotting menu, so you can enjoy Atlantic cod tacos while your date digs into ahi tuna tataki. Add a frozen margarita for fun.

The Shops at the Prudential Center, 800 Boylston St., Back Bay, Boston, 857-957-0949, earls.ca.

Esmai’s Restaurant & Bar

This globetrotting Coolidge Corner restaurant (think: bulgogi empanadas; bánh mì; Buffalo chicken mac and cheese) boasts a cheery 45-seat roof deck—a rarity in this neck of the woods—with twinkling string lights and floral décor. Reservations are available for groups of six and up, and the roof is 21+ after 6 p.m. (Bring the fam for brunch, though—soufflé pancakes, anyone?)

1306 Beacon St., Coolidge Corner, Brookline, 617-232-8808, esmaisbrookline.com.

Felipe’s Taqueria

It’s party central at this iconic Harvard Square rooftop. There’s some seating, but you’re going to want to be on your feet, shoulder to shoulder with friends and strangers, socializing with the young, energetic crowd. The views are of good old Harvard Square—lots of red bricks!—and you’re almost definitely drinking a frozen margarita or a Modelo, perfect complements to burritos and Baja-style tacos filled with wood-grilled meats, fish, and veggies.

21 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge, 617-354-9944, felipesboston.com.

Foxglove Terrace

New for 2026, this cocktail bar atop Allston’s new Atlas Hotel—part fully indoors, part open-air—is sibling to Ama at the Atlas on the ground floor and Comfort Kitchen in Dorchester. High-concept drinks, bottle service, and room for dancing—complemented by panoramic city views—make for a fun night out. Hungry? Check out the selection of small plates showcasing local seafood.

40 Western Ave., 16th floor (Atlas Hotel), Allston, Boston, foxgloveterrace.com.

Gordon Ramsay Burger

Donkeys, assemble: The particularly loud television personality and restaurateur Gordon Ramsay opened his second Boston spot in summer 2023, this one focused on burgers. The second floor features a partially covered but mostly sunny roof deck with downtown and Greenway views—a good setting for an Oreo crème brûlée milkshake, some truffle fries, and a hefty burger.

Canopy by Hilton Hotel, 99 Blackstone St., Downtown Boston, 617-263-8610, gordonramsayrestaurants.com.

The Great American Beer Hall

Peek at the Boston skyline from north of the city in Medford. This multi-story beer hall features loads of outdoor space at ground level and on a sunny roof deck spanning out from the building’s mezzanine level. The lengthy beer list has something for everyone—lots of fun local picks, bolstered by some crowd-pleasing national brands—and there are cocktails and mocktails, too. Try easy-drinking summer specials like strawberry lime rickeys and mango margaritas alongside pizzas, giant pretzels, and more.

142 Mystic Ave., Medford, gabhall.com.

The Layover at Cunard Tavern

It feels like you’re cocktailing atop a tropical shipping container at Cunard Tavern’s so-called Layover in East Boston, a great place to see a spring or summer sunset over the western horizon. Currently open every night but Monday (and featuring trivia on Tuesdays), the deck has slim square-footage—so reserve a table in advance if you want to soak up the wharf-side breezes while wolfing down duck confit fried rice and sticky pork spare ribs with a mai tai.

24 Orleans St., East Boston, 617-567-7609, cunardtavern.com/roofdeck.

Legal Harborside

This three-story behemoth is a stunner in all seasons, but summertime is when it really excels. Grab a pint at nearby Harpoon before hitting up Legal’s picturesque rooftop patio—equipped with a rain-fortified retractable roof—for some steamers, New England fried clams, and freshly shucked shellfish.

270 Northern Ave., Seaport District, Boston, 617-477-2900, legalseafoods.com.

The Lexington

Chef Will Gilson’s triad of restaurants at Cambridge Crossing includes Cafe Beatrice, an all-day café; Geppetto, a full-service Italian spot; and the Lexington, a people-pleasing restaurant and bar that just happens to boast a rare-for-the-neighborhood roof deck connected to its dining room by wide walls of retractable windows. It’s a stylish, breezy space for kicking back with Gilson’s New American cuisine (try the French onion grilled cheese or pan-roasted swordfish) and delightful cocktails.

100 N First St., East Cambridge, 617-945-1349, thelexingtoncx.com.

Mex Taqueria & Bar

Ascend through the first two levels of this gorgeously designed restaurant to find the rooftop, a festive hideaway above Kendall Square featuring hospitable service and tacos aplenty. A retractable covering provides a bit of shade on part of the roof, but be prepared for sun. (There’s not much to see up here aside from a building across the street and plenty of blue skies above, but fun vibes make up for the lack of a spectacular view.) To drink, you’re ordering margaritas galore, in plenty of flavors, of course, but don’t miss the mangonada slushie, garnished with a Tajín rim and tamarind candy stick. And don’t hesitate to come here for a full meal: The tacos are top-notch.

500 Technology Square, Kendall Square, Cambridge, 617-945-2503, mexcambridge.com. 

Mia at Umbria

Taking over the former Ristorante Fiore space, restaurateur Frank DePasquale debuted Umbria in summer 2023, a North End rebirth of a multi-story restaurant, bar, and club downtown. The Italian steakhouse features two floors of indoor dining, plus the roof deck, Mia, a reservation-only, adults-only space open Friday through Sunday night. Ditch your hats, sandals, shorts, and athletic wear when you head here for made-to-share appetizers, plus cocktails and nightlife.

250 Hanover St., North End, Boston, 617-865-1265, umbrianorthend.com. 

Over the Charles

With a relaxed atmosphere, this rooftop on the 16th floor of the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Boston-Cambridge plays host to hotel guests and locals alike, who come for the stunning vistas and satisfying bites and drinks. Framingham-based Jack’s Abby, known for its lagers, is featured here; watch for a rotating selection on draft as well as some options by the can. There are also plenty of cocktails, including a couple of selections available by the five-serving tower. Bonus points for churros. High-top seating ensures you won’t miss a thing when it comes to the commanding panoramas of the Charles River—and the skyline—on both sides.

DoubleTree Suites by Hilton, 400 Soldiers Field Rd., Allston, Boston, 617-783-0090, hilton.com.

Pier 6

Dine in full view of the historic Charlestown Navy Yard and the USS Constitution on the roof deck, or on the huge, first-floor patio. Downstairs, there’s an outdoor bar, with rosé magnums and cocktails like the painkillers and frozen mudslides. Plus: There’s a complimentary (weather-dependent) seasonal water taxi directly to the equally scenic East Boston sibling spot, ReelHouse.

1 8th St., Charlestown, Boston, 617-337-0054, pier6boston.com.

Rooftop at the Envoy

Best of Boston winner, 2021

Perhaps best known for its winter igloos, the Envoy Hotel’s rooftop is a destination in warmer months, too, drawing huge, well-dressed crowds to sip cocktails high above the Seaport. Special seating areas, including some with fire pits for those summer nights that get a little chilly, can be reserved for a fee. Wherever you sit, the downtown skyline and Boston Harbor are in full, glorious view. Expect easy-drinking cocktails like lychee frosé and fun spritzes; classic cocktails with a choice of top-shelf liquors; and straightforward beer and wine lists.

The Envoy Hotel, 70 Sleeper St., Seaport District, Boston, 617-530-1538, envoyrooftop.com.

Rooftop at Revere

The Revere Hotel’s expansive rooftop bar offers the perfect blend of right-in-the-middle-of-the-city energy and up-so-high exclusivity. Settle in and enjoy the views; there’s a bit of a parking garage from one angle, but it barely detracts from the downtown city sights and gorgeous sunsets. A mix of high-tops, standard tables, and bar seating give plenty of options for hanging out (plus, there’s some indoor lounge space to duck into if the weather turns). You’ll find sangria and other refreshing, fruity cocktails available alongside a short beer and wine list—with a couple of pricier bubbly options if you’re feeling fancy—and a snacky food menu with poke, salt-and-vinegar wings, grilled street corn, and more.

200 Stuart St., Bay Village, Boston, 617-482-1800, rooftopatrevere.com.

RTP at the Colonnade Hotel

It’s exclusive, it’s sunny, and it’s a must-visit on your summer-in-Boston bucket list. This isn’t just a bar a dozen floors above Back Bay with the skyline so close you could almost touch it: RTP stands for rooftop pool, and it’s among the only ones open to the public around Boston these days. (You’ll have to pay a hefty entrance fee if you’re not a hotel guest, though.) To drink, frozen cocktails take center stage, but you can dive into a non-frozen cocktail or a short list of beers and wines if you prefer.

The Colonnade Hotel, 120 Huntington Ave., Back Bay, Boston, 617-425-3420, colonnadehotel.com/roof-top-pool. 

Saigon Babylon

Best of Boston Vietnamese restaurant Saigon Babylon, from the talented folks behind Cicada and the Eaves, is beautifully decorated inside and out. On the garden-like Central Square rooftop, you’ll sit amongst greenery and artfully crumbling stone columns while sipping on, perhaps, a tamarind Old Fashioned or foamy gin-and-yuzu-jam concoction. The short but delightful food menu includes an irresistible lemongrass beef carpaccio, gingery sliced duck with fresh rice noodles, and more. Good views from the indoor section, too.

907 Main St., Floor 5, Central Square, Cambridge, 617-945-4509, instagram.com/saigon_babylon.

Samuel Adams Downtown Boston Taproom

Drinking Sam Adams right outside Faneuil Hall might feel a tad touristy, but that’s not a bad thing when you’re soaking in the sunshine and knocking back a lager after work in this umbrella-bedecked space. And the roof deck is just a story up, so it’s perfect for those who feel a little queasy at the thought of bird’s-eye views. (Instead, the view is basically Boston history—including, conveniently, a Samuel Adams statue that long predates the opening of the taproom.) To drink, choose from 20 or so rotating Sam Adams brews—everything from classics such as the Summer Ale to taproom exclusives like Unphazed, a New England IPA, and Cherry Wheat, a cherry ale with a touch of honey. Flights are available, too, as are snacks like pretzels and tater tots.

60 State St., Downtown Boston, 617-466-6418, samadamsbostontaproom.com.

Trillium Brewing Company

Trillium’s energy-packed Seaport location is topped with an uncovered roof deck with its own bar. The space fills up fast, but if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to grab a table or room at the standing rail. Place your order at the bar and enjoy your drink among a pretty chill crowd of beer lovers. Trillium’s own beer is showcased here, naturally. The roof deck features a variety of rotating draft pours; keep an eye out for hoppy IPAs, a fruity Berliner Weisse or two, some crisp lagers, and more, not to mention hard seltzers from Trillium’s in-house brand, Soak. Views include Seaport architecture, old and new; the occasional low-flying gull; and Trader Joe’s—brainstorm your shopping list while you drink.

50 Thomson Pl., Seaport District, Boston, 857-449-0083, trilliumbrewing.com.

With additional research by Siena Griffin.

New Restaurants to Try This Month

Recent (or imminent) openings to check out.

Alice & Monarch (Kendall Square)

Two delights in one at this new sibling to Harvard Square’s farm-to-table pizzeria/gastropub Source: The ground floor, Alice, is a “modern Italian taverna” for feasting on pizza, pasta, salumi, and more with friends. Downstairs is Monarch, essentially a dessert speakeasy with intriguing, high-concept cocktails.

Opening May 8. 238 Main St., Kendall Square, Cambridge, 857-856-5055, aliceandmonarch.com. 

Bambola and the Girl Next Door (Seaport)

The nightlife team behind the Flamingo and Blondie’s is back with an Italian restaurant/cocktail bar duo. Indulgent pastas, party-ready cocktails, maximalist vibes. You get the idea.

225 Northern Ave., Seaport District, Boston, bambolabos.com.

Beyond Proof (Jamaica Plain)

For those craving the vibe of a cocktail bar but without the alcohol, restaurateur Krista Kranyak has replaced her long-running Ten Tables with a zero-proof bar. Complex concoctions without spirits star; mezze and other Mediterranean bites accompany.

597 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, Boston, beyondproofboston.com.

Dalia (South Boston)

This newcomer from Broadway Restaurant Group (and cousin to Prima and Capri) may be the most gorgeous opening of the year—and there’s substance alongside the style. Stop in to enjoy wood-fired tapas, paella, and other Spanish delights from the open kitchen.

429 W. Broadway, South Boston, daliaboston.com.

Foxglove Terrace (Allston)

Add this to your rooftop faves: The Comfort Kitchen and Ama at the Atlas team is now serving intriguing cocktails and globally inspired small plates featuring local seafood atop Allston’s new Atlas hotel. (Ama is on the ground floor.) Bonus for nightlife lovers: There’s bottle service and space for dancing.

40 Western Ave., 16th floor (Atlas Hotel), Allston, Boston, foxgloveterrace.com.

La Tavernetta (East Boston)

Sunshine, spritzes, and southern-Italian snacks on the Eastie waterfront? This Mida sibling has the skyline views and a casual, tavern-inspired menu to match.

45 Lewis St., East Boston, latavernettaeastie.com.

Mother’s East Tavern (South Boston)

Husband-and-wife duo Laura Fryer (Bestia) and Alec Barber (Cure), along with chef and partner David Quinlan (Bavel), put their collective fine-dining and hospitality chops to work on a tavern menu that nods to English and Irish pub traditions, but with a distinctly global spin. Take the Scotch egg, for instance, made with lamb rendang, spiced labneh, and pickled celery.

Novo Marketplace (Allston)

More than a dozen restaurants in one: Boston’s newest food hall debuts on May 1, filling 20,000 square feet with global flavors. Vendors include Zhengxin Chicken Steak, featuring spicy fried chicken cutlets; Molly Tea, a China-based tea shop; Tasya’s Kitchen, an Indonesian restaurant expanding from New Hampshire; and Fluffy Fluffy, specializing in souffle pancakes.

“Soft opening” on May 1; some vendors will open later. (Tasya’s Kitchen, for example, is slated to open May 25.) 122 Brighton Ave., Allston, Boston, novomarketplace.com.

Paku Katsuya (Downtown Crossing)

Steps from the Common, indulge in katsu sets—fried tiger prawns, chicken or pork cutlets, or even cheese-stuffed pork if you’re feeling fancy, with all-you-can-eat fixings (rice, miso soup, etc.) Try a refreshing lemon tea or matcha lattes, too.

145 Tremont St., Downtown Crossing, instagram.com/pakukatsuya.

Roger’s Fish Co. (East Boston)

Nothing says “You’re in Boston now” like a post-flight double-clam chowder: Former Legal Sea Foods CEO Roger Berkowitz is back in the biz with his first post-Legal restaurant, a modern seafood shack welcoming Logan travelers.

1 Harborside Dr. (Logan Airport), East Boston, rogersfishco.com.

Rosa y Marigold (Back Bay)

We’re excited that this long-awaited Celeste and La Royal sibling is finally here. The joyous celebration of classic and modern Peruvian, from ceviche to sánguches, is worth the wait.

400 Newbury St. (Lyrik Back Bay), Back Bay, Boston, rosaymarigold.com.

Sando Table (Downtown)

Add this to your workday lunch list: Sando Table is now open in the Financial District with fast-casual Japanese-style sandwiches on fluffy shokupan (milk bread). Wash it down with a matcha or hojicha latte.

71 Broad St., Downtown Boston, instagram.com/sandotable.boston.

Uptown Social (South End/Roxbury)

There’s so much history in the walls of this iconic space, home to Bob the Chef’s and later Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen. Uptown Social owner Nia Grace—who also owned Darryl’s in its later years—is honoring the past and looking to the future with this next evolution, full of soul food and live music.

604 Columbus Ave., South End/Roxbury, Boston, instagram.com/uptownsocialboston.

The Zebra Room (Downtown Crossing)

Out: Giant white-tablecloth steakhouses. In: Intimate, hidden steakhouses with lounge-y seating and an exclusive air. Nestled beneath sibling spot Yvonne’s, the Zebra Room—from the design-forward restaurant and nightlife group COJE—dares to be different.

4 Winter Pl. (enter through Yvonne’s), Downtown Crossing, Boston, zebraroom.com.

Older Restaurants Doing New Things

Expansions and other changes—time for a (re)visit.

Avra Estiatorio (Back Bay)

We’ll be spending our summer eating charcoal-grilled seafood, bright with a lemony dressing, at this glamorous Greek chain, which already draws fancy crowds in New York City, Beverly Hills, and beyond. Find it on the upper level of the Lyrik development.

400 Newbury St. (Lyrik Back Bay), Back Bay, Boston, theavragroup.com.

Charles River Speedway (Brighton)

Some changes at Brighton’s cozy collection of food, drinks, and retail: The tea and espresso bar formerly known as Rite has moved into a bigger space and rebranded as Linger, a matcha-filled all-day café (with whiskey nights!). And stay tuned for the late spring opening of Dos Manos Kitchen, a pupusa pop-up that’s putting down roots.

525 Western Ave., Brighton, Boston, charlesriverspeedway.com.

Daily Provisions (Seaport)

Cruller alert: Massachusetts is about to get its second location of this New York-based all-day chain, part of the renowned Union Square Hospitality Group. The welcoming spot specializes in light-as-air crullers (try the Lumberjack, a breakfast sandwich built on one), cold brew (get it by the growler), roast chicken dinners (designed to be takeout-friendly), and more. Also in the works in the same Seaport development? Daily Provisions’ full-service Italian sibling, Ci Siamo.

Opening May 13; the first 100 customers get a free cruller. 200 Seaport Blvd., Seaport District, Boston, dailyprovisions.co.

Janz Kitchen (Malden)

This Filipino-style Ilocos empanada business sent social media into a frenzy earlier this year when Janz Van sold the crispy orange delights out of her apartment. The problem? Malden doesn’t have zoning for residential kitchens. The solution? Van will start vending from Townline Luxury Lanes this month. Dine in (and go bowling) on Tuesdays; pre-order for Friday and Saturday pickup.

665 Broadway, Malden, townlineluxurylanes.com.

Maple & Ash (Seaport)

It’s not every day we get a swanky Chicago export: We can’t wait to try the absolutely decadent fire-roasted seafood towers and luxurious dry-aged steaks at this Midwest mini chain. The (literal) cherry on top? Ice cream sundae service.

131 Seaport Blvd., Seaport District, Boston, 617-362-8881, mapleandash.com/boston.

Nagomi Bento (Cambridge)

A Bow Market takeout spot focused on bento boxes—er, bowls—has expanded to Cambridge. It’s pretty much everything you could want for a meal, packed neatly together: salmon, perhaps, or a variety of other proteins, plus rice, various salads, tamagoyaki, and cute flower-shaped bites of carrot and burdock root. There’s onigiri, too.

1670 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, nagomibento.com. 

New City Microcreamery (Chestnut Hill)

This Hudson-based chain of ice cream shops—which has been known to make a great Dubai chocolate shake—celebrates the grand opening of its fifth location on May 13, right by Boston College, taking over the longtime White Mountain Creamery space. New City uses a liquid nitrogen process to freeze its creative, ever-changing flavors, from pineapple upside-down cake to baklava.

19 Commonwealth Ave., Chestnut Hill, newcitymicrocreamery.com.

Rocco’s Sports & Rec. (Seaport)

Eat lobster clubhouses and batting helmet sundaes; watch sports. This New York export—a sports bar with membership options and liquor lockers for regulars—comes from the same group behind the delightful Borrachito nearby.

250 B St., Seaport District, Boston, gotoroccos.com.

Third Time Together (Kendall Square)

Come for the ice cream in mind-bendingly creative flavors; stay for the Levantine-inspired comfort food, including the moussaka Crunchwrap Supreme. Kendall Square needed this.

399 Binney St., Kendall Square, Cambridge, thirdtimetogether.co. 

Seasonal Outdoor Spots (Re)opening

Happy spring! Eat and drink alfresco.

Ballers (Seaport)

The pickleball craze continues, and now there’s padel, too. Try both at Ballers, an Andre Agassi-backed Philly export with more locations on the way across the United States. A food truck adds fuel to your game with smashburgers, Caesar wraps, root beer floats, and more.

25 Pier 4 Blvd., Seaport District, Boston, ballers-us.com.

Cisco Brewers Seaport (Seaport)

Back for its 9th season, the expansive Cisco beer garden is full of craft brews and cocktails; snacks like smashburgers, poke bowls, and dumplings; and daily live music. Plus, leashed dogs are allowed (except after 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays), and there are themed “beach shacks” available for group bookings. Feels like summer!

Open April through October. 100 Seaport Blvd., Seaport District, Boston, ciscobrewers.com/seaport.

Island Creek Raw Bar (Seaport)

Caviar-topped hot dogs, crispy chili fried lobster, frozen cocktails, and oysters aplenty: Duxbury-based Island Creek Oysters has brought back its seasonal Seaport alfresco dining destination. Live music Sunday afternoons and a Wednesday night cornhole league jazz things up further.

99 Autumn Ln., Seaport District, Boston, islandcreekoysters.com.

Park City (South Boston)

It’s season number two for this giant outdoor venue from the team behind Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar and Fat Baby. There’s a busy events calendar—live music, fitness classes, and more—alongside comfort food (from brisket egg rolls to bacon-wrapped hot dogs) and fun cocktails. Bring everyone: There are snacks for kids and dogs, too.

383 Dorchester Ave., South Boston, parkcitysouthie.com.

A version of this guide first appeared in the print edition of the May 2026 issue with the headline “The Hot List.”