Boston's Best Spots With Heated Patios

The Daily Meal Staff|Oct. 23, 2014 5:00 am EST

No one likes standing outside in the cold, especially when enjoying a crisp, refreshing beer or glass of wine. This is why many bars and restaurants here in Boston have set up heated patio sections in their establishments so that their clientele may enjoy their food and drink outside under the sun or stars, without fear of freezing their toes off at the same time. It may seem like a creature comfort, but it's one that definitely comes in handy when picking a spot for a day or nighttime drink.

Legal Test Kitchen
225 Northern Ave.
Boston, MA 02210
(617) 330-7430
www.legalseafoods.com

The Legal Test Kitchen is located at Boston Fish Pier over on the city's Waterfront district, and offers plenty of heated patio seating where its customers can enjoy all of Legal Seafood's famously fresh seafood delicacies. Chowder, tuna burgers and decadent lobster mac 'n cheese are just a few of the sumptuous entrees offered here at Legal Test Kitchen, while the outdoor seating provides a gorgeous sort of waterside view found only here in the city of Boston.

Ester
2261 Dorchester Ave.
Boston, MA 02124
(617) 698-2261
www.ester-dot.com

Next, we head to Dorchester to a little place by the name of Ester. Ester offers new American cuisine with a little slice of homelike comfort with its menu, while the optional patio seating makes this hidden suburban gem a great, comfortable place to visit anytime of year. Traditional burgers and cookies make up the traditional arm of the dinner and dessert menu, while beef tongue tacos and steak frite plates offer up something a little more exotic and rustic for the palate.

(Image: Atlantic Beer Garden)

Atlantic Beer Garden
146 Seaport Blvd.
Boston, MA 02110
(617) 357-8000
www.atlanticbeergarden.com

Turning 'round back to the city's Waterfront district again, Atlantic Beer Garden is next on the list, with a Northern Avenue location providing yet another spectacular view of the legendary Boston seaside, combining it with a wide variety of surf, turf and, of course, plenty of beer. Sure, the harborside patio dining experience may be the main selling point here at Atlantic Beer Garden, but don't count out the pizza and burger 'n fries bar food menu, which is guaranteed to stick to the ribs and serve as the perfect counterpoint for a night of beer-fueled indulgence!

(Image: Marliave on Facebook)

Marilave
10 Bosworth St.
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 422-0004
www.marilave.com

Seeking out a little French indulgence with a view? Look no further than Marilave, located on Bosworth Street in Downtown Boston. Dinner and drinks under the stars will definitely be on the menu here at Marilave, where guests can enjoy raw oysters brought in right from the bay, or some of the other classic dishes on the Marilave menu, including that classic party treat — beef wellington. Meanwhile, the outside patio dining spot provides the perfect place for a romantic date, or simply to watch the shuffling foot traffic in busy downtown Boston.

Saraceno
286 Hanover St.
Boston, MA 02113
(617) 227-5353
www.ristorantesaraceno.com

Traveling from France to Italy in the blink of an eye, Saraceno Ristorante is located in between Wesley Place and Lathrop Place on Hanover Street in the city's North End, an area famous for its dedication to real deal, old world Italian food. Sure enough, this is exactly what's found here at Saraceno, a trip to Italy's legendary culinary world where linguine, calamari and savory meat sauce rules the roost, while Saraceno's enclosed patio dining space sets the required mood perfectly for a little spaghetti and meatballs romance on any given night.

George Pacheco has been writing professionally about arts and entertainment for over a decade. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, George currently resides in a humble New England home with his wife, cat and massive music and film collection. His work can be found at Examiner.com.