The 20 Best Rooftop Restaurants in Boston
As one of the oldest cities in the United States, Boston is known for its history, its charm, and its distinctive neighborhoods. It’s also home to a vibrant and bustling restaurant scene. From Italian food to American bar favorites to fine dining and cuisines from all around the world, you can find whatever dish you’re looking for in Boston.
One of the best ways to experience the city is with a meal at one of the many rooftop restaurants Boston. Especially when the weather is nice, a rooftop meal is a great way to take in one of Boston’s many amazing views. Look out over the harbor, Boston Commons, or even Cambridge and Harvard University.
Below are 20 of Boston’s best rooftop restaurants. Check one of these out on your next night out in Boston:
1. Blue Owl
This new rooftop restaurant in Cambridge is the only rooftop restaurant in the area. Perched on top of the 907 Main boutique hotel, Blue Owl offers a view of downtown Cambridge and the Harvard campus.
Blue Owl’s menu features street food favorites like shrimp tacos, beef skewers, and Korean fried chicken wings. They have a full bar with custom cocktails from experienced mixologists. Blue Owl does not take reservations so get there early to get a seat on the rooftop.
2. Lookout Rooftop and Bar
All the restaurants on this list have incredible views, but Lookout’s may be unmatched. In the center of the Seaport District, Lookout restaurant has an expansive view of Boston Harbor and the city skyline. During the summer it’s the perfect place to watch boats enter and exit the harbor.
Lookout’s food menu is limited to small plates like wraps, wings, and sliders. They have a large beer, wine, and cocktail menu with an impressive list of bourbon choices. You can make reservations at Lookout, and it’s wise to do so as early as possible. For a special night out, reserve the fire pit table that has a private fireplace and looks out directly over Boston Harbor.
3. Terra Rooftop Lounge
Terra is located on the third floor of Eataly in Back Bay. Terra is a wood-burning Italian grill known for its shareable Italian plates and rustic pastas and lasagnas. With an expansive wine list and custom cocktails, it’s the perfect spot for a date night or even a cozy girls night out. Terra has limited seating and fills up fast, so make a reservation to make sure you get a great seat on the terrace.
4. Cityside Tavern
Party with the students at Boston College at Cityside Tavern. A local favorite for decades, Cityside is the tavern where students, visitors, and locals all hang out together to enjoy tasty dishes, a full bar, and Boston sports.
Cityside’s rooftop deck overlooks Cleveland Circle, which provides ample opportunity for people watching. The menu consists of bar favorites like burgers, wraps, salads, and tacos. On weekend mornings, come in for brunch and hangover cures like mimosas and Bloody Marys. Cityside Tavern is a great spot if you want a fun, casual place to enjoy food and drinks.
5. Rooftop@Revere
Rooftop is a fun, trendy rooftop restaurant and bar on top of the Revere Hotel, named after one of Boston’s most famous residents. Rooftop has views of Back Bay and the Theater District.
It’s one of the liveliest rooftop restaurants and bars in Boston, with a full menu of martinis, cosmopolitans, and other popular cocktails. The food menu has small plate favorites like wraps, salads, wings, and more. Reserve a cabana or a table by the hotel pool and enjoy the party.
6. Six West at the Cambria
Six West brings tropical vibes to South Boston. This is one of the most photogenic spots in the city if you’re looking for the perfect place to get great selfies. It also has an excellent menu with items like lobster rolls, lamb chops, and much more. They’re open for brunch, lunch, and into the evenings. The rooftop is walk-in only, so get there only to grab a great seat.
7. The Colonnade
The Colonnade’s rooftop is technically its hotel pool, but it’s also one of the most popular brunch spots in the city. As a non-guest of the hotel, you pay $45 to access the pool for the day. You can grab a table, reserve a cabana, or simply lounge by the pool.
That also gives you access to The Colonnade’s brunch menu of items like eggs benedict, pumpkin french toast, and chicken and waffles. The Colonnade has a full bar so enjoy a Bloody Mary or mimosa with your brunch. You can take a dip in the pool or simply enjoy the amazing views and the fun atmosphere.
8. Contessa
Take a break from Boston and visit a scenic garden in northern Italy. That’s how you’ll feel on your visit to Contessa, on the roof of The Newbury Boston in Back Bay. The inside of Contessa is designed with lush greenery to make you feel as if you are indeed dining in a quaint Italian village.
The menu is filled with Northern Italian favorites and wine list will make you feel as if you’re at an Italian winery. While the greenery in the restaurant is lush and full, you’ll still have stunning views of Back Bay and the Boston skyline. Contessa fills up fast so make a reservation soon.
9. Earls Kitchen and Bar
Another Back Bay favorite, Earls Kitchen and Bar is located in the Prudential Center. Earls is a popular downtown hotspot for the after-work crowd. It’s a great spot for happy hour drinks or even a full dinner with meu items like sushi, seafood, chicken, ribs, steaks, burgers, and much more.
The massive outdoor patio is full of tables and heaters, so its open nearly year-round. Earls is a great place to meet a friend downtown and enjoy drinks and bites in a fun environment.
10. Coppersmith
Looking for amazing barbeque in a casual environment? Try Coppersmith, a favorite in Boston’s Southie neighborhood. Coppersmith has two unique outdoor dining areas. One is the 75-person front porch which lines right up to the street and is a fun, bustling atmosphere.
The other option is the “rooftop” which is actually the roof of a giant, customized airstream bus. Enjoy open-air dining on top of the Airstream and chow down on tasty barbeque ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and much more.
11. Lifted Pool Bar
Lifted is the pool at The Omni Hotel Boston, but it’s open to non-guests. On the fifth floor of the hotel, Lifted offers beautiful views of the Boston skyline and The Seaport. You’re welcome to take a dip or you can simply enjoy drinks and snacks.
The menu is full of international small plates and larger dishes that are meant to be shareable. Lifted is well known for its 1-pound caramel salted lobster roll. Enjoy some bites and drinks and the open air at Lifted Pool Bar.
12. Pier 6
What’s a trip to Boston without New England classics like chowder, oysters, lobster, and other classic seafood dishes? You can get those and more at Pier 6 in Boston’s Charlestown neighborhood.
Pier 6 has indoor space but it also has a fun, lively rooftop with a full bar and plenty of seating. Enjoy a panoramic view of the Boston skyline. Want a fun and convenient way to get to Pier 6? Take the complimentary boat shuttle to the restaurant. You can even get started with appetizers on the shuttle with a round of raw oysters.
13. Cunard Tavern
Cunard Tavern’s rooftop, called TopDeck, is an intimate, cozy rooftop experience in East Bost. The casual bar serves New England favorites like lobster, chowder, corn on the cob, and much more.
The space is very narrow with only a handful of tables. In fact, it’s often referred to as dining atop a shipping container. It’s a fun environment, but it gets crowded quickly. Get there early and enjoy a couple drinks while you wait for a table to open.
14. Daedalus
Enjoy Italian-influenced favorites and your favorite drink with the Harvard crowd at Daedalus. Named after the architect from Greek mythology, Daedalus has been Harvard favorite for decades. It’s just steps away from Harvard Yard and downtown Cambridge.
The rooftop feels like a hidden garden with its lush greenery and cozy environment. The menu is full of elevated Italian favorites like bolognese and gnocchi. The wine list and bar is expansive so you can easily find your favorite drink.
15. Deck 12
Deck 12 is the rooftop of Yotel at the Seaport. Yotel is a hotel brand that offers small but stylish rooms for budget-concsious guests who are more interested in adventure than luxury. The rooftop offers a cozy dining area with amazing views of the Boston skyline.
The menu has simple but tasty small dishes to pair with a full bar. Enjoy an open air table in the warmer months and then sit right by one of the bar’s many heaters to stay warm in the winter months. Deck 12 is open year-round.
16. Dorchester Brewing Company
Try one of New England’s favorite local brewers at Dorchester Brewing Company in Dorchester. There is open-air seating everywhere at Dorchester Brewing, from the patio to the parking lot to even the roof.
WIth plenty of Dorchester brews on tap and a full bar, drinking isn’t a problem here. Enjoy classic bar favorites like pizza, burgers, sandwiches, and much more for lunch or dinner. In the winter months, Dorchester converts its rooftop seating into a fun greenhouse with a lively vibe.
17. Felipe’s Taqueria
Take a trip south of the border without leaving Cambridge at Felipe’s Taqueria, a Harvard favorite. Felipe’s is a traditional Mexcian restaurant with elevated fare. Enjoy burritos and Baha-style tacos filled with wood grilled steak, chicken, fish, and veggies.
The rooftop looks out over Cambridge and is decorated with stringed lights and fun greenery to make you feel like you’ve taken a trip to Mexico. Enjoy margaritas or your favorite Mexican cerveza to wash down your burritos and tacos.
18. Legal Harborside
Looking for a rooftop experience to seriously impress your guest? Maybe you need to make a good impression on a date or visitor? Take them to Legal Harborside in the Seaport District.
The views at Legal are amazing, but so too is the decor and the menu. Tables have lush cushioned seats and the rooftop offers spectacular views of the Boston skyline. You’ll enjoy an elevated seafood menu along with one of Boston’s biggest and most impressive wine lists.
19. The Lexington
The Lexington is one of three connected restaurants at Cambridge Crossing that are all owned by chef Will Gilson. What makes The Lexington unique, aside from its amazing menu, is its retractable floor-to-ceiling windows that instantly transform the indoor dining space into an outdoor rooftop experience.
The Lexington offers panoramic views of downtown Boston, along with an eclectic and exciting New American menu. One popular item is fried chicken with green goddess dressing and cranberry slaw. Visit The Lexington for elevated food, some classic cocktails, and an impressive evening view.
20. Trillium Brewing Company
Trillium is one of Boston’s most beloved breweries. You’ll find its beers on menus and in stores all over the city. But why not go straight to the source to enjoy their craft beers, farm-to-table dishes, and amazing views?
The outdoor rooftop of the taproom in Seaport offers a lively, fun ambiance and impressive views of Boston. Enjoy Trillium’s rotating craft beers and innovative menu items like stracciatella toast. A trip to Trillium is a great way to spend a nice afternoon or kick off your evening.
Boston is one of America’s oldest and most cultured cities. It is packed full of hidden gems and classic restaurants, many of which offer rooftop and outdoor dining. Get the full city experience by visiting one of the restaurants on this list on your next visit to Boston.
You can also read:
