Who said fresh air fare had to halt for the winter? Hardy New Englanders can huddle at these restaurants with heated patios and creative “après ski” setups to keep the outdoorsy vibe alive — even with lower temperatures.
The Bowery Bar, 2261 Dorchester Ave.
Get your camping fix this winter by reserving a dine-in yurt atop the Bowery Bar. Warm up with comfort dishes like beer-battered fish ‘n’ chips or rigatoni alfredo with Cajun blackened chicken. If you stop by for brunch, don’t miss the cocktail menu — named “Hangover Cures 101" — which offers treats like the “adult iced coffee” with vanilla vodka, hazelnut liquor, iced coffee + whipped cream.
Publico Street Bistro, 11 Dorchester St.
Publico is bringing the slopes to Southie with “The Lodge.” This warm winter oasis in the courtyard supplies fuzzy blankets, fire pits, and artificial snow to set the scene. Make a reservation to warm up with a hot cocktail, like the spiked salted caramel hot chocolate or a gingerbread martini.
Lookout Rooftop at the Envoy Hotel, 70 Sleeper St.
Home to the most coveted heated igloos in the city, Lookout Rooftop also offers fire pit seating and enclosed ice boxes that overlook the the Seaport. Igloos have room for up to six people, while ice boxes can accommodate parties of eight or less. Be sure to reserve your retreat in advance.
Over the Charles, 400 Soldiers Field Rd.
Perched on the 16th floor of the DoubleTree Suites, this rooftop igloo bar offers heated retreats for up to eight people. While a la carte dining is on the table, guests can also choose from family-style dining that offers supersized portions of grilled lamb porterhouse, lobster mac and cheese, and potato + mushroom ragu, among other toasty dishes.
Eva, 279A Newbury St.
Fuel up after a shopping spree on Eva’s enhanced patio, which utilizes newly-installed fire pits and five additional heat lamps to defrost the doldrums of winter. Fire pits can accommodate up to six guests, and can be reserved ahead of time. Entrees like grilled swordfish, butternut squash ravioli, and lamb chops await you at dinner, or opt for truffle mushroom toast and red shakshuka at brunch on the weekend.
Remnant Brewing, 2 Bow Market Way, Somerville
This brewery at Somerville’s Bow Market offers a courtyard packed with communal fire tables — plus blankets for folks who need an extra layer. In addition to a tap list, Remnant has a full espresso bar available until ~8 p.m. seven days a week.
Fire pits at Remnant Brewing’s Somerville location are first-come, first-served, but can also be reserved for special occasions.
Photo by @taylorrossiphotography
River Bar, 661 Assembly Row, Somerville
This year-round patio has heaters, fire-pits, and an extensive house cocktail list to keep you feeling cozy. Sip the “Cider Donut” with whistle pig rye, lemon, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cider. For food, you can’t go wrong with one of the flatbread pizzas or the “big boy” smash burger.
Harvest, 44 Brattle St., Cambridge
Dig into a smorgasbord of seafood (read: everything from local fluke to East Coast oysters) at the partially-covered patio with a fireplace + heat lamps. Plus, plan ahead for the restaurant’s annual Ice Party on Sunday, Feb. 25, featuring ice luge cocktails, traditional camping chow, and an après-ski ambiance.
Russell House Tavern, 14 John F. Kennedy St., Cambridge
Stay toasty in Harvard Square while eating on this brick-lined patio, complete with twinkling lighting and heat lamps. Grab a bite from the expansive tavern menu, complete with raw bar offerings + gluten- and dairy-free options. Wash it all down with the annual winter warmer beverage: a hot-buttered cider made with Mad River Rum and cinnamon.
