With Massachusetts & Boston-area restaurants beginning to open in Phase 2, I was anxious to get back out there to support local businesses and have a drink outside of the confines of my home. While it’s exciting, there are many things to consider before heading to your favorite spot. Here are my top 6 recommendations:

1. Call ahead or do your research before showing up. While only a few restaurants are offering outdoor service, they’re overwhelmed by demand. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, it’s almost mandatory to make a reservation ahead of time. Due to limited space on patios, it’s best you’re prepared before showing up.
   1. Check their website and social media for details and instructions
      
   2. Check Opentable, Resy etc to check availability
      
   3. When all else fails, just give the restaurant a call 
2. Spontaneity is dead. Like the previous point, it’s going to be difficult to casually stop by your favorite brewery or restaurant. It’s in your best interest to make a reservation ahead for parties 6 or fewer. Friday, Saturday and Sunday’s are busy and capacity is a fraction of what it used to be so prepare to wait. 
3. Wear your face covering. Restaurants are requiring that you arrive with a face mask and wear it until you’re fully sitting down. Remember to put it back on when getting up to use the restroom.  
4. Show up with a charged phone. To limit contact with menus and servers, some establishments are asking customers to order and pay through your smartphone. Others have changing menu’s which you can view through their website or social media channels or scanned via QR code. 
5. Bring your patience along with your appetite. This is new for many restaurants and it’s as challenging for them as it is for you. Will it be quick and smooth? Probably not. Bare with the bumps because we’ve been locked inside for 3 months— just be thankful you’re finally outside with other humans and have fun!  
6. Tip tip tip! Many industry workers have been out of work for months so remember to be extra generous to your servers!
   

Places to check out:

Dorchester Brewing Company: Dorchester Brewing Co’s website has a counter you can preview to see how busy they are at the given time. You can also make reservations ahead but may pay a small fee. They also take walk in’s.

Harpoon Brewery Outdoors: They are excited to announce the opening of Outdoors @ Harpoon, an outdoor drinking and dining space located out front of the Harpoon Beer Hall in Boston, MA. Please note we have limited capacity. Reservations are highly encouraged and can be placed online here

Lawn on D: Has converted their space to an outdoor restaurant. Come out and enjoy outdoor dining on our large Lawn space, with full food and beverage table-side service provided by Rebel Restaurants. They will have 180 tables with 700 seats spread out throughout the Lawn. Click here to make a reservation

Rooftop at Six/West: The Six/West roof deck at the Cambria Hotel is one of Southie’s newest spots. This stunning roof deck unfortunately made it’s grand opening just day’s before Boston’s Covid lockdown. Make a reservation for cocktails and view it’s rotating menu on it’s instagram feed.

Shenannigans: Southie’s favorite has turned it’s parking lot into an outdoor beer garden with picnic tables offering walk in dining. Not yet taking reservations.

More:
For an extended list of restaurants in South Boston and Dorchester, check out this running list!