The Best Outdoor Dining Guide

Posted: May 6, 2021

For the average New Englander, “dining out” might entail yummy food, good company and a lively atmosphere. But when that warmer weather hits, dining out means taking total advantage of warm, breezy days and cool nights. Here, we have your all-encompassing guide to dining al fresco in Central Mass—because what’s better than a meal with Mother Nature?

Top 10 Outdoor Dining Experiences

There’s simply nothing better on a gorgeous day than enjoying delicious food in the open air. The patio dining scene in Worcester and Central Mass. is growing quickly, so experience the best by starting with our shortlist of recommendations.

Note: Locations are not ranked in order. There are additional recommendations after the top 10, listed by town.

1. Grill on the Hill at Green Hill Park and Golf Course

Enjoy a classic American lunch or dinner on the deck with views of the park. On the best of days at Green Hill, you’ll be treated to a stellar sunset and live entertainment in one of Worcester's most scenic park destinations.

2. Sonoma Restaurant at Beechwood Hotel

Visit SONOMA for the ultimate outdoor dining experience, featuring the largest and most
beautiful al fresco dining in Central MA. Enjoy SONOMA’s expansive and delicious Chef-inspired
Spring menu, the freshest farm-to-table ingredients, seasonal hand-crafted cocktails,
world-class service, and unsurpassed ambiance, whether dining outdoors or inside. Book your
reservation today.

3. Lock 50

Located in Worcester's historic Canal District, Lock 50 features contemporary American cuisine made with seasonal New England ingredients. Their patio's tiki bar and rotation of live music makes it a popular upscale choice.

4. Flying Rhino

For an eclectic menu of internationally inspired dishes, head to the popular Flying Rhino deck on Worcester's Restaurant Row, Shrewsbury St. for a casual dining experience. Not pictured is their new tent that fills the parking lot and drastically expands their outdoor seating, just in time for the nice weather!

5. 110 Grill Worcester

Nestled next to the AC Marriott in downtown Worcester, 110 Grill serves modern American cuisine and boasts a spacious, upscale patio that includes a lounge and firepit.

6. The UxLocale

For a hidden gem that offers high-quality dishes and gorgeous sunsets, check out The UxLocale. All their ingredients are fresh and locally sourced, plus the wood-fired pizza cannot be beat.

7. Galliford’s Restaurant & Tavern at Southwick’s Zoo

Located in Southwick’s Zoo in Mendon, Mass., Galliford’s Restaurant & Tavern is a delightful destination for family diners, both indoors and out.

8. Samuel Slater’s

Samuel Slater’s is a lovely upscale restaurant that offers both traditional dining, as well as private functions, with a stunning view facing the water.

9. Wachusett Brewery Company at Worcester Public Market

In Worcester's newly updated Kelley Square, you'll find sidewalk-style dining space where you can enjoy a thirst-quenching beer from Wachusett Brewery’s taproom. Hungry? The Worcester Public market offers tons of options.

10. Redemption Rock Brewery

At this popular local brewery you'll find a hip, dog-friendly space serving craft beer with snacks like cheese, charcuterie, soft pretzels and cider donuts. Plus, Redemption Rock’s generous “bring your own food” policy allows you to choose from a ton of nearby takeout options.

For more al fresco fare, check out these outdoor dining spots:

Worcester

Beer Garden Worcester - 64 Franklin St., Worcester
The Boynton - 117 Highland St., Worcester
Funky Murphys - 305 Shrewsbury St., Worcester
Glazy Susan - 50 Foster St., Worcester
Mezcal Tequila Cantina - 30 Major Taylor Blvd., Worcester
Nu Kitchen - 335 Chandler St., Worcester
Oak Barrel Tavern - 229 Grove St., Worcester
Pepe’s Italian Restaurant - 274 Franklin St., Worcester
Piccolo’s Restaurant - 157 Shrewsbury St., Worcester
Via Italian Table - 89 Shrewsbury St., Worcester
Vintage Grille & Gourmet Pizza - 346 Shrewsbury St., Worcester
Volturno Pizza - 72 Shrewsbury St., Worcester
Westside Steak & BBQ - 2 Richmond Ave., Worcester
The Woo Bar & Grill - 358 Shrewsbury St., Worcester
Wormtown Brewing - 72 Shrewsbury St. #4, Worcester

Boylston

Cyprian Keyes Golf Club - 284 E Temple St., Boylston

East Brookfield

308 Lakeside - 308 E Main St., East Brookfield

Holden

Seven Saws Brewing Co. - 1148 Main St., Holden
Specialty Sandwich Company - 624 Main St., Holden

Mendon

Alicante Mediterranean Grill - 84 Uxbridge Rd., Mendon
Vandervalk Farm & Winery - 25 Lovell St., Mendon

Sturbridge

Cedar Street Café - 12 Cedar St., Sturbridge

Webster

Samuel Slater's - 200 Gore Rd., Webster
The Stave & Still - 131 Main St., Webster

Westborough

Civic Kitchen & Drink - 121 W Main St., Westborough

West Boylston

The Mill at 185 - 185 W Boylston St., West Boylston
NOLA Cajun Kitchen - 340 W Boylston St., West Boylston

Note: This list is not currently (as of April 29, 2021) an all-inclusive list of every outdoor dining spot. However, the list will continue evolving as we add more locations and more restaurants create outdoor dining space! If we've missed your favorite spot, or you have a tip to share, please DM us on Facebook or Instagram.

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