Boston's best: Patio bars

As survivors of yet another infinite Boston winter, we’re more than ready to ditch our coats and soak up the weather the best way we know how: by imbibing al fresco. From spacious rooftop bars to cheery brick-lined patios, here are ten spots guaranteed to quench your thirst while also providing some much-needed vitamin D. Just remember, it’s against city law for bars and restaurants to serve alcohol on their patios without also serving food, so be prepared to order a snack or two.

Canary Square
A relatively new addition to the JP restaurant scene, Canary Square celebrates its first Boston summer with a street-side patio open for dining and drinking. While we admire this spot for its commitment to being green, it’s really the extensive draft list that’s got us coming back for more. $1 oysters from 5pm to 6pm daily sweeten the deal. 435 South Huntington Ave, Jamaica Plain (617-524-2500, canarysquare.com)

Daedalus
Charlie’s Beer Garden is the favorite among the Harvard Square crowd (and rightly so), but if you’re looking for a little more class in your outdoor imbibing, Daedalus’s rooftop patio is an excellent alternative. Ready with both heat lamps and fans to keep customers comfortable no matter what, Daedalus also offers a number of beers, wines and cocktails, including one of our summertime favorites—cairpirinha, the national cocktail of Brazil. 45 1/2 Mount Auburn St, Harvard Square, Cambridge (617-349-0071, daedalusharvardsquare.com)

Deep Ellum
Named after a bustling arts and entertainment district in Dallas, Deep Ellum does its namesake proud by allowing Allstonians to partake in a hallowed Texan tradition: open-air drinking. The deck might be located in the less-than-picturesque back parking lot, but with its high wood-paneled walls and the gastropub’s legendary selection of craft brews and cocktails, we doubt you’ll even notice. 477 Cambridge St, Allston (617-787-2337, deepellum-boston.com)

Devlin's
Brighton Center might not be an obvious choice for drinking al fresco, but Devlin’s massive outdoor patio provides plenty of room for indulging in the open air. Catch the Sox game on the patio bar’s flat screen or grab a table and take your time savoring one of the spot’s rotating drafts. Sunday brunch on the patio features a live jazz band from noon to 3pm as well as a number of brunch cocktails—including Devlin’s masterful Bloody Marys. 332 Washington St, Brighton Center, Brighton (617-779-8822, edevlins.com)

The Field Pub
The Field offers pool and darts inside but when the weather’s warm, the brick-lined back patio is definitely the place to be. A haven for football (that’s soccer to you State-siders) and beer lovers alike, this Irish pub offers a variety of imported stouts, ales, lagers and microbrews to keep you company while you catch a game shown on the patio’s outdoor TV. 20 Prospect St, Central Square, Cambridge (617-354-7345, thefieldpub.com)

The Landing
It doesn’t get much better than drinking on the wharf. Holding the title of Boston’s only fully outdoor patio bar, The Landing serves beer by the bucket as well at its signature fish bowl cocktails—but bring friends. The 32-oz Guppy Bowl requires a minimum of two drinkers and the 64 oz. Fish Bowl requires three. 1 Long Wharf, Waterfront, Boston (617-227-4321, bostonharborcruises.com/the-landing-at-long-wharf)

One Kendall Square
One Kendall Square’s got a little something for everyone—and each establishment has staked out a section of the expansive outdoor space. Like sampling obscure beers? Head over to Cambridge Brewing Co’s patio area. Prefer craft cocktails? Try Think Tank or The Blue Room. Scoping out college boys? Tommy Doyle’s and Flat Top Johnny’s are your spots. Recovering from a nasty hangover? Brunch and a Bloody Mary from the Friendly Toast will do you right. 1 Kendall Square, Cambridge (617-494-1994, cambrew.com; 617-500-3031, thinktankcambridge.com; 617-494-9034, theblueroom.net; 617-225-0888, tommydoyles.com; 617-494-9565, flattopjohnnys.com; 617- 621-1200, thefriendlytoast.net)

Rattlesnake Bar and Grill
The Back Bay offers plenty of options for patio seating, but with its pleasant rooftop bar and bevy of margarita options, the Rattlesnake gets our vote every time. Adventurous imbibers should go for the Asian Pear or Pineapple Sage Margarita, while traditionalists will appreciate the Rattlesnake’s classic House Margarita. 384 Boylston St, Back Bay, Boston (617-859-7772, rattlesnakebar.com)

The Savant Project
While we adore the Savant Project’s cozy dining room during the winter, in the warmer months there’s no nicer place to be in Mission Hill than out on the back patio. Tipplers who find themselves torn between beer and cocktails should look to The Savant Project’s mixed beer selection for a satisfying resolution. The Blonde, made with Allagash White and White Lillet, is a house favorite. 1625 Tremont St, Mission Hill, Boston (617-566-5958, thesavantproject.com)

Tavern on the Water
With a stunning view of the Boston skyline, Tavern on the Water’s rooftop patio, main dining area and first floor deck provide the perfect setting for a sunset drink. Mojitos, margaritas, sangria and dark and stormies available by the pitcher make this a great choice for swill-happy groups. 1 8th St, Pier 6, Charlestown, Boston (617-242-8040, tavernonthewater.com)