Savor the season: 10 favorite outdoor dining spots

Summer is fleeting around here — we have just a few short months to shake off the winter grime and revel in blue skies, bright sun and warm breezes. All the more reason to take advantage of Waltham’s lively outdoor dining scene, when restaurants open their cafe windows, dress up their patios, and set up shop on sidewalks and streets. Since the pandemic, Moody Street has been a mecca for outdoor dining, but you’ll find hidden patios, rooftop bars, and packed cafes all over town. Here are 10 favorite summer dining spots so you can get out there and enjoy these precious summer months.  

Brelundi

185 Crescent St. / 781-788-8807

Dining al fresco near the banks of the Charles … what beats that on a summer night? Brelundi boasts a romantic setting and an all-star Italian menu. Start with the famous arancini, followed by any of the house-made pastas. Top off the night with a shot of limoncello and a traditional cannoli. Close your eyes … are you in Sicily? 

Gustazo Cuban Kitchen & Bar

240 Moody St. / 855-487-8296

Spirited Latin music ushers you into Gustazo’s private oasis, where you’re immediately charmed by the patio’s chill attitude and tropical vibe. Everything shines on this menu, but favorites include the roasted heirloom beet salad, camarones a la plancha and croquetas de hongos. Pair your meal with a mojito or margarita or order from the surprisingly robust wine list.

Joe Sent Me

849 Main St./ 781-894-3153

Shhh … it’s a secret. Joe Sent Me’s hidden back patio is a tranquil space just steps from the buzz of Main Street. Have some wings and a pint, a burger (we love the Boilermaker) and fries, or just sip a martini and watch the sun go down at this secluded urban refuge.

Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co.

411 Waverley Oaks Road / 781-839-9242

When Mighty Squirrel opened in 2018, it was a scrappy newcomer to the craft beer craze. Today, the company has three locations and a seasonal biergarten. We’re partial to the original venue, with its enormous outdoor spaces, live music and, oh yes, beer. It now has in-house food, with a full kitchen serving soups, salads, tacos and sweets.

Shopper’s Café

731 Moody St. / 781-893-1180

The last time we were at Shopper’s, the café windows were flung wide open and revelers spilled out onto Moody Street. This comfortable neighborhood spot is always crowded, and summer brings out the best in its all-American menu (we’re stuck on the steak tips), extensive beer list and sports bar vibe.

Stazione di Federal

123 Moody St. / 781-891-0100

Did you know Waltham has a rooftop bar where you can watch the Charles River roll by while feasting on classic Italian food? It’s hidden from the street, but those in the know head straight for Stazione’s roof on summer evenings. We especially like the insalata arancia and the lobster ravioli, paired with wines from the mostly Italian wine list.

Taqueria Mexico

24 Charles St. / 781-650-4847

In our house, summer equals the patio at Taqueria Mexico. Decked out with colorful Mexican pottery, tropical plants and twinkly lights, the patio is a lively spot for enjoying homemade chips and salsa, tacos, enchiladas and, of course, a cerveza or two. As authentic as it gets and just a few steps off Moody.

Tempo

474 Moody St. / 781-891-9000

This Moody Street stalwart serves up consistently great food, with a diverse menu that appeals to all tastes. Tempo goes all-out in summer, throwing open its street-side windows and setting up an al fresco dining area bedecked with flowers, colorful seating and big café umbrellas. Our favorite items are the bacon Brussels sprouts and the cashew-encrusted Icelandic cod. 

Trencito Taqueria & Deli

3 Carter St. / 781-977-9376

On warm summer nights, the patio at Trencito is bustling with kids, couples and families. A recent addition to the South Side’s food scene, Trencito serves up freshly made Latin street food, along with traditional deli subs and sandwiches.

Waku Waku Ramen

456 Moody St. / 617-906-8070

This buzzy, stylish ramen joint is fun all year round, but in summer, it rocks. Big café windows open up onto Moody Street, where you can slurp your soup, sip your sake and people watch day or night. And be sure to check out the pork gyoza, the best on the street. Waku Waku is always crowded, but it’s easier to snag a table at lunch.