~ By Cynthia Rosenfeld, www.HinghamFoodie.com

There is no better way to celebrate the return of warm weather than by sitting outside, sipping your favorite drink and enjoying excellent food. And what better place to do that, than on a restaurant patio! Here on the South Shore, we are lucky to have an extensive variety patios and decks on which to enjoy the beautiful weather. Here are five outdoor seating options that you will not want to miss!

 

1.  Captain Fishbones, 332 Victory Road, Quincy, 617-471-3511

Located in beautiful Marina Bay in Quincy, the boardwalk at Captain Fishbones is located directly on the water. It opens each year in mid-April, and boasts its own dining area, bar, and “Wave Bar,” a smaller area to sit and have drinks. Fishbones offers its full menu outside from 11:30am to 11:00pm, with pizzas being served until midnight. The menu is seafood focused and favorites include the double dipped wings and the fish or shrimp tacos. If you are really hungry, you can try your luck with the 6 lb. lobster! Seating is first come, first serve, and this summer, patio diners can look forward to something new: the famous Friday Night Raw Bar is moving outside! It features local oysters, fresh lobster claws, and stuffed quahogs. There is live music on Saturday night and Sunday features Country music. Great food, great view, and great location make Captain Fishbones a place to frequent this spring and summer.

 

2. East Bay Grille, 173 Water St, Plymouth, 508-746-9751

East Bay Grille is located on the Town Pier in Plymouth. With 2 outside bars, one of the largest patios on the South Shore, and live music outside every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, East Bay Grille is as much an evening hot spot as it is a destination for lunch and dinner. The full menu is available outside, and the lobster rolls are the best around. The menu features fresh seafood, as well as steaks and other New England Favorites. East Bay Grille opens the patio as soon as the weather permits. The patio at East Bay Grille can accommodate all size parties. Hint: Spring and summer bring many tourists to Plymouth, so if you want to skip the crowds, plan a mid-week visit.

 

3. Sea Dog Brew Pub, 2 A St. Hull, MA,  781-773-1840

The famous Maine Micro-Brewery has landed in Hull! Overlooking the Sunset Bay Marina, the Boston Harbor Islands, and the Boston Skyline, the deck at Sea Dog Brew Pub has one of the best sunset views on the South Shore. The deck opens in mid-April, and seating is first come, first serve. The Sea Dog hand crafted beers are served with pride, and seafood dominates the menu. The Lobster Rangoons are, by far, the most popular item on the menu. Reggae Brunch at Sea Dog has become a popular Sunday tradition, and guests will enjoy live music played right on the deck. If you are a boater, you can tie up your boat at one of the Sea Dog slips. Hint: Arrive by 7:00pm in the summer to witness the famous sunset.

 

4. Alma Nove, 22 Shipyard Dr. Hingham, 781-749-3353

The Hingham Shipyard is home to another patio on our list. Alma Nove, the restaurant founded by Executive Chef Paul Wahlberg and his brothers Mark and Donnie Wahlburg, opened in 2010, much to the excitement of the local residents. Their patio, which includes both a water view and a gas firepit surrounded by sofas and dining tables, is available on a first come, first serve basis. The menu is a creative blend of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, and the full menu is available on the patio. It features such delights as Island Creek Oysters, and wood grilled swordfish with mashed potatoes. Alma Nove also has a special “After 9” menu for late night. The patio is enclosed by a glass wall, which protects guests from stiff sea breezes, while allowing them to view the marina. In the summer, the patio gets fairly crowded, so arriving early is recommended. And you never know…you may see someone famous there.

 

5. Cohasset Harbor Resort, 124 Elm St, Cohasset, MA,
781-383-6650

The Cohasset Harbor Resort is made up of the Cohasset Harbor Inn, Brisa Tapas and Wine, Olde Salt House, and Atlantica restaurant. This compound on the water offers its guests a choice of dining styles and patios. Attached to Atlantica restaurant, but with its own menu, Olde Salt House is a clam shack with an upscale bent. Olde Salt House boasts one of the only “peninsula” patios in the state, and with its teak furniture and gorgeous views of the harbor, it is a lovely place to relax after work or on a Saturday night. Tables are first come, first serve, so arrive early to avoid the wait!

Across the harbor, at the Cohasset Harbor Inn, Brisa Tapas and Wine serves up some of the best tapas on the South Shore. With its magnificent harbor view, and lush herb and flower gardens, Brisa, which means “breeze” in Spanish, has the best of land and sea. Fresh herbs are used in the kitchen, giving the food its authentic Spanish flavor. Enjoy a pitcher of Brisa’s famous Sangria as you settle into the comfortable lounge seating. As Brisa is attached to the Inn, it could close on certain Saturday nights for weddings and events. Both Olde Salt House and Brisa Tapas and Wine are officially open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, although they have been known to open earlier if the weather permits.

We certainly endured a long, hard winter. Now it is our responsibility to get out there and enjoy the longer days and warmer nights. With all the patios available to us, there is something for everyone!

HERE ARE SOME NOTABLE PATIOS TO
VISIT THIS SPRING & SUMMER!

14 UNION, Plymouth

ADAMS INN, Quincy

ALBA, Quincy

BEACH FIRE, Hull

BRIDGEMAN’S, Hull

CAFFE TOSCA, Hingham

DBAR, Dorchester

DOG WATCH, Scituate

HINGHAM BEER

WORKS, Hingham

HOLA, Marshfield

JO’S NAUTICAL Hull

MILL WHARF, Scituate

PARAGON GRILL, Hull

RED PARROT, Hull

RIVA, Scituate

RUSTIC KITCHEN, Hingham

SCARLET OAK, Hingham

SIRO’S, Quincy

THE DECK ON GREEN HARBOR, Marshfield

TK O’MALLEY’S, Scituate

UNION FISH, Plymouth/Hingham