310705 Thu Jul 20 00:22:28 -0700 2006 14 12 Boston Area 0 1755182 I'm looking for recommendations for a restaurant or bar with a nice outdoor eating (garden or patio) area for a friend's birthday. There will be about 8 of us on a week night. Anywhere in Cambridge, Boston, or Somerville would be ideal. We're looking for a little oasis (like Oleana's patio but not as expensive) in the city as opposed to sitting on a sidewalk next to traffic. Thanks! Thu Jul 20 00:22:28 -0700 2006 20326 outdooreating 1 1755283 How about the garden at Casa Romero in the Back Bay? http://www.casaromero.com/about_us.html Thu Jul 20 00:56:34 -0700 2006 1755182 15576 PennyC 1 1755291 B & G has that little patio in the back. Thu Jul 20 01:00:56 -0700 2006 1755182 17102 missykins 1 1755856 There's an article in today's Calendar on outdoor dining, haven't read it yet. MC SlimJB gave a list of places that I saved but who knows where I stuck it. Thu Jul 20 11:16:45 -0700 2006 1755182 14253 Joanie 1 1755885 Do you want to people watch or are you looking for subtle outdoor surroundings? The article in the Globe Calendar appears well researched and is worth a look. For me the choice is easy, Armani Cafe for great food, service and people watching; Dante for subtle outdoor, great food and people watching. Thu Jul 20 12:08:11 -0700 2006 1755182 20359 ypeopleeat 1 1755892 Pardon: Armani Cafe for great food, service and people watching; Dante for subtle outdoor, great food and great service. Thu Jul 20 12:14:29 -0700 2006 1755182 20359 ypeopleeat 1 1755908 hi, here are some great choices for you to consider: dante in cambridge casa romero in Boston sophia's grotto in Roslindale atasca in cambridge chart house restaurant in Boston red fez in the South End ** hungry I in Beacon Hill (pricey) Thu Jul 20 12:34:26 -0700 2006 1755182 20204 csifitgirl 1 1755944 I'm not a huge fan of the food at Casa Romero, but the outdoor area is very nice. Thu Jul 20 13:08:31 -0700 2006 1755182 14771 hiddenboston 1 1757198 You could call Trattoria Pulcinella and see if they are serving on their patio (and could accomodate your party), although their prices are not far from Oleana. If Conundrum in Harvard Sq is making full use of the Iruna space, they probably also have a patio. Both of these would be tucked away from the street. Thu Jul 20 20:45:07 -0700 2006 1755182 12962 itaunas 1 1757286 Possibly the back patio at Audubon but 8 might be pushing it. I think they have mostly 4 tops in the back. Thu Jul 20 21:08:17 -0700 2006 1755182 10283 Dax 2 1757931 I was thinking the same thing...but if you don't mind pushing a couple of tables together it's a nice casual spot. They have always been accomodating about moving tables around inside, so I'd imagine you could do it outside as well. Fri Jul 21 02:14:51 -0700 2006 1757286 10768 cmd 1 1757396 Devlins in Brighton has a great outdoor patio behind the restaurant. You would never know that it was there but there are cute umbrella tables, a waterfall and little tiki lights. The food is pretty good too. Thu Jul 20 21:40:40 -0700 2006 1755182 13053 lmuller 1 1757486 I'll interpret your geographical limits broadly and suggest Ashmont Grill in Dorchester -- it has a really nice and spacious patio out back. They have heaters (probably not needed right now) so it's still nice on cooler nights and into the fall. Nice bar (inside) and good food, reasonable prices, although portions can be a bit petite. There should be plenty of reviews here with more detail on the food if you do a search. Thu Jul 20 22:19:52 -0700 2006 1755182 10901 MichaelB 1 1757910 Although the Red Fez has a cool outdoor patio, I would avoid this place. It's really gone downhill. Fri Jul 21 01:58:55 -0700 2006 1755182 10452 TheScribe 1 1758003 Hammersleys's has a great patio. I have eaten many a nights there. Problem is, as with many other restaurants, they don't take reservations for outdoor seating and eight people makes it all the more difficult. Either you come before the 7/7:30 rush or after. Tremont Street can be so entertaining. On the other hand, the Roman and I drove past ES (Eastern Standard)tonight and there were plenty a'tables available outside. One thing in your favor is that you are looking for a week night. Please let us know what you have decided. Fri Jul 21 03:10:03 -0700 2006 1755182 11173 birdy30