3pm on a Saturday?

[gimlis1mum]

We've had a really, really tough week and a friend offered to watch the kids for a couple of hours tomorrow. What's open on a Saturday afternoon, within a 20 or so minute drive from Malden ( so I'm thinking Boston and points north, Cambridge or Somerville; Brookline is probably too far for our limited time), outdoor dining space would be nice, any space quiet enough to talk will work, any type of food OK and money is not an issue at this particular meal?

[gimlis1mum]

Thank you so much for all of the replies. In the end, though, we didn't get to go anywhere today (deep sigh).

Hopefully we can try again next weekend. The seaport and South End end options all sound like just right thing, and we could walk around a bit too. Thanks again.

[MC Slim JB]

A few South End options with pleasant patio dining and open at 3pm on a Saturday: B&G, Picco, Myers + Chang, South End Buttery, The Wholy Grain, Petit Robert Bistro, Pops, Stephi's on Tremont. Meter parking isn't too hard to come by in the afternoon, either.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

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Petit Robert Bistro
468 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02215

South End Buttery
314 Shawmut Avenue, Boston, MA 02118

[Matt H]

Neptune Oyster, Bistro Du Midi are both open at that time and should be relatively empty. Also if you want to take a chance on a new restaurant, Abigail's in Kendall Square opens at 3:00 on a Saturday.

[will007]

The North End will be crowded today and most likely already is. Parking alone will cut time into what you have to spend.

The Daily Catch next to the courthouse is never full and there is a lot right across the street. There is plenty of outside seating.

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Daily Catch
323 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113

[BlueMagic]

The Madonna Della Cava feast is this weekend in the North End and there were already good crowds there yesterday afternoon before all the vendors were even set up. Neptune Oyster is not a place I would go if I were looking for quiet. Agree with others who have said the Seaport district. I think it is perfect for what you are looking for, especially at 3pm. There are a wide variety of cuisines available so you should be able to find something that appeals to you.

[Madrid]

oh my. I completely blanked on all the August festivals in the North End. Anyone who wants a quiet experience is going to be depleted once they get anywhere close. Sorry!

[Madrid]

I've had, believe it or not, some wonderful intimate talks while sitting at the bar at Neptune Oyster in the North End. You have to tune out everything around you and it's not outside...and everyone else who's ever been there is going to talk about how crowded it is....but it has worked for me!

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Neptune Oyster
63 Salem St Ste 1, Boston, MA 02113

[teezeetoo]

timing is tough. 3 PM is too late for brunch or lunch at most nice places and too early for dinner. I'm thinking it might be a good time (off hours) for the new legal seafood on liberty wharf. they provide parking and the cocktail crowd won't be there yet.

[libertywharf]

3 pm would be a perfect time to try the new restaurants at liberty wharf in the seaport district. You should be able to get seated right away. I would go here if time is an issue. Parking is easy enough if you don't want to valet. There are lots near pier four.

[marilu]

What about the Oak Bar? A drink and a couple of appetizers. Its very quiet unless you are looking for people watching too. If you just want to sit and talk to each other it will probably be close to empty. Pricey, though.

[KilgoreTrout]

This time of year aim for the "ritzier" parts of town. The higher % of locals who are gone for the weekend the easier it is to get a good space. EXCEPT Newbury, all the out of town folks will be shopping especially with the tax free weekend. Posto in Davis has some nice outside seating.

[LeoLioness]

Post doesn't open until 5.

[LeoLioness]

B&G Oyster? I was there for a late Saturday lunch a few weeks ago and their outdoor space was pretty quiet.