Local Options to Dine Outside

This week, North Shore Bites takes a look around the region at some of the outside dining options – whether it a deck or patio.

Shea's Riverside in Essex has an exquisite view of the Essex River and Crane Beach, according to Manager Jane Sullivan.

"It's one of the best views around," Sullivan said about the deck area the restaurant uses.

There's seven tables and diners can also dock their boats instead of driving to the restaurant. The busiest time for the restaurant is during lunch hours and evenings when the temperature has cooled down.
If you're in the mood for something different, Woodman's in Essex has got you covered, literally. Woodman's offers customers the chance to sit underneath a tent if the sun is too powerful.

According to Lisa MacGregor, this appeals more to families because they aren't licensed to serve alcohol in that area. But, if you're in the mood to enjoy some spirits and the sun at the time you can head on up to the top deck. It's been open since June and will close once October comes around.

Black Cow in Newburyport has a top deck with tables and a lounge area as well, said General Manager Mike Duratti.

The views include the Merrimack River. The deck area has a roof that can shield you from the sun and if it gets too cool they can turn on the heaters. Unlike most places, Black Cow keeps their deck open year round.

During the wintertime a few stragglers like to indulge in the view. On occasion, a person might come across wildlife, like seals in the distance or eagles on the hunt.

"It's a very fun lounge," Duratti said. "It's like being on vacation."

And while you can't dine outside, do not forget about the location right here in Hamilton.

At , people enjoy the patio because there’s a sense of privacy, said Bruce Canario, the general manager.

“It’s all fenced in,” Canario said, “people like it out there.”

For a little reprieve from the sun, the tables have umbrellas. It keeps you from getting too hot.

If you want to enjoy a nice frozen yogurt and spend sometime outdoors in Danvers, check out . There’s a nice fountain on the patio, said Kaitlin McQuire, who does a little bit of everything at the restaurant.

The offers outside seating for about 100 people. It's seasonal, so make sure the snow has melted before heading over. If the temperature cools, there are heaters to make sure customers are comfortable, said Andrea Campbell, manager.

Joe's American Bar and Grill also has an outside patio that seats six to eight tables. To keep cool from the sun, there's an awning.

At there's a patio with a waterfall and a small garden.

"It's a more relaxed atmosphere," said manager Terri. "They tend to sit outside for longer."

There's also for those nights where the temperature might go down. The area will be open through September and October if the weather allows. Get there a little earlier, because sometimes there's a wait for outside tables, said Terri. To keep cool from the sun, the tables are fitted with umbrellas.

Salem has many places that offer outside dining.

At the , most customers prefer the outside area. During the week, the area seats eight tables, but on weekend nights and Sunday afternoons it serves 16 tables in the outside area. Get there while you can, because come October it’s no longer an option because of the weather, said Sarah Stellato, front of the house manager.

At , the second floor deck provides some fun in the sun. The deck overlooks the water and busser Eric Yonkus said, “it’s the best view on the waterfront.”

Sylvia Kaufman, a server at , believes they have the best view of the water in Salem. It looks out onto Pickering Wharf and let’s customer unwind and relax.

If you’re tired of staring at the ocean, check out . Bartender extraordinaire Greg Racine has been working there for almost four years and calls the patio the best area for people watching. There’s full bar service outside, Ravine said.

For a more private area, check out .

According to host Rot Barrientos, the patio area is covered by trees and flowers. “People love it,” Barrientos said. “ You have a little area just for you and your family to talk. It almost feels like home.”

Food News

Have restaurant or food themed news you want to share? Send an e-mail to melissa.montoya@patch.com

Want to know what special are being served at a Hamilton restaurant before leaving home? has a great Website it updates frequently with each weekend’s specials so you can find out what will be on the special board before leaving home. Think about all the time you’ll have to talk to your dinner date when you don’t have to stare at the menu.

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Less than a month after it opened, is bring the heat outside. The restaurant, in at the Liberty Tree Mall, has recently opened a patio. Have you tried the wings? Let us know what you think in the comment section below.

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Looking to go raw? Organic Garden and Cafe on Cabot Street in Beverly is offering 50% off an in-house internship program on preparing raw and organic food.  

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More outdoor dining options on the North Shore may be on the horizon. Both Brothers Kouzina and Santarpio's on Route 1 have taken out permits to build outside patios where patrons can eat. Construction has yet to begin, but keep an eye out.

If you find yourself downtown Salem, try the new Scratch Kitchen on Derby Street that we’ve heard good things about so far. It specializes in handmade sandwiches using local ingredients. They have a Facebook page where you can check out their specials each day.