Outdoor Dining Program
We are committed to supporting and growing Boston’s restaurants through the City of Boston's Outdoor Dining Program.
The City of Boston's Outdoor Dining Program supports restaurants by helping them expand seating capacity through outdoor patios. Outdoor Dining Program initiatives include permitting, outdoor patios on roadways, and an online application portal. The program additionally provides outdoor dining consultations, accessible design templates, real-time application tracking, office hours, site visits, and annual license renewals.
The Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion provides tools and expertise to assist restaurants in setting up outdoor dining spaces. Restaurants interested in participating are encouraged to refer to the 2024 Outdoor Dining Guidance for detailed preparation steps and required documents.
For inquiries or support, contact outdoordining@boston.gov.
Please Note
- At any time, the City, at its sole discretion, may enforce or revoke the permit as it deems appropriate. The City assumes no responsibility, financial or otherwise, for rentals or purchases made for patio extension. The City reserves the right to require that equipment and furniture be moved for any reason, including inclement weather or emergencies
- Restaurants with existing outdoor dining permits prior to 2020 when the Seasonal Outdoor Dining Program was designed, may operate under those permits provided that there is no expansion of either seat count or dining area. However, if any alterations to kitchen or food prep areas are made, a separate review by the Health District will be required.
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Office Hours
If you require more help with your application or the application process, you can sign up for our office hours:
- Wednesdays from 12 - 2:30 p.m.
- Fridays from 9 - 11:30 a.m.
OUTDOOR DINING PROGRAM SURVEY
The City of Boston is seeking feedback from both participants and non-participants of the 2024 Outdoor Dining Program. Help improve the Outdoor Dining Program by completing the survey that applies to your business.
PARTICIPANT SURVEY
If your business participated in the 2024 Outdoor Dining Program, please complete the survey below.
NON-PARTICIPANT SURVEY
If your business did not participate in the 2024 Outdoor Dining Program, please complete the survey below.
Map of Outdoor Dining Locations
Fees
The fee structure is $199 per month for licensees with a Common Victualler (no alcohol) and $399 per month for licensees with a Common Victualler with alcohol (includes Malt, Wine, Breweries, Cordials, Liqueurs, and All Alcohol licenses). The total fee for the season will be owed beginning in June for patio operation between May 1, 2025, to October 31, 2025.
Licensees who are approved will be contacted when the payment portal is available. Licensees who do not pay may have their patio permits revoked. The City assumes no responsibility, financial or otherwise, for rentals or purchases made for the patio extensions.
Please Note: If you have any outstanding fees from previous years you will be ineligible to participate until those outstanding fees are resolved.
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Office Hours
If you require more help with your application or the application process, you can sign up for our office hours:
- Wednesdays from 12 - 2:30 p.m.
- Fridays from 9 - 11:30 a.m.
