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 application is now open for the 2025 Outdoor Dining season which takes place from May 1, 2025 through October 31, 2025. Restaurants interested in participating are encouraged to refer to the 2025 Outdoor Dining Program Application Guide for detailed preparation steps and required documents prior to applying for the program.
-
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.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
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 2025 Outdoor Dining Program Application Guide for detailed preparation steps and required documents.
APPLY TO THE OUTDOOR DINING PROGRAM
For inquiries or support, contact outdoordining@boston.gov.
Please Note
-
If your business has any outstanding fees from previous years you will be ineligible to participate in the 2025 Outdoor Dining Program until those outstanding fees are resolved.
- 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.
Program Fees
The total fee for the season will be owed beginning in June for patio operation between May 1, 2025, to October 31, 2025. The fee structure is as follows:
- Licensees with a Common Victualler (no alcohol): $199 per month
- Licensees with a Common Victualler with alcohol (includes Malt, Wine, Breweries, Cordials, Liqueurs, and All Alcohol licenses): $399 per month
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.
Map of Outdoor Dining Locations
-
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.
