When the sun is shining and your stomach is growling, you don’t want to eat inside. When you’re looking to enjoy Merrimack’s restaurants, look for places that feature outdoor dining. Having your breakfast, lunch or dinner out on the patio, watching people pass by and enjoying the fresh air is one of the most pleasant experiences you can have during warm weather.
Brew’d Awakening Coffeehaus
If you’re looking to enjoy your food outdoors early in the day, when the air is still cool and folks are milling about as they start their day, pop over to Brew’d Awakening Coffeehaus in Lowell. In spring, summer, and fall when the weather is good you can have breakfast or lunch while seated outside. Sip on your single-roast coffee and munch on a breakfast sandwich while you enjoy a lazy morning.
Rapscallion Table & Tap
Go to Acton to enjoy artisanal comfort food and craft beer on Rapscallion Table & Tap’s patio. While Rapscallion was founded as a brewery, they’ve become equally known for their scratch kitchen featuring locally sourced ingredients. Dine al fresco on the patio with a variety of appetizers, salads, pastas, burgers, and desserts. Don’t forget to toast to a beautiful day with a hand-brewed beer. As a bonus, dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio too, so you can dine with your best friend while basking in the lovely weather.
Forge & Vine
Outdoor dining is often viewed as casual, but it can be upscale too with the right food and scenery. Forge & Vine in Groton draws inspiration from the region’s history and natural surroundings, which you’ll get a great view of when dining outdoors. Have dinner and drinks on the deck while enjoying the beautiful views of the green lawns and rolling hills. The scenic backdrop pairs beautifully with charcuterie boards, flatbreads, and crisp wines, especially as you watch the clouds drift by and the sun set.
Tavern in the Square
If you’re looking for a fantastic spot to eat outside and people watch, Tavern in the Square is right in the heart of downtown Lowell. Proudly independent and local, it grew from a neighborhood joint to a local staple. Meet with friends or a date for patio dining while you chow down on fried pickle chips, crab rangoon dip, signature burgers, and craft cocktails. Relax in the sun or the shade and relax with al fresco dining.
Don’t feel like you need to stay inside to enjoy the great food of Merrimack Valley. Find a restaurant that offers up outdoor dining and order off the menu while seated in the fresh air. It’s the perfect way to start or finish your day when visiting Merrimack.
