Dining Al Fresco in Concord

BY JENNIFER C. SCHÜNEMANN

Summer is here! Warmer days and beautiful flowers call us outside to enjoy the fresh air. And Concord’s restaurants are responding with inviting terraces, refreshing cocktails, and delicious foods to entice us to gather around the table al fresco style! With so many restaurants to choose from, we’ve put together highlights of some of our favorite places to watch the world go by while enjoying a delicious meal. Bon appétit!

ADELITA - Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine at this fun and fabulous taco and margarita bar. Patio seating is first come, first served and is open seven nights a week. Sister restaurant to Woods Hill Table, Adelita takes a casual, family-friendly cue with fun décor and lively music. A farm to table twist features healthy ingredients in a range of delicious dishes, and is a hit with kids and adults alike. More information available at adelita.com

Adelita

©Pierre Chiha Photographers

CONCORD’S COLONIAL INN - Lunch, dinner, or cocktails on the porch at the Colonial Inn is a wonderful way to welcome summer! Sip on rosé wine, an ice-cold beer, or enjoy a tasty cocktail as you watch the world stroll by. It’s hard to choose between their spectacular lobster rolls, steaks, burgers, salads, or seafood. concordscolonialinn.com

Concord's Colonial Inn

Photo courtesy of Concord's Colonial Inn

FIORELLA’S CUCINA - Who says you have to get on a plane to experience amazing Italian cuisine? You’ll feel like you’re at a European piazza at one of Fiorella’s charming bistro tables, tucked in between big pots of flowers and surrounded by bistro lights. Creative cocktails from the mixology bar are just the beginning. Wood oven pizzas, homemade pasta dishes, and delectable seafood dishes will have you saying ‘grazie mille’! Patio hours, menus, and more at fiorellascucina.com

Fiorella's Cucina

©Pierre Chiha Photographers

WOODS HILL TABLE - Owner Kristin Canty opened Concord’s first farm-to-table restaurant out of a passion for sustainably farmed produce and pasture raised meats, predominantly from the 265-acre Farm at Woods Hill, and locally sourced seafoods. Under Chef Charlie Foster’s careful eye, these healthful, nutritionally dense ingredients are transformed into works of art – appealing to the eye, the sense of smell, and of course, taste. A rotating menu embraces the freshest harvest available, and is thoughtfully prepared to reflect the changing seasons. Pair your meal with a creative cocktail or a glass of wine for an exceptional evening out. Check the website for hours. woodshilltable.com

PICNIC FAVORITES

Want a more casual al fresco experience? There are SO many wonderful places for a picnic in Concord. Stock up on tasty treats at these favorite shops, grab a picnic blanket, and head outside:

THE CHEESE SHOP OF CONCORD – The talented staff at the Cheese Shop can deftly guide you through the hundreds of cheeses to find the perfect match for your taste buds. Fill out that picnic basket with charcuterie, stuffed grape leaves, cornichons, dried fruits and nuts, imported chocolates, and more. Freshly made sandwiches put a gourmet spin on a picnic favorite. And delicious wines and beers will make your picnic picture perfect. For hours and menus, visit concordcheeseshop.com

DEBRA’S NATURAL GOURMET – The amazing kitchen at Debra’s uses the freshest ingredients from their incredible store to bring you delicious foods to go, including soups, salads, entrees, sandwiches, wraps, organic smoothies, raw juices, luscious desserts, and more. They are no stranger to specialized diets – vegan, vegetarian, non-gluten, dairyfree, paleo, FODMAP, you name it! Hours and menus at debrasnaturalgourmet.com

© istock.com/KatarzynaBialasiewicz

CONCORD TEACAKES – If you have a sweet tooth, this is the place to go! Cakes, cupcakes, cookies, brownies, bars, and bundts will make your mouth water! You’ll also find breakfast treats, coffee and tea drinks, and sandwiches to go. Hours and menus at concordteacakes.com

VERRILL FARM – A well-stocked cooler section features delicious salads and heatat-home options. Made to order sandwiches go perfectly with the bakery delights at the next counter over (try one of their amazing homemade pies!). Grab a chilled beverage and you are ready to enjoy an outside meal – they even have picnic benches overlooking this beautiful farmland. Menus and hours at verrillfarm.com

VINTAGES - Looking to up your al fresco game? This delightful boutique specialty shop carries a spectacular collection of wines (and beer and liquors) to delight and surprise. The knowledgeable and friendly staff will guide you to a truly perfect pairing for a picnic to remember! vintagesonline.com

WEST CONCORD WINE & SPIRITS – The friendly and helpful team at West Concord Wine & Spirits can help you find just the right wine or beer to pair with your picnic. Looking to create your own al fresco dining experience with an outdoor BBQ or party with friends and family? They even have beverage catering and delivery services –they will bring the wine, beer, and liquors to you (one less item on your party prep list). Find out more or order online for in-store or curbside pickup at westconcordwine.com

For a comprehensive list of restaurants in Concord, please see our “Where to Shop, Where to Eat” guide on page 41.