Summer is nearly here, which means it's time to start entertaining interns, summer associates, clients, and corporate groups. Here’s a look at the Boston area’s newest bars, restaurants, hotels, activity venues, and fresh-air-friendly spaces for corporate picnics, company gatherings, outdoor teambuilding activities and games, and other types of summer entertaining.
The Colonnade Hotel
![The Colonnade Hotel](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2012/03/5909226153_61a041ff4d_opng.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
The Colonnade Hotel in Back Bay, within walking distance of the Prudential Center, has Boston’s only rooftop pool. The rooftop, available seasonally, has skyline views and is available for private events. It accommodates 200 for a reception. Tailored catering menus and cocktails are available. Menus change seasonally, and new rooftop menus will debut in May.
Photo: Jeff Newcum Photography
1. The Revere Hotel Boston Common
![1. The Revere Hotel Boston Common](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2012/03/thereverepng.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
The Revere Hotel Boston Common, in the heart of the theater district and within walking distance of Boston Common, debuts this month. The property hosts outdoor seated events for 150 and cocktail receptions for 300. A patio adjacent to the hotel’s pool accommodates 100 for cocktails or seats 60. The Revere has a New England-style menu that includes clambakes, lobster rolls, and clam chowder. Staff can facilitate the outsourcing of live music or DJs, as well as decorative details.
Photo: Courtesy of the Revere
2. Boston Marriott Long Wharf
![2. Boston Marriott Long Wharf](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2012/03/long_wharf_terrace_2_h.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
Boston Marriott Long Wharf underwent a full renovation in January, and it included the addition of the Harbor View Ballroom, which has floor-to-ceiling windows and a seasonal patio. The new room holds 200 for receptions, and the terrace can host events for 140. The hotel is within walking distance of Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall.
Photo: Courtesy of Boston Marriott Long Wharf
4. Saphire Estate
![4. Saphire Estate](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2012/03/saphireestatepng.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
About 20 miles south of Boston in Sharon, the Saphire Estate hosts alfresco events at its lakefront property. The estate opened in 2006 and was renovated in February. An open-air courtyard is surrounded by lush gardens; available for outdoor receptions, it accommodates 300 for cocktails or seats 160. The menu offers eclectic fare such as lobster pot pie and Israeli chopped salad with falafel croutons. Full audiovisual capabilities are offered at the estate, which also has a liquor license. The Saphire Event Group offers on-site planning services including flowers and entertainment.
Photo: Dan Doke
5. Upstairs on the Square
![5. Upstairs on the Square](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2012/03/door_awningpng.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
Upstairs on the Square has just introduced pop-up grill nights with hot dogs, grilled lobster, and the restaurant’s signature cheeseburgers prepared by chef Susan Regis. The space has a garden tended by co-owner and gardener Deborah Hughes. It accommodates 30 for dinner or 45 for cocktails. Adjacent to the garden is the Monday Club Bar with a television as well as an iPod-equipped sound system. A full-time event coordinator oversees flowers, decor, and audiovisual amenities.
Photo: Courtesy of UpStairs on the Square
6. The Villa
![6. The Villa](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2012/03/alonso_847png.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
The Villa, 25 miles south of Boston in East Bridgewater, specializes in outdoor events. This spring, executive chef Robert Smith joined the venue to oversee culinary operations. Sample menu items include wild mushroom arancini with fontina and sage aioli and pork-and-leek pot stickers. The venue has a canopied tent adjacent to a garden pergola, and a flower garden is often used for cocktail receptions. The tent holds 350 for a banquet-style dinner and 280 for a seated meal with dancing. The Saphire Event Group offers on-site planning service including decor, linens, and flowers.
Photo: Courtesy of Marlo M/C
7. Del Frisco's
![7. Del Frisco's](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2012/03/delfriscopatiopng.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
Del Frisco’s, with harbor and downtown views, opened in Liberty Wharf in April 2011. The steak house has a patio that accommodates 48 for lunch. A patio also is connected to the private Harbor Room. The room seats 24 or holds 40 for a reception at dinner. Menu specialties include tenderloin sliders with horseradish sauce and cheesesteak egg rolls. The restaurant also makes lemon cakes and cheesecakes for special occasions.
Photo: CM Communications
8. Legal Harborside
![8. Legal Harborside](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2012/03/legal_harborside_regan_communications.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
Legal Harborside opened a waterfront seaport district flagship in July 2011, further expanding its 33-restaurant empire. The 20,000-square-foot restaurant has a 4,000-square-foot all-weather roof deck. The deck has two patios: West Deck overlooks Boston’s Fish Pier, and East Deck overlooks the Bank of America Pavilion. Each accommodates 75 people. Raw bar stations, sushi boats, and passed seafood appetizers are specialties.
Photo: Courtesy of Regan Communications
9. Bedford Village Inn
![9. Bedford Village Inn](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2012/03/bvipng.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
New Hampshire’s Bedford Village Inn, formerly the site of a working farm, is an hour north of Boston. The property is known for its lush grounds and rustic decor and opened a patio opened in 2010. The alfresco space accommodates 35 for seated functions. Additionally, the inn’s grounds are available for tented events for 250. Chef Benjamin Knack, who joined the venue in September, works with guests to coordinate menus; signature items include peekytoe crab cakes and lobster rangoons; the inn also offers an extensive wine selection. The venue facilitates design and event services through a partnership, new this season, with event planner Kate Parker Designs.
Photo: Courtesy of 451 Marketing
10. BOKX 109
![10. BOKX 109](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2012/03/bokxpng.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
Newton’s BOKX 109 at the Hotel Indigo will introduce a new cocktail and food menu this spring. Signature items will include foie gras on French toast and seared tuna with pickled zucchini salad. The hotel is known for its South Beach-style pool, fire pits that turn on at dusk, and poolside cabanas. The outdoor space is available for buyout on Sundays and seats 155 or holds 250 for cocktails. The area also has a private bar.
Photo: Courtesy of Regan Communications