Walk along any quaint street in Firenze or Napoli, and you’ll find outdoor imbibing at every turn — which makes us think the Italians may be onto something. It may also be why we have so readily borrowed the word alfresco from the Italian language to refer to open-air eating and drinking here in the U.S. In Italy, the term has an entirely different connotation.

This summer, you don’t have to jet across the Atlantic to enjoy outdoor wining and dining. Check out our compilation of local bars and restaurants with outdoor patios and terraces — before the cold weather sneaks up on us again.

Hit These Patios

Courtesy of The Row Hotel

Survey your shopping options or contemplate your new digs with a drink at Reflections.

The Row Hotel’s elevated terrace overlooks Somerville’s bustling shopping and dining district, Assembly Row. Until August 29, enjoy special cocktails at Terrace Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

360 Foley St., Somerville
Daily, 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
$13 per cocktail

Courtesy of Alibi Bar & Lounge

You won’t feel caged in at Alibi Bar & Lounge

The Liberty Hotel, a former Charles Street jailhouse, elegantly pays homage to its architectural roots with its on-site bar and lounge, Alibi Bar & Lounge. Celebrity mugshots adorn the brick cell walls and contain each’s “alibi” at the time of their arrest.

During the summer, Alibi opens up its garden-style outdoor patio, where you can reserve a VIP table and soak in the sun.

215 Charles St., Boston
Daily, 5 p.m.-2 a.m.
$15-$17 per cocktail

Jordan Greenfield

Lolita makes mingling a lot more fun out in the sun.

Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar is a local favorite for its Mexican-inspired cuisine, the seductive and chic decor at its Back Bay location, and its frozen margaritas. But, its newer Fort Point spot has the boon — an outdoor patio that overlooks Boston Harbor waters while you share a pitcher of freshly made sangria with your girlfriends.

253 Summer St., Boston
Daily, 11 a.m.-2 a.m.
$11-$14 per cocktail

Emily Hagen

One cocktail in at The Hawthorne and you’ll forget you’re in the middle of a busy city district.

Speakeasy-style bar The Hawthorne is known around town for its expertly crafted cocktails and for curating an intimate and cozy atmosphere. Its Kenmore Square patio can be an inviting respite from enthusiastic baseball fans. On Sundays this summer, The Hawthorne hosts a rotating lineup of skilled mixologists creating tiki-inspired cocktails.

500A Commonwealth Ave., Boston
Daily, 4 p.m.-1 a.m.
$13-$17 per cocktail

Courtesy of The Hourly Oyster House

It’s date night — with an artsy view at The Hourly patio.

The Hourly Oyster House has a brick-lined outdoor patio with hidden charm, despite its location in the center of Harvard Square. It boasts a romantic vibe complete with string lights, and alfresco diners can admire the featured blue velvet curtain artwork while tossing back fresh oysters and a glass of wine.

15 Dunster St., Cambridge
Daily, 11 a.m.-midnight
$11-$14 per cocktail

Connie Miller

Harvard Square isn’t just for the studious but for the al fresco diners too.

Nearby, Russell House Tavern features one of Cambridge’s most extensive cocktail lists and a wide array of American wines and local craft beers on tap. Tucked away in an alleyway on JFK Street, the outdoor patio provides a charming atmosphere set against an urban backdrop. Be sure to take advantage of the current $1 oyster late-night special every evening after 11 p.m.

14 John F. Kennedy St., Cambridge
M-F 11 a.m.-1 a.m., Sa 9 a.m.-2 a.m., Su 9 a.m.-1 a.m.
$7-$24 per cocktail