Hours and hours at the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum made me hungry for dinner. So, when I returned to my hotel, The Godfrey Hotel, I found Back Deck half a block away. Attracted by the huge interlocking barbecue spatulas on the signs above the windows, I ducked inside to escape the brisk wind. Or was I still outside?

After I was seated, with a one-hour time limit—the whole place was booked with imminent reservations, hence the caveat—I began to absorb the concept of Back Deck.

Opened in 2012, Back Deck looks like someone’s back patio transported indoors. In the front, guests sit in navy-cushioned banquettes and cobalt-blue metal patio chairs, practically surrounded by sliding 16’ windows. Up a few steps to the next deck, you’ll find sturdy teak patio furniture, a wood-plank finished floor, wrought iron railing, round carriage lanterns, and corner planters filled with peace lilies. Above the snaking granite bar, a mural depicts a grill-centric rooftop gathering, complete with red-and-white checkered tablecloths and steaks, kebobs, and corn on the cob on a grill.

The restaurant’s kitchen burns hardwood charcoal, allowing for a more even burn than gas would, resulting in a pleasant smoky flavor. You can pretend it’s July even when it’s November and enjoy your indoor barbecue in comfort.

Try This: Dive right into the restaurant’s specialties and order the Gaucho cut of Black Angus New York strip steak, grilled to your liking (medium is a preferable option). It’s topped with sofrito butter and served with tasty french fries, grilled zucchini and red peppers, and a dipping cup of chimichurri. Pair it with a side of three wedges of grilled cornbread and an artistic swirl of maple butter.

I’d Love to Hear From You!

Have you been here? Have I inspired you to go? Let me know!