(Left and below) Runners make their way through Back Bay on the final stretch of the 26.2 mile course.

Check out these restaurants offering the best views of the Boston Marathon

The Boston Marathon, held this year on April 20, is one of the biggest events of the year in the city. The race is the oldest annually operating marathon in the world and runners come from all corners of the globe to compete. For Bostonians, it’s a day of immense pride in our city and our strength. But if you’re more the type to compete with cocktails than on foot, consider watching the race from one of these front-row restaurants.

Cityside Tavern 

- Cleveland Circle, Brighton 5 miles to finish line

The Cityside Tavern rooftop patio is unparalleled seating to watch the marathon, but it has a limited capacity so be sure to make a reservation or arrive early. In past years the tavern has opened at 9 a.m. on Marathon Monday; be sure to call closer to the race to confirm. While you watch, order from a menu of comfort food classics like fish and chips, mac and cheese and chicken sandwiches. cityside-tavern.com

Barcelona Brookline 

- 1700 Beacon St., Brookline 4 miles to finish line

The recently expanded Barcelona Brookline, which took over the former Ivory Pearl space, now has even more Beacon Street patio real estate for diners to watch the marathon. While the runners give it their all, sip a crisp glass of Spanish wine and snack on a wide range of tapas. Pro tip: If you stay until 4 p.m. you can order $7 cocktails from the happy hour menu. barcelonawinebar.com/location/brookline

Esmai’s

1306 Beacon St., Brookline 3 miles to finish line

This global fusion restaurant in Coolidge Corner (formerly Hops ‘n Scotch) will open at 9 a.m. on Marathon Monday with a special menu and a mezcal collaboration with El Buho tequila. It’s the first stop on the Narragansett Tall Boy mascot’s route and they’ll be giving out swag while supplies last. Esmai’s just opened a roof deck as well for a perfect bird’s-eye view of the race. esmaisbrookline.com

Eastern Standard Kitchen & Drinks

775 Beacon St., Fenway 1.5 miles to finish line

Situated directly on Beacon Street just over a mile from the finish line, Eastern Standard is the prime spot to cheer on runners in the final stretch of the race. The restaurant has special hours, opening at 8 a.m. for breakfast and pivoting to the lunch and dinner menu at 11 a.m. Grab a coffee and do your own carb loading with cheddar scallion biscuits and French butter croissants made on site. easternstandardboston.com

Abe & Louie’s

793 Boylston St., Back Bay 0 miles te finish line

This one is for the high rollers. Just one block from the finish line, Abe & Louie’s has the prime patio seating to watch the race. Advance tickets ($210) are required for its viewing party and all food is included in the cost. The price is high but the energy at this stage of the race is unbeatable. exploretock.com/abesboston