A waterfront restaurant offers visitors the rare opportunity to dine near the waves without having to concern themselves with a life raft made of checkered blankets and picnic baskets. Take a drier approach to near-water nourishment with today's Groupon: for $10, you get $20 worth of American fare at The Reef, located near the New England Aquarium. Admission to the aquarium is not included in this deal.

Located on the New England Aquarium's open-air plaza overlooking the picturesque Harborwalk, The Reef peddles a menu of satisfying and creative dishes amidst fresh ocean air. Nosh on such pint-sized provender as the smoky barbecue pork sliders ($8.99 for three), ocean-inspired lobster salad sliders on brioche ($12.99 for three), or the four-slider sampler ($13.99). Chewy flatbread lends a doughy foundation for the shrimp scampi pizza ($11.99) and the smoked-chicken and goat-cheese flatbread salad, garnished with lemon vinaigrette ($10.99), a flavor combination as surprising and familiar as a grandma in a bear suit.

Loathe to simply enthrall diners with cuisine, The Reef also hosts entertainment options for its guests en plein air. Live music every Thursday between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Saturday between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. nourishes hungry ears, and the Stump! trivia night every Friday starting at 6 p.m. exercises fact-stuffed brains and proffers opportunities to win IMAX, The Reef, or aquarium gift-certificates.