First Curb Dining Week in New York City
This week marks New York City’s inaugural Curb Dining Week, showcasing around three dozen local restaurants that will offer exclusive discounts and specials for patrons.
The event is set to run from September 5th to September 12th.
“New Yorkers have a passion for outdoor dining, and we want to highlight that,” commented Jackson Chabot, advocacy director for Open Plans, which partnered with a guided tour group to organize the event.
Some notable offers during this outdoor dining week include:
- 20% off bills at York Avenue on the Upper East Side.
- 15% off your total at Rays on Kresty Street in the Lower East Side.
- A $35 Prix Fixe menu available at Sean OG’s tavern on Woodside Avenue in Queens.
- Complimentary homemade limoncello at Osteria Radisa on Smith Street, Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn.
During the pandemic, many restaurants pivoted to outdoor dining due to restrictions. However, subsequent regulations by the city council significantly limited the number of participating establishments.
Officials believe around 12,500 restaurants had outdoor setups at the height of the pandemic.
That said, the temporary open restaurant program faced some criticism, with residents voicing concerns about issues like noise, pests, and unsightly conditions.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) website now lists nearly 800 restaurants that have been conditionally permitted for outdoor dining under new guidelines, which state that these cafes can operate only between April 1st and November 29th annually.
Michael Fukui, owner of Queensboro on Northern Boulevard in Jackson Heights, noted, “When I moved here two decades ago, I often wished for more outdoor dining options.” He added that the pandemic somehow eased some administrative hurdles, which previously made it hard to create outdoor spaces.
Fukui mentioned that the outdoor dining program in Queens was incredibly well-received, helping businesses survive through rising operational costs during uncertain times. However, he expressed concern that the New York City Council has imposed new regulatory challenges that complicate outdoor dining setups.
“It’s crucial for the city council to reevaluate this part of the program,” Fukui asserted.
Megan Rickerson, owner of Sumidaver in Brooklyn, shared that they offer $3 drinks and are excited to showcase the lively atmosphere outdoor dining brings to the community.
She expressed hope that this week will motivate the DOT to streamline processes to encourage smaller venues to participate in the future.
Coffee enthusiasts can also enjoy a 10% discount at Burn Coffee Shop in Long Island City, highlighting how vital outdoor space became during the pandemic.
“This small area has been crucial for maintaining business and offering our community a place to gather,” the owner remarked. They aim to keep the space vibrant despite the challenges that have rolled in.
Finally, a cafe on 6th Avenue in Brooklyn’s Park Slope is offering a 15% discount for outdoor diners. The owner noted that outdoor seating has transformed their space into a local hub, making a noticeable difference in community connections.
