Outdoor Dining Halls Back in NYC
Just when you thought New York City had moved past those outdoor dining setups that took over the streets, the City Council has decided to bring them back. And, well, officials insist they smell better now.
In a recent vote, the Council approved four bills allowing food and drink establishments to operate on city streets year-round. Previously, these structures had to be taken down from December to March. Now, they have some fresh design guidelines, too, supposedly making them more appealing.
City Council President Julie Menin, a notable supporter of this initiative, seems to have taken a backseat this time, rather unusual in the current administration.
Restaurateurs are, of course, pleased. One bistro owner from the Upper West Side remarked to the New York Times that this new legislation changes the game significantly for restaurants.
I mean, it’s pretty clear why. What easier way for an owner to expand their seating capacity at a fraction of the indoor rental costs? In some neighborhoods, outdoor seating could be as low as $5 per square foot, compared to renting a spot in mid-Manhattan, where rents can skyrocket to $500 per square foot.
Andrew Riggy, the executive director of the New York Hospitality Alliance, described the recent rules as crucial reform. Of course, he’s a big advocate for restaurant owners, so that makes sense.
But what does this mean for the 8.5 million residents still living in the city?
Those outdoor dining structures began as a lifeline during the pandemic, providing a much-needed escape for city dwellers cooped up in their apartments. They served their purpose, but by year-end 2020, their necessity had faded while their presence exploded—leading to a clutter of about 13,000 legal and illegal setups.
Interestingly, there’s a new bill that aims to restrict outdoor cafes from doubling as storage areas. The reality is, though, who would want to trade a cozy dining space for a cold, barely heated area in winter? It raises the question: What else are restaurant owners expected to do with them?
A friend of mine, who runs an Italian spot in Midtown, ended up tearing down his outdoor setup after witnessing a homeless couple using the space for their own meals instead of enjoying the restaurant’s appetizers.
The proposed fines for not keeping these areas clean are surprisingly minimal—$200 for the first infraction and $500 for subsequent offenses. The City Council’s spokesperson noted that these fines are aimed at encouraging cleanliness, but honestly, $200 feels a bit trivial for a restaurant’s expenses.
Another bill aims to prevent outdoor cafes from being used for non-patron activities. Yet again, who’d want to lose an inviting dining area for a chilly driveway shed? It doesn’t quite add up.
There are some attractive and well-kept outdoor setups out there, but the administration has placed the Department of Transportation in charge of overseeing year-round permits. It’s funny—they seem to have a hand in everything, except determining restaurant menus.
While city officials get tied up in red tape regarding indoor dining spaces, restaurant owners are facing delays that impact their businesses severely. Many are paying high rents while their indoor setups remain stagnant.
As we brace for a long winter ahead, it seems outdoor cafes will continue to dot the landscape, even as the cold sets in.
