From Chaos to Clean Streets — A Look Back at NYC’s Outdoor Dining Setups

Friday, November 29 was the deadline for removing roadway outdoor dining sheds that have been a constant feature of the cityscape for four years. Any restaurants with structures still standing will be fined up to $1000 by the Department of Transportation.

There were approximately 13,000 outdoor dining structures — including 8,000 in the roadway — and they created distinctive vistas during the COVID-19 era. Many were makeshift in the extreme, just rickety shacks with few amenities other than shelter from the rain, eventually beset by rats and garbage, while others were nearly airtight, defeating the purpose of outdoor dining in preventing transmissions, but sometimes even more comfortable than indoor seating. Some had padded chairs, space heaters, full-blown waiters’ stations, and even air conditioners. Collectively, they represented vernacular architecture at its best … and worst.

Dining Out NYC went into effect in August; to participate, restaurants must pay a a four-year fee from $1,050 to $2,100 and an annual sum based on the size of their dining shed, NY Post reported. The outdoor structures mandated by the city are now regulated as to appearance and size. Roadway dining sheds can only be up from April 1 through November 29 — little boat-like islands in a sea of tarmac. Gothamist reported that the DOT said it has received about 3,000 applications for outdoor dining, with about 1,400 or so for streetside setups. City-approved sidewalk-only cafes are allowed year-round as long as they don’t obstruct pedestrian traffic.

Here is a look at the structures that so completely changed the appearance of our city for four brief years.