Former Mayor Adams signed legislation in August 2023 to create the largest permanent outdoor dining program in the United States.
The permanent program — Dining Out NYC — builds upon lessons learned during the temporary Open Restaurants program and makes outdoor dining more accessible, safe, and inviting.
When the pandemic was at its peak, the temporary Open Restaurants program expanded outdoor dining opportunities. This invigorated our city’s sidewalks and neighborhoods, giving New Yorkers a safe space to socialize. It allowed small businesses to remain open during challenging times. It also helped us reimagine our public spaces.
The new program will:
- Provide clear design guidelines
- Expand sidewalk dining to all boroughs — year-round
- Allow roadway dining for eight months a year
- Be managed by the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT)