June 25, 2020
NYC Restaurants and Bars Reopening Phase 2 — Support Our NoMad Friends
Black Barn is just one of the NoMad favorites raring to start serving again and has announced that its great patio will open Tuesday, bigger than ever. Where else can you enjoy a view of Madison Square Park and pick up a basket to enjoy in the park.
But it isn’t the only one thanks to the announcement of Phase 2 reopening, which allows restaurants to offer expanded outdoor dining in addition to take-out and delivery [Do we hear a collective cheer?].
As summer unfolds, New Yorkers are delighted that they are once again able enjoy a meal at their favorite local eateries. Of course, the dining experience is modified for safety in light of the ongoing pandemic – and for the time being, it’s only offered outdoors. But it’s a step in the right direction and a welcome occasion.
Reopening Restaurants with Expanded Outdoor Seating
Mayor Bill de Blasio has announced the City’s Open Restaurants Program. The program allows restaurants that qualify to expand outdoor seating on sidewalks, curb lanes, patios and plazas, and Open Streets (seating on Open Streets will begin in July on nights and weekends). As of now, curb lane seating will go through Labor Day and sidewalk seating will go through the end of October.
NYC allows establishments to self-certify eligibility for sidewalk and curb lane seating (the application and details can be found here). Establishments can work with local BIDs and DOT to request expanded seating in plazas (email Plazas@dot.nyc.gov).
Details on rules for compliance can be found here.
Reopening Supplies for Restaurants and Bars
The Department of Small Business Services (SBS) is offering a Reopening Supplies Marketplace where restaurants and bars can access wholesalers with reopening supplies (PPE, gloves, sneeze guards, and other essential equipment). Anyone with questions can call 1-888-SBS-4NYC.
Continuing Personal Responsibility and Prevention
Even when eating outdoors, the Health Commissioner reminds everyone to take personal responsibility to prevent COVID-19 by doing the following:
- Maintain distance
- Practice good hand hygiene
- Wear a face mask when not eating or drinking
- Stay home if you feel sick
Restaurants have been especially hard hit during the pandemic. These diverse establishments are part of what makes NoMad uniquely NoMad. We encourage everyone to embrace outdoor eating and patronize their favorite local eateries and watering holes. Go explore some new establishments, too.
And while you’re in a celebratory mood, don’t forget to tip as generously as you can, remembering that the restaurant workers are among the hardest hit by the COVID-19 shutdown.