September 1, 2025

New York City Launches Inaugural Curbside Dining Week

News Summary

New York City residents can take advantage of exclusive dining deals during the inaugural Curbside Dining Week, which runs for a week. Nearly 30 restaurants are participating, showcasing their outdoor dining setups with special promotions. This initiative aims to support local businesses and highlight the popularity of outdoor dining, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic. Restaurant owners stress the importance of these setups and advocate for more relaxed regulations to ensure their operations can thrive year-round.

New York City Launches Inaugural Curbside Dining Week

New York City residents can enjoy exclusive dining deals as Curbside Dining Week kicks off on September 5, running through September 12. Nearly 30 restaurants across the city are participating in the event, showcasing their outdoor dining setups and offering special promotions to celebrate al fresco dining.

This initiative is designed to highlight the rising popularity of outdoor dining among New Yorkers, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many restaurant owners consider these setups essential for maintaining their operations and supporting their businesses during challenging times.

Jackson Chabot, the director of advocacy for OpenPlans, in collaboration with Untapped New York, is coordinating the event. Throughout the pandemic, outdoor dining has served as a vital lifeline for about 12,500 restaurants that utilized outdoor space for their operations. However, this number has faded considerably due to new regulations that limit outdoor dining opportunities.

The City Council and the Department of Transportation (DOT) have implemented new rules that confine outdoor dining operations to a seasonal timeframe, from April 1 to November 29. As a result, the number of restaurants with outdoor dining capabilities has decreased to around 800. Restaurant owners are concerned that these regulations could further diminish opportunities for outdoor services.

Curbside Dining Week aims to rally support for the outdoor dining scene and promote local businesses. Michael Fuquay, owner of The Queensboro, and other restaurateurs are calling attention to the critical nature of outdoor dining and advocating for a review of the current regulations. They argue that dismantling outdoor infrastructure during winter can hinder growth and success.

Among the 30 participating eateries, various establishments are showcasing their offerings with special promotions. For example, The Queensboro in Jackson Heights will offer two-for-one drinks, including beers and house cocktails. In Brooklyn, Someday Bar will feature $3 Dirty Water Hard Seltzer and HOPWATER drinks. Additionally, customers can receive 10% off their bills at The Barn Coffee Shop in Long Island City and a 15% discount at Postmark Cafe in Park Slope.

Postmark Cafe has experienced a boost in local engagement and is optimistic about establishing a year-round outdoor dining program. While the event showcases exclusive deals, its broader objective is to emphasize how outdoor dining can enhance community connections and bolster local economies.

The event coordinators hope to provide evidence of the benefits of outdoor dining to policymakers, advocating for more relaxed regulations moving forward. The significance of Curbside Dining Week lies not only in the immediate promotions but also in the long-term vision of integrating traditional restaurant offerings with outdoor dining experiences. This evolution aims to cultivate a lively and supportive atmosphere throughout New York City.

With Curbside Dining Week drawing near, local businesses and community members alike are eager to see how this initiative unfolds. Emphasizing the importance of outdoor dining and the ongoing demand for such experiences, the event strives to demonstrate the value this dining format brings to the city.

As the week progresses, organizers are hopeful that the revitalized focus on outdoor dining will lead to meaningful reforms for a successful outdoor dining program in New York City, ultimately extending beyond the summer months.