How restaurants are getting creative with outdoor dining

When restaurants first had to adapt to the challenges of social distancing, they took to the streets, literally. Curbside dining quickly became more than a survival tactic. During the summer, it was an innovative way to attract customers and stay safe at the same time.

 But as the weather got colder, the idea of sitting down to a meal outside became harder to sell, so restaurateurs had to innovate again. Here are some inspiring things restaurants are doing to maintain outdoor dining options despite cold temperatures. 

1. Build year-round “streateries”

Putting a few chairs out on the curb might have been a good quick fix a few months ago, but we’ve been living with pandemic restrictions for nearly a year now, and some restaurants are going for long-term outdoor dining solutions. 

These popular “streateries” in Washington, D.C. have abandoned the casual European plaza atmosphere in favor of sturdier, weatherproof buildings that are built to house diners all year round.

[St Anselm (DC) Instagram]

2. Give customers options

Outdoor dining isn’t just about abiding by state laws. Even though plenty of states currently permit indoor dining, many customers aren’t comfortable with the idea of eating like normal just yet. 

That’s why The Oyster Club in Mystic, Connecticut is still offering a beautiful outdoor dining option, despite indoor restaurant dining being permitted by state laws. Providing options adds another string to your bow and means you’ll be prepared if regulations change in future.

[Oyster Club Instagram] 

3. Get creative

The Oyster Club is an example of how outdoor dining can be a selling point, not just a safety decision. If you’re in a state that only allows outdoor dining, think of ways you can stand out from the crowd.

Lookout Rooftop & Bar in Brooklyn is using this to their advantage with their stylish igloos. Each heated dining pod satisfies COVID-19 regulations while providing a unique dining experience.

[Lookout Instagram]

4. Invest in heating

Of course, if you really want to sell outdoor winter dining, heating is essential. The owners of Gianni’s Steakhouse in chilly Wayzata, Minnesota took this lesson to heart when they installed a hot air generator to keep their outdoor diners happy, just in time for the Christmas season. 

[Gianni’s Steakhouse Instagram] 

5. Collaborate with other businesses

It’s no secret that navigating COVID-19 guidelines is tough, especially when it comes to outdoor dining. Many restaurants would implement safe and attractive outdoor dining solutions if they could, but aren’t able to for one reason or another.

Small business movements in Detroit, Michigan, identified this issue and came up with a solution: work together to get customers back onto the streets. Decked Out Detroit is an initiative to connect customers with safe retailers and restaurants, bringing life back to the downtown area in a responsible way. If you’re struggling to make the most of outdoor dining, there might be a similar initiative in your local area.

[Decked Out Detroit Instagram]