DENVER (CBS4) The City of Denver is taking applications from restaurants wanting to expand outdoor seating options for when the state allows businesses to start accepting dine-in customers again. Official guidelines for restaurants to operate are expected to be released on Tuesday from the State of Colorado.

We would use our patio for some dining outside potentially with some guidance from the city or state. We have a big garage door, and it allows for some good air flow. So it might be something we can utilize up there yet that would mean we would have to bring out to-go business down to our dining room, said Jason McGovern, the owner of Crush Pizza and Tap in the Denver Highlands neighborhood.

The Denver application process states The intent of the program is to allow for greater physical distancing and safety for patrons when the states public health orders allow restaurants and bars to resume sit-down service. While final rules and regulations are still in development, proposals could include expansion into designated outdoor areas such as adjacent parking lots, streets and sidewalks.

McGovern says restaurant owners have spent sleepless nights thinking about what allowing dine-in customers would look like, but exact rules from the government are needed.

Most restaurant owners have already been thinking about it. Tents outside, extra umbrellas, patio tables we dont currently own that we could acquire somehow. Its exciting, but its also a daunting task thinking about how do we reintroduce customers, he said. Were as flexible as we can be in this time.

Over the past five-and-a-half years, the pizza restaurant has had to change several times. McGovern was able to hire back some staff after receiving Paycheck Protection Program funding and now the restaurant concentrates on delivery, something it used to rely on third-party apps to handle.

The patio has worked as a location to distribute pick-up orders and keep staff safe, but now it will likely need to be the seating for customers. Inside the small shopping center the restaurant is located in at 38th Avenue and Kalamath Street, there arent many options for expanded outdoor dining.

With reopening a possibility for the first time in two months, many things remain uncertain.

Were again going to have to think about a different way of doing business. Reservations would be ideal and they would be key, McGovern said. Were not even 100% sure well reopen immediately once we get the guidelines from the city or state. We want to see what we can do from a business standpoint. Just because a guideline comes out and says you can open doesnt mean it still fits the business weve created here so far.

LINK: Denver Restaurant Proposal Application

More here:
Exciting, But Daunting: Denver Restaurants Invited To Apply To Open Patios - CBS Denver

Editor's note: A lot happened this week, so here's your chance to get caught up. Read on for the week's most popular headlines.

1.These popular Fort Worth patios have reopened for dining al fresco.While the pandemic continues, patios are proving popular for folks whod rather not dine indoors, and those simply looking for a fresh change of scenery. Here are some of Fort Worths best patios that have reopened to diners all adhering to COVID-19 precautions.

2.New Aldi supermarket brings discount groceries to far north Fort Worth. A new supermarket known for its super cheap prices is opening in far north Fort Worth. Aldi, the discount grocery chain, will open a location at 5129 Golden Triangle Blvd., east of I-35W.

3.It's curtains for Fort Worth-based Pier 1, but 2 other home-goods stores reopen. In very sad news, longtime Fort Worth-based Pier 1 Imports is calling it quits, while two home-goods chains have reopened their Dallas-Fort Worth stores.

4.New Fort Worth music venue fills valuable niche for mid-sized shows. Tulips FTW, a new music venue in Fort Worth that has tentatively set its opening date for August 2020, is set to fill a niche the city has been without for almost 20 years.

5.Fort Worth's Coyote Drive-In revs up summer with new live concert series. Fort Worth's Coyote Drive-In has hopped on the hottest trend of our social-distanced summer of 2020: the drive-in concert. The inaugural show in the new Coyote Drive-in Concert Series will take place Saturday, May 23.

See more here:
Patio reopenings top this week's 5 hottest Fort Worth headlines - culturemap.com

State transportation officials have given Stillwater the OK to temporarily block off parking areas on either side of Main Street in downtown for bars and restaurants and businesses to operate outside, Mayor Ted Kozlowski said Friday.

Its huge, he said. The idea that we can have another almost 20 feet all along Main Street for a patio for people to eat food and buy stuff is a very cool thing.

On Tuesday, the Stillwater City Council approved a plan that gives business owners the green light to temporarily expand outside by using parking spaces on city-owned streets dining and shopping areas commonly referred to as parklets.

But that didnt help the bars and restaurants and other businesses on Main Street, a 30-mph state highway with one lane of traffic in each direction. Moreover, the state announced Wednesday that starting June 1 bars and restaurants statewide will be limited to outdoor dining only and no more than 50 patrons at a time.

Weve got five patios in downtown Stillwater and some of them are huge but most of our older restaurants dont have room in the front or back to have patios, Kozlowski said. I think most everybody was operating under the assumption that there was going to be some indoor capacity allowed.

Kozlowski called the governors office Thursday to explain the citys Main Street dilemma and ask for permission to temporarily use the parking spaces.

It was kind of my Hail Mary, he said.

He was put in touch with Minnesota Department of Transportation Commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher, who Kozlowski said called him Friday to say the city is good to go with the plan and that by Wednesday it will be finalized by the state.

In other parts of Stillwater, the city is leaving it up to business owners to design their dining and shopping areas. For Main Street, Kozlowski said that he assured Kelliher the city would drop down concrete barriers for safety across the entire roughly six-block stretch of road downtown.

Stillwater is also finalizing plans to set up four or five giant party tents in private and public parking lots in the downtown area for outdoor dining, Kozlowski said.

Kozlowski estimates that around 60 parking spots along Main Street will be eliminated because of the new parklets. But lost parking is the least of my concerns right now, Kozlowski said, adding he would welcome large crowds.

Parking is always an issue in Stillwater, he said, but somehow we still manage to get 40,000 people downtown for the Fourth of July. They all find a place to park. I want parking to be a problem right now.

See the original post here:
Stillwater gets OK from MnDOT to turn part of Main Street into patio space - TwinCities.com-Pioneer Press

The experience won't be anything like you were used to before coronavirus.

Gov. Tim Walz announced the conditions required for reopening June 1 on Wednesday afternoon. Among the new rules in place:

Restaurants have been closed from on-site service since March 17.

Walz called bars and restaurants "fixtures" that "make life just a little bit better" for Minnesotans.

"They are integral, and not just to our economy," said Walz, who called dining out something that "makes living in Minnesota so great."

Walz also announced Wednesday that salons, barbershops, and tattoo parlors could reopen, though only at 25 percent of their normal capacity. For those businesses, masks are required for both workers and customer alike.

Non-essential retail businesses were allowed to reopen effective Monday, though only at 50 percent capacity; at the same time, the state's "stay-at-home" requirement lapsed, and small gatherings (fewer than 10 people) were allowed.

A so-called "phase III" would see bars and restaurants reopen for indoor service "with capacity restrictions and social distancing requirements" and "increased capacity" allowed for retail, hair, and tattoo businesses. That's also when gyms, bowling alleys, and movie theaters would get the OK to start operating again.

Walz didn't give a hint Wednesday on how long this phase of the plan will last.

All Minnesotans who can work remotely must continue to do so, and will during the next phase of reopening the state as well.

We'll update this post as more information becomes available.

Go here to read the rest:
Minnesota bars and restaurants to reopen June 1 with patios, masks, and distancing - City Pages

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Did people keep their social distance when restaurant patios reopened Friday?

Not at some bars, as we discuss on the Monday episode of This Week in the CLE.

Listen online here.

Editor Chris Quinn hosts our daily half-hour coronavirus news podcast, with help from editors Jane Kahoun, Kris Wernowsky and me. We answer many of the questions youve sent through our text message platform.

Youve been sending Chris lots of thoughts and suggestions on our from-the-newsroom account, in which he shares once or twice a day what were thinking about at cleveland.com. You can sign up for free by sending a text to 216-868-4802.

And youve been offering all sorts of great perspective in our coronavirus alert account, which has 13,000-plus subscribers. You can sign up for free by texting 216-279-7784.

Here are the questions were answering today:

1) Did people in Greater Cleveland follow social distancing rules as they returned to restaurants in the coronavirus pandemic? Some must have, but Lago East Bank is getting a lot of attention for photos shared on social media showing people much closer than 6 feet from each other, not wearing masks.

2) How is China making schools safe as children return to classes? Theyre taking temperatures quickly with child-size devices, spraying shoes with disinfectant and adding plastic shields to desks, among other idea. Meanwhile, Ohio is asking parents for feedback on its proposal.

3) Is Progressive Insurance, on of Northeast Ohios big employers, bringing the workforce back to the office? Not until September.

4) Has Ohio Gov. Mike DeWines task force on minorities and the coronavirus made any recommendations? No, theres been no report after nearly a month on the reason for health disparities.

5) What will going to mass be like for Northeast Ohios Catholics when the churches reopen in a week? Church will have no singing, no communion wine and no shaking hands during the sign of the peace, to try to protect parishioners from the coronavirus.

6) Why is the Cleveland Clinic excited about blood plasma from Covid-19 survivors? Theyre hopeful they can help current patients by taking convalescent plasma from a recovered patient and administering it to someone moderately or severely ill through a blood transfusion.

7) How can day camps keep children safe when they open this summer? Theyll have smaller groups, lots of hand washing and no field trips.

8) What are the rules and guidelines for gyms and workout centers when they reopen May 26? The regulations require social distancing; regular disinfection of equipment before and after each use; removal of some seating and lost and founds; and disabling saunas, steam rooms, and most communal showers.

Thats it for Monday. Check back Tuesday for a new podcast.

Meanwhile, find all our past episodes here

Do you get your podcasts on Spotify. Find us here.

If you use Stitcher, we are here.

RadioPublic is another popular podcast vehicle, and we are here.

On Google Podcasts, we are here.

On PodParadise, find us here.

And on PlayerFM, we are here.

The rest is here:
When restaurant patios reopened, did people act responsibly? This Week in the CLE - cleveland.com

A new Ohio House bill would allow bars and restaurants to expand their seating and service into parking lots or public grounds. Theyd also be able to sell alcohol for delivery through third-party services such as GrubHub or Doordash.

Watershed Distillery in Columbus has a small restaurant on site, but owner Greg Lehman says current social distancing requirements are tough.To reopen indoor dining, Ohio requires restaurants to space parties six feet apart or place physical barriers between them.

We dont have a lot of room for people to come in, so by allowing us extra space on a patio or converting a parking lot, it allows us to put more people in seats, which lets us see a clearer path to economic viability," Lehman says.

The bill, sponsored by state Reps. Jeff Lare (R-Violet Twsp.) and D.J. Swearingen (R-Huron), would permanently allow third-party delivery services to deliver an unlimited number of alcoholic drinks to customers over the age of 21.

Bars and restaurants have barely been able to stay afloat during COVID by offering takeout food and beverages, including to-go alcohol, Swearingen said in a statement. Its important to allow them to continue with these sales even when they begin to open because of the limitations their facilities face with social distancing protocols.

Under current COVID-19 rules, customers are limited to two packaged drinks with pick-up orders.

See the article here:
Ohio Bill Would Allow Restaurants To Expand Patios And Deliver Alcohol - WOSU

WCCO Digital Update: May 23, 2020Jeff Wagner has your WCCO Digital Update for May 23, 2020 (1:16).

Celebrating 2020 Grads On WCCO 4 News At 10:30: May 23, 2020Every day, we're taking some time out to pay tribute to the 2020 graduates (0:27). WCCO 4 News At 10:30 - May 23, 2020

Tips For Those Starting Job-Seeking ProcessTrisha Farrow, recruitment expert with Versique, gives tips and tricks about how to build networks and connections in the job-seeking process, Jeff Wagner reports (5:13).WCCO 4 News at 10:30 - May 23, 2020

Local Religious Leaders Debate Opening After Gov. Walz Calls On Places Of Worship To ReopenPlaces of worship can start welcoming members in-person as soon as Wednesday. Some religious leaders and members are ready to get together, while others are not, Erin Hassanzadeh reports (2:49).WCCO 4 News at 10 - May 23, 2020

WCCO 4 News at 10:00 p.m.Sunday morning, there is a severe weather threat in the western parts of the state, Lisa Meadows reports (3:23).WCCO 4 News at 10 - May 23, 2020

Celebrating 2020 Grads On WCCO 4 News At 10: May 23, 2020Every day, we're taking some time out to pay tribute to the 2020 graduates (0:32). WCCO 4 News At 10 - May 23, 2020

Virtual Axe Throwing League Keeping Community TogetherThe world axe throwing league is growing as the "quarantine axe throwing league," Norman Seawright III reports (3:14).WCCO 4 News at 6 - May 23, 2020

6 P.M. Weather ReportAverage temps tomorrow will be in the mid to high 70s throughout the state, Lisa Meadows reports (3:40).WCCO 4 News at 6 - May 23, 2020

Vendors Set Up Food Trucks To Sell State Fair Food To MinnesotansThe Minnesota State Fair has been canceled this year, but some fair vendors are setting up to sell food to customers, Jeff Wagner reports (1:27).WCCO 4 News at 6 - May 23, 2020

Celebrating 2020 Grads On WCCO 4 News At 6: May 23, 2020Every day, we're taking some time out to pay tribute to the 2020 graduates (0:43). WCCO 4 News At 6 - May 23, 2020

Some Minnesotans Celebrating Memorial Day Weekend In WisconsinMinnesotans enjoyed the start of Memorial Day weekend Saturday, some of them by crossing the border into Wisconsin because of the appeal that bars and restaurants are open, David Schuman reports (1:41).WCCO 4 News at 6 - May 23, 2020

National Guard Offering Free COVID19 Testing At 6 Armories StatewideAny Minnesotan who wants a COVID-19 test can get one this weekend for free. The testing is happening at six different National Guard Armories across the state, Marielle Mohs reports (2:14).WCCO 4 News at 6 - May 23, 2020

5 P.M. Weather ReportSlight chance of severe weather in the morning hours tomorrow in the southwest area and it has potential to hit the Twin Cities, Lisa Meadows reports (3:15).WCCO 4 News at 5 - May 23, 2020

Celebrating 2020 Grads On WCCO 4 News At 5: May 23, 2020Every day, we're taking some time out to pay tribute to the 2020 graduates (0:30). WCCO 4 News At 5 - May 23, 2020

4 Things You Need To KnowHere are the four things you need to know on May 23 (1:04).WCCO Saturday Morning -- May 23, 2020

8 A.M. Weather ReportLook out for off and on rain showers this weekend, Mike Augustyniak reports (3:52).WCCO Saturday Morning -- May 23, 2020

Celebrating 2020 Grads On WCCO Saturday Morning: May 23, 2020Every day, we're taking some time out to pay tribute to the 2020 graduates (0:44). WCCO Saturday Morning -- May 23, 2020

Parade Of Homes Resumes Home Tours VirtuallyBeginning next week, in-person home visits will be allowed again (3:45).WCCO Saturday Morning -- May 23, 2020

Minnesota Orchestra CEO Provides UpdateMichelle Miller Burns says employees are receiving compensation through the paycheck protection program (1:30).WCCO Saturday Morning -- May 23, 2020

Children's Theatre Co. Takes Summer Camps Virtual In 2020Jennifer Mayerle reports on their latest innovations (2:23).WCCO Saturday Morning -- May 23, 2020

Celebrating 2020 Grads On WCCO Saturday Morning: May 23, 2020Every day, we're taking some time out to pay tribute to the 2020 graduates (0:39). WCCO Saturday Morning -- May 23, 2020

WCCO Digital Update: Morning Of May 23, 2020Jennifer Mayerle reports on the latest Minnesota headlines (1:11).WCCO Saturday Morning -- May 23, 2020

Celebrating 2020 Grads On WCCO 4 News At 10: May 22, 2020Every day, we're taking some time out to pay tribute to the 2020 graduates (0:49). WCCO 4 News At 10 - May 22, 2020

10 P.M. Weather ReportRain is working into southern Minnesota with some severe weather, Chris Shaffer reports (3:14).WCCO 4 News at 10 - May 22, 2020

Read more from the original source:
Restaurants Allowed To Open Their Outdoor Patios Only Starting June 1 - WCCO | CBS Minnesota

To what degree is art a reflection of real life?

What sort of evolutionary herd instincts are buried deep in our DNA and how hard is it to control them?

Does bone broth cure foot-in-mouth disease?

These are but a few of the deeper questions raised after a statement issued by Lago on Sunday evening in response to pictures depicting overcrowding on its patio on the first weekend bars and restaurants in Ohio could reopen under new statewide guidelines and a Facebook comment from TownHall's GM on the same topic.

Lago and TownHall were just two local examples of a problem seen in some minority of establishments across the state that chose to open: Patios that technically had tables spaced the appropriate distance were filled with many, many more patrons than would seem appropriate even under the state's sorta vague guidelines. This stoked what local TV stations would call controversy. And likely some spikes in asymptomatic virus transmission.

It also drew the attention of Gov. DeWine, who was prompted to issue a statement, tell a Columbus NBC affiliate the state could pull liquor licenses from offenders (an unlikely but nuclear option), and field questions on the subject from Jake Tapper on CNN.

Lago, which booked a DJ for a socially distant patio dance party that was somehow expected not to get crowded, responded to the viral photos, inquiries from WKYC and DeWine's comments with a three-pronged statement.

First, "We are so proud to be Clevelanders!"

Noted.

Second, given the photographic and video evidence that crowds exceeded what many would consider appropriate, Lago said, "There were times during our opening that tested those guidelines and we took immediate measures to thin the 'crowded' areas. We believe we were able to provide a safe environment for all guests. The picturesare one moment, one angle, one second of time."

Deep.

The Rashomon argument aside, it's commendable that Lago would identify problems and address them independently. (They were also fielding questions via phone from Channels 5 and 3 about what they were doing to thin the crowd.) Like DeWine said earlier today, no one want the cops or state to police how restaurants are operating their patios. (And, despite what you may think, we certainly don't want to establish a patio beat here at Scene. Few things are less attractive than that.)

But that means that restaurants and bars have to police the patios themselves. Something that Lago addressed with plank three of its statement while backtracking on plank two.

"We do not believe it is necessarily our responsibility to 'control' our guests. It proved to belargely unrealistic and exceedingly difficult. We are not an enforcement agency."

Whoa.

There's a difference between being unable to control patrons and being unwilling to. Ensuring that your patrons are keeping distance and limiting capacity of your patio is no different than making sure someone wears a shirt at your club, or faces repercussions for using offensive language with the staff, or doesn't get served because they're visibly drunk. Is it probably harder in this regard? Sure. Is it fun? Probably not, because people are big dumb animals.

That all being said, Lago appears to be dealing with this quickly and in a professional manner.

"We understand and will continue to adjust as necessary," the statement read.

Meanwhile, up in Ohio City, TownHall was also dealing with criticism for a sardine-packed patio and some indoor seating (allowed, they argue, because the garage doors at the front and back of the restaurant were opened, making the whole place a patio).

The restaurant, owned by Bobby George, has not issued any official statements but TownHall GM Ryan Hartzell responded to a Facebook comment by telling thecommenter, "If you hate this country so much go back to the one you came from."

In a statement issued late Monday, owner Bobby George claimed he had conducted a "full internal investigation" and would be keeping Hartzell on because to do otherwise would be to bend to public pressure. George did not apologize, though the general appearance of the lengthy statement was supposed to give the impression of being sorry without ever actually saying so, but did blame the situation on a former employee.

At any rate, the city of Cleveland issued a warning citation to TownHall for not keeping proper distance, not conducting temperature checks on employees, and not making employees wear masks.

Originally posted here:
Addressing Patio Concerns, Lago Ruminates on Nature of Art, TownHall GM Says 'Go Back to the Country You Came From' - Cleveland Scene

As Texas continues to loosen its restrictions with a slew of new reopenings announced May 18 by Gov. Greg Abbott some diners are ready to tiptoe their way back into the restaurant scene. Restaurants, which were allowed to reopen on May 1, may increase their capacity to 50 percent on May 22, doubling their previous capacity of 25 percent. Those capacity limits do not extend to outdoor areas, but groups may still be no larger than six people and tables must still maintain six feet distance apart.

Which brings us to patios.

While the pandemic continues, patios are proving popular for folks whod rather not dine indoors, and those simply looking for a fresh change of scenery. Here are some of Fort Worths best patios that have reopened to diners all adhering to COVID-19 precautions such as continued sanitation, deep-cleaning of tables in between parties, temperature checks, masked staff members, and a request that diners don masks, too.

Blue Mesa GrillThe restaurants popular brunch buffet is only available by takeout these days, but Blue Mesas tangy blue margaritas can still be sipped on the street-side covered patio. Views of bustling Carroll Street busier now as folks slowly venture out amid loosening restrictions provide for entertainment. For nourishment, its hard to go wrong with the New Mexican stacked blue corn enchiladas.

Branch & BirdThe sky-high restaurant and patio and the full bar is open Monday through Friday for order-at-the-counter service and online ordering. Customers may then eat on-site at one of the socially distanced tables, all spaced at least six feet apart. While there is no wait staff, the restaurant has team members designated to clean and sanitize tables after each patrons use, and there are nice new sanitary touches like paper towels near door handles. Happy hour is still Monday through Friday from 2 to 6 pm.

Del Friscos GrilleNow that Bird Caf is closing for good on May 22, Del Friscos Grille brings the only option for spacious outdoor dining in Sundance Square Plaza, aside from the tiny footprint of Taco Diner. Partake in ahi tuna tacos, the prime double-patty cheeseburger, or truffle mac and cheese with the signature pineapple martini. Reservations are encouraged to ensure a spot.

GemelleWith spring in full bloom, Tim Loves hidden outdoor oasis is as lush as ever, with seating spread amid veggie gardens and bright orange umbrellas. The high-profile chef has been an advocate for reopening Texas, even visiting the White House on May 18 for a discussion on restaurant industry recovery with President Donald Trump and other restaurateurs. Gemelle is now taking reservations for dining, with customer temperature checks upon arrival. Visit for pizza, pastas and frozen Aperol spritz.

Glorias Latin CuisineThe Salvadorian-style restaurant, which has locations in Colleyville and Fort Worth's Montgomery Plaza, is one of many eateries offering a QR code for patrons to scan on their phones as a contactless option for viewing menus. Patio dining is popular on the widely spaced tables for mojitos, margaritas, and favorites like ceviche tostadas and carne asada with black beans and fried plantains.

Heim BarbecueOnly the River District location of the barbecue haven is open for patio dining right now, and so far hours are only Friday through Sunday, weather permitting. The expansive deck, dotted with Adirondack chairs and picnic tables, offers window service to the full bar inside. Patrons will find even more outdoor seating in Heims lawn area with additional picnic tables shaded by umbrellas. Go for brisket mac and cheese, banana pudding, and TX Whiskey on tap.

HG Sply Co.The riverfront views are calling at this Westbend favorite, where the patio boasts both covered and open air spaced out seating options perfect for a sunset toast. Have phones ready to scan the QR code for menu viewing. The healthy living restaurant is popular for those following nutritional lifestyles like Whole30, paleo, vegetarian, vegan and more but folks of all dietary desires can find something to devour.

Hookers GrillThat classic country music heard on West Exchange Avenue is coming from the speakers at Hookers Grill, a patio-only destination with two levels of outdoor seating. The order-at-the-counter burger joint is open Wednesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner, offering cold beer, wine, and lots of smiles from the Hooker family staff members behind the kitchen window. Picnic tables are comfortably spaced apart, so theres plenty of room to spread out and devour the signature burger pressed with grilled onions.

Joe T. GarciasPandemic or not, the line remains strong at this outdoor dining mecca, which is currently operating at less than 25 percent capacity but is still drawing dozens. Best bet for grabbing a table is to visit during off-peak times, such as mid-afternoon or later in the evening. Patio hours (and curb-side pick-up) are 11 am to 8 pm Sunday through Thursday, and 11 am to 9 pm on Friday and Saturday.

Los Vaqueros StockyardsThe Stockyards staple has opened its expansive outdoor garden area, with its lush canopies and covered seating, for dining Wednesday through Saturday and Sunday for brunch. Go for Cisneros family favorites like sour cream chicken enchiladas and the chicken salad-stuffed avocado. Theres also live music every Friday and Saturday night a plus while concerts are almost non-existent right now.

Piattello Italian KitchenOverlooking the greenspace at Waterside, Marcus Paslays Italian eatery opened its patio (and inside dining) just this weekend to the delight of patrons. Visit for lovely favorites like fried squash blossoms with house-made ricotta, panzanella salad and lobster ravioli. Make reservations to ensure a spot.

Piola Italian Restaurant and GardenThe elegant patio of this hidden West Fort Worth favorite is now open, but just Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings for dinner to start. Go for bruschetta, lobster bisque, caprese salad, and crme brulee. Pair with Italian prosecco and toast to dining al fresco.

Rodeo GoatBurger cravings can be quelled at this Cultural District go-to for cult favorites like the Chaca Oaxaca with chorizo, queso fresco, and a fried egg; and the whiskey burger with candied bacon and blackberry compote. The wide-open patio provides for picnic table seating and plenty of sunshine. Wash it all down with some Moontang, a potent moonshine-spiked, Tang-tinged libation.

Rogers RoundhouseThe sprawling Rogers Road restaurant was popular for its spacious patio with plenty of room to social distance long before COVID-19. Now its open again, serving everything from burgers and wings to tacos and weekend brunch. Dont forget the Curlys Frozen Custard for dessert.

South Side RamblerThe former La Zona on West Magnolia Avenue is now South Side Rambler, a brand new restaurant and bar that opened May 18 offering a pet- and kid-friendly patio with brightly colored picnic tables, umbrellas and Adirondack chairs. Big selling points include more than 40 beer taps and regular live music along with a lengthy menu of American favorites, including an Atlantic lobster roll. Night owls will appreciate the later hours South Side Rambler is open from 11 am until midnight during the week and until 2 am Friday and Saturday.

Sushi AxiomThe Montgomery Plaza location of this Fort Worth favorite is experiencing newfound life as an outdoor dining destination. Set under the plazas twinkling string lights and with views of passersby, the sushi destination is an under-the-radar option for dining and imbibing outside with a lengthy list of rolls, fresh sashimi, and colorful martinis.

The Bearded LadyLook for the South Main Street gastropub to open its dining room and patio on Wednesday, just in time for the holiday weekend. Seating areas some covered and some shaded by umbrellas are sparsely spread amid gravel-covered ground and provide for views of the growing Near Southside retail and restaurant district. Nosh on whole fried okra and two-handed sandwiches, and stay refreshed with cocktails like vodka cherry limeade.

Winslows Wine CafThe Camp Bowie Boulevard neighborhood favorite plans to open its dining room and patio at 25 percent occupancy on May 19, but asks that patrons keep their visit to no more than an hour-and-a-half. Winslows patio is like a cozy backyard, with cushioned furniture, potted plants and floral, and coveted seating around a picturesque fire pit. Go for wood-fired pizza, house-made pasta, and plenty of rose. UPDATE: Winslow's said in a Facebook post on May 19 that it will continue curbside service only for the time-being.

Woodshed SmokehouseWith views of the Trinity River trails and comfortably spaced picnic tables and seating nooks, Tim Loves barbecue joint is perhaps one of the most popular pandemic patios right now. Temperatures are checked at the door, so customers should be prepared for a quick forehead reading. Barbecue ranges from traditional to new Q including ramen and tacos.

More:
These popular Fort Worth patios have reopened for dining al fresco - culturemap.com

The City of Port Coquitlam is paying for businesses to expand their patios.

The new program includes everything from restaurants to breweries.

Mayor Brad West says the city has $50,000 set aside for businesses to use.

It all comes from the citys preexisting budget, said West. So theres no impact on taxpayers.

He says theyre using the citys construction company to do the heavy lifting, creating jobs for city workers as well.

We may not have the ability to do beautiful works of art, but certainly nothing is off the table, said West.

Whether its constructing patios, a deck, tables, whatever it might look like.

Story continues below advertisement

It comes as the province has made it easy for businesses to apply to make their liquor or food serving areas bigger, in an effort to promote physical distance.

[ Sign up for our Health IQ newsletter for the latest coronavirus updates ]

West says it just makes sense to invest in local businesses.

Its not only a way to make sure people can stay safe and the appropriate distancing requirements, its also a way to add to the long-term vibrancy of this community.

The city will also be waiving expansion fees at the municipal level.

West says several businesses have already taken advantage of the program, and hes hoping many more reach out.

If that $50,000 starts to run short, then well allocate more resources towards it, said West. What a great problem to have investing in businesses.

View original post here:
Port Coquitlam offering free construction for businesses expanding their patios - Globalnews.ca