Sidewalk Cafe

Sidewalk Café License Application Checklist

In August 2023, Mayor Adams signed legislation that will create the largest — and best — 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 will make outdoor dining more accessible, safe, and inviting. 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) 

Review the Dining Out NYC Program Overview for more information about the permanent program's vision, next steps, and draft design guidelines.