If you’re ready to eat out (literally), restaurants have new options
By now you’ve probably noticed the tables and chairs popping up in odd places — sidewalks, parking lots, lawns, even in the middle of streets. Summer of 2020 will be known for many things, but one of the more positive things will be the summer of dining al fresco. Thanks to an initiative by the City and County of Denver, restaurants have been allowed to spread out into public spaces, making it possible for more people to dine safely — socially distanced and masked, of course.
Multiple areas, including Larimer Square, Union Station, and Denver Pavilions, were given the go-ahead to close streets to cars, essentially turning the avenues into giant, open-air dining rooms. “We are so excited about the possibilities this opens up for our tenants and visitors to the Square,” says Jon Buerge, Chief Development Officer at Larimer Square developer Urban Villages. “About a dozen of the current restaurants will be expanding their patios.”
The newly-expanded outdoor dining isn’t just a much-needed boon for diners; it’s also going to help restaurants survive. After being closed for more than two months and then re-opening at just 50 percent of capacity, the restaurant industry has been struggling. Allowing more tables outside means more revenue, and more of a chance that they’ll be around post-COVID.
Eating outdoors is also a safer way to visit our favorite restaurants. Tables are spaced at least six feet apart to promote social distancing; sanitizing and cleaning are in overdrive; and restaurant employees, as well as patrons when they’re not eating or drinking, wear masks to keep things as safe as possible.
And while it may sound a little rustic, even fine dining restaurants are getting in on the outdoor action, and they’re creating ambiances to match the food. At Highland restaurant Spuntino, owners Elliot Strathmann and Cindhura Reddy erected three tents and outfitted them with spaced-out tables, romantic lights, and greenery.
“If people are going to have their two-and-a-half hour meals with us again, they need to be comfortable,” says Strathmann. “We made it as safe as possible, but also nice enough to sit down and relax.”
Spuntino and most other restaurants are still doing take-out, but if you’re ready to venture out to eat, you might as well venture, well, out. It’s safer, and it’s also a lot more fun.
Sidebar: Eating Al Fresco
Check out these spots for the best of Denver’s outdoor eating:
Spuntino Elegant tents with even more elegant food; 2639 W. 32nd Ave.
Acova The foliage-rich patio comes equipped with misters; 3651 Navajo St.
Dimestore Delibar Eat out front or on the rooftop patio; 1575 Boulder St.
Larimer Square Larimer Street closed between 14th and 15th Streets
Union Station Restaurants like Ultreia, Mercantile Dining & Provision, and Stoic & Genuine are serving out front
Denver Pavilions Glenarm Place closed between 15th and 16th Streets