New York City’s outdoor roadway dining program has resumed for 2026, with approximately 500 curbside cafes already approved under the Dining Out NYC program, as reported by the Department of Transportation on April 1, 2026.

Revival with Restrictions

This marks a revival of the program, though on a smaller scale than its peak during the pandemic, when up to 12,500 restaurants utilized sidewalks and streets for outdoor seating. The current iteration comes with new regulations, annual fees for street space, and mandatory yearly rebuilds of setups, all while adhering to strict design requirements.

Seasonal Limitations and Bureaucracy

Outdoor dining is now limited to a seasonal timeframe, running from April through late November. This restriction was implemented by the City Council in 2023. Many restaurateurs have expressed concern over the red tape and shortened season, leading some to discontinue participation.

Complex Approval Process

The approval process for roadway cafes is complex, requiring sign-off from the Department of Transportation, local community boards, and the city comptroller’s office. Sidewalk cafes also need approval from the local council member. Currently, around 700 of the 1,300 year-round sidewalk cafes have full approvals, while the remainder operate under conditional permits due to a backlog exceeding 3,600 applications.

Calls for Reform

Andrew Rigie, executive director of the NYC Hospitality Alliance, stated, “Unfortunately, this season may be out of reach for many restaurants because of how long it takes… to actually start setting up.”

Future Plans for Year-Round Dining

City leaders, including Council Speaker Julie Menin and Mayor Zohran Mamdani, are advocating for year-round outdoor dining and a simplified permitting process. Menin stated in February, “This is a big one — we will finally fix the city’s outdoor dining program to make it year-round and reduce the regulatory burdens for restaurants.” The goal is to help small businesses thrive and prevent job losses, potentially reviving the vibrant 24/7 shed scene from the pandemic era. Councilman Lincoln Restler has also proposed eliminating seasonal limits and expanding curbside setups.