Dining Out NYC is the permanent outdoor dining program for all five boroughs.
Learn more about Dining Out NYC.
Applications and Guidelines
All eligible food service establishments are welcome to apply citywide.
Outdoor dining setups must be safe, accessible, and easy to assemble and break down. No fully enclosed structures are allowed.
Roadway setups are allowed for an eight-month season from April 1 through November 29. Sidewalk setups are allowed year-round.
You can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply on the Dining Out NYC application website.
Learn more and apply for Dining Out NYC.
Fees
The cost to participate will vary based on the location of your restaurant and the size of your outdoor dining setup.
Restaurants will need to pay two separate fees:
- License Fee: A $1,050 license fee, covering the four-year license term, for roadway or sidewalk dining, or $2,100 for both roadway and sidewalk dining.
- Revocable Consent Fee: An annual revocable consent fee paid each year in the four-year term that will be determined based on the location of your restaurant and the size of your outdoor dining setup.
Learn more about program fees.
Public Hearing Process
NYC DOT is required by law to hold a public hearing on all roadway cafe applications and, in some cases, on sidewalk cafe applications.
These hearings provide the public with an opportunity to comment on the roadway or sidewalk cafe application. All public hearings will be advertised via a public notice that is published in a local newspaper and in the City Record.
Learn more about public hearings.
Revocable Consent Agreement
Before installing an approved roadway or sidewalk setup, food service establishments must:
- Sign a revocable consent agreement
- Have the proper insurance
Learn more about revocable consent and insurance requirements.
Program Assistance
Owners of food establishments can go online to learn about the requirements for outdoor dining roadway or sidewalk cafes.
Owners can also visit the Dining Out NYC Marketplace website, the one-stop-shop that supports restaurants building roadway or sidewalk cafes.
Learn about:
NYC Small Business Services (SBS) offers a variety of services at no cost to help your business start, operate, or grow, including business education courses, legal services, and more.
