Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Eyes on the Street

Eyes on the Street: Early Spring Means Earlier “Street Seats”

It's only March, but Laughing Man Coffee & Tea has already brought back its "Street Seats" that were outside the establishment from May to November of last year. Photo: Charles Komanoff
It's only March, but Laughing Man Coffee & Tea has already brought back its "Street Seats" that were outside the establishment from May to November of last year. Photo: Charles Komanoff
Gale Brewer wants a lot of these. Photo: Charles Komanoff

Despite this weekend’s snow forecast, for a few days there it felt freakishly like spring. Yet another sign of winter’s demise is the reemergence of DOT’s “Street Seats.”

Charles Komanoff sent Streetsblog this picture of the temporary outdoor seating area being re-installed outside of Laughing Man Coffee and Tea on Duane Street in Tribeca. The corral was previously installed from May to November of last year.

The Street Seats program allows businesses to apply for and sponsor daytime seating areas in adjacent repurposed parking spots outside their storefronts. Last year DOT received 22 applications for Street Seats, of which 13 were approved.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Oonee, The Bike Parking Company, Files Formal Protest After DOT Snub

Brooklyn bike parking start-up Oonee is calling foul play on the city's selection of another company for its secure bike parking program.

December 12, 2025

OPINION: I’m Sick Of Unsafe 31st Street And The Judge Who Killed Our Shot at Fixing It

An Astoria mom demands that the city appeal Judge Cheree Buggs's ruling ordering the removal of the 31st bike lane.

December 12, 2025

‘I’m Always on the Bus’: How Transit Advocacy Helped Katie Wilson Become Seattle’s Next Mayor

"I really think that our public transit system is such a big part of people's daily experience of government," says the incoming mayor of the Emerald City.

December 12, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: Blue Highways Edition

The DOT showed off its first water-to-cargo-bike delivery route. Plus other news.

December 12, 2025

Court Docs Shed Light on Instacart’s Car-Dominant Delivery Business

Instcart's reliance on cars adds traffic, pollution and the potential for road violence to city streets.

December 11, 2025

More Truck Routes Are Coming To A Street Near You

The DOT wants to rein in freight trucks by adding more than 45 miles to the city’s existing network of truck routes.

December 11, 2025
See all posts