Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Outdoor Dining

Friday Video: Who Ruined Outdoor Dining?

We sent our own video team to find out.

The Chinatown eatery Alimama Tea is one of many that had an outdoor dining area once enjoyed by many sales-tax-paying customers that has been converted by the city into a parking space for the tax-free benefit of one person.

|Photos: (left) Google/(right) Kevin Duggan

Outdoor dining looks a hell of a lot different this spring than it has any time in the past five years — and you can blame the City Council for that.

For today's Friday video, Streetsblog NYC’s engagement editor Emily Lipstein and video intern Ilan Cardenas-Silverstein visited roadway eateries across four boroughs (spoiler alert: there are none on Staten Island) to see firsthand what’s changed under the new rules for outdoor dining.

What they found were curbsides across the city relegated back to mere car storage when they once bustled with life. And of the relatively few eateries that have set up on the streets, the vast majority are located in the wealthiest parts of the city.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Thursday’s Headlines: Janno’s Speaking Edition

Local news outlets had a field day after MTA CEO Janno Lieber reiterated his longstanding skepticism of Zohran Mamdani's free buses platform. Plus more news.

October 30, 2025

Decision 2025: Ben Chou Hopes to Unseat Vickie Paladino on Street Safety

Chou, who grew up biking in and around the district, called out his opponent's anti-bike "fear-mongering."

October 30, 2025

Vision Zero Hero! Former FDNY Commish Wants Agency To Join the Safe Streets Fight

Former FDNY Commissioner wants the agency to stop taking a back seat on street safety.

October 30, 2025

Crunching Numbers to Curb Crashes: Using Federal Data to Make Our Roads Safer

Upholding federal data transparency is key to understanding and reversing the alarming level of crashes, fatalities, and strained infrastructure. Here's where we have more work to do.

October 30, 2025

After Dismissing Streetsblog’s Reporting, FDNY Simplifies Rules for E-Bike Charging Stations … That Streetsblog Exposed

The FDNY changed its guidelines in the middle of a City Council hearing where it faced questions about delays to the program.

October 29, 2025

Unfinished Astoria Bike Lane Languishes As Judge Delays Lawsuit Ruling

The completion of Astoria's 31st Street protected bike lane may get pushed to next year if Judge Cheree Buggs doesn't make up her mind soon.

October 29, 2025
See all posts