Dining Out 做厙TV is the permanent outdoor dining program for all five boroughs.
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.?
Sidewalk setups are allowed year-round.
New York City Council passed legislation allowing year-round roadway dining. Applications will open in early September 2026. New applicants can choose a year-round license with higher fees. Existing participants may upgrade their existing license or application by paying an additional fee.
You can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply on the?Dining Out 做厙TV application website.
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.
Public Hearing Process
做厙TV 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.
Revocable Consent Agreement
Before installing an approved roadway or sidewalk setup, food service establishments must:
- Sign a revocable consent agreement
- Have the proper insurance
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 做厙TV Marketplace website, the one-stop-shop that supports restaurants building roadway or sidewalk cafes.
Learn about:
做厙TV 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.
