This might be a good year to invest in a warm parka, because restaurants need customers to continue eating outside throughout the winter. Expanded outdoor dining on streets and sidewalks has given D.C. businesses a small boost during the COVID-19 crisis. Many customers shy away from dining rooms to avoid air circulation in an enclosed space, which creates a hospitable environment for the virus.
With hopes of keeping its “streateries,” decks, and patios going throughout the winter, restaurants have added wind-shields, blankets, and heaters to warm up hardy diners. Here are a select group of 24 restaurants offering heated outdoor spaces. Many more have taken advantage of D.C.’s “winter streatery” grant program for help. Check the full list of over 500 recipients here.
Editor’s note: Every restaurant needs help right now. Don’t forget about neighborhood favorites while chasing the hot new thing. For a list of resources on how to help fight food insecurity in the D.C. area, go here.
A number of D.C. area restaurants have resumed dine-in service. However, this should not be taken as endorsement for dining in, as there are still safety concerns. The Washington Post is tracking coronavirus cases and deaths in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. More information can be found at coronavirus.dc.gov. Studies indicate that there is a lower exposure risk when outdoors, but the level of risk involved with patio dining is contingent on restaurants following strict social distancing and other safety guidelines.
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