For months, the City of Denver has been working to license expanded restaurant patios to keep customers safe while increasing capacity as coronavirus restrictions limit indoor seating. The online application for restaurants went live in March and just recently the city has hit the milestone of 250 approvals, according to the Department of Excise & Licenses.

Mayor Michael B. Hancock said the program is just one more way Denver is backing up its commitment to help our local businesses and their employees get back on their feet.  Along with Denver residents wearing their face covering when they go out, the 250-application milestone means more people will now have the opportunity to safely support neighborhood restaurants and keeping the city moving toward recovery.

Streets Close to make more Space
More street closures for outdoor serving capacity expansion have also been approved on South Pennsylvania St. from Bayaud to Ellsworth; in RiNo at 25th from Larimer to Lawrence Streets, Larimer St. from 27th to 30th Streets; Zeppelin Station at 35th St. from Wynkoop to Wazee Streets and at the Dairy Block at Wazee from 18th to 19th Streets.

As part of this effort to help Denver food establishments, the city has also approved 148 right-of way closures that include partial closures of sidewalks, parking lanes and travel lanes. Denver is also temporarily allowing communal dining that permits multiple food establishments to share a common outdoor dining area. The first communal dining area was approved to operate on June 23, with a street closure at Glenarm Place between 15th and 17th St. adjacent to the Denver Pavilions.

Originally outdoor dining was set to expire in early September; however, due to its popularity and demand, the program has been extended through Halloween.

If you’re looking for a new neighborhood to call home or just a new favorite restaurant, this is a great opportunity to explore other areas of the city while supporting small business. Enjoy!