The expanded outdoor program will be in effect until November 29.
Broadway Street in Uptown is the latest Chicago street to get expanded outdoor dining. The program, called Uptown Slow Down, will enable five local businesses to open or expand their patio dining from now until November 29. [Featured image via Green Mill Facebook]
Fat Cat, Fiesta Mexicana, Green Mill Jazz Club, Lao Sze Chaun, and Uptown Arcade will be able to extend their outdoor seating on Broadway Street during their regular business hours as a part of the program.
The street itself will retain its bike lane as well as six feet of sidewalk space. Cars will be able to pass by on the street, although parking will be restricted from Gunnison Street to Lawrence Avenue. An area will also be reserved from curbside orders.
Last week, the Green Mill Lounge introduced sidewalk seating, where customers have been treated to live concerts from the window of the adjacent building.
In mid June, the City of Chicago launched the first phase of their Make Way for Diners program, wherein streets were temporarily closed to traffic so local businesses could serve customers al fresco. Since its inception, the program’s expansion has enabled businesses on 19 city streets to extend their patio seating.
Last month, the City of Chicago, in partnership with IDEO design firm, BMO Harris Bank, and the Illinois Restaurant Association, launched a citywide competition on how to maintain continued outdoor dining, and support of participating businesses, during the fall and winter. Those parties are currently evaluating those ideas, with the intention of announcing the winners and implementing their plans September 29.