Everything You Need to Know About the Reopening of Indoor Dining in NYC

Indoor dining is slated to reopen at reduced capacity throughout New York City on Friday, Feb. 12, just in time for Valentine’s Day, if positivity rates stay where they are. Indoor dining has been closed in New York City since Dec. 14. Here’s what we know about the reopening, including COVID-19 safety information and a list of the most spacious places to eat indoors, six feet (or more!) apart. 

"As data on infection rates and hospitalizations continue to improve, we must begin taking steps to jumpstart our economic recovery as long as public health can be protected," Cuomo said. "The restaurant industry is the lifeblood of New York City and the economic hardship they have endured at the hands of COVID is nothing short of tragic."

Indoor Dining Safety Guidelines in NYC

Here are the state-mandated safety guidelines restaurants would enforce for visitors should they reopen in NYC:

• Restaurants would be capped at 25 percent capacity (Cuomo says this can be increased to 50 percent starting March 19)

• No seating or service at the bar allowed

• All alcohol must be served to the table

• Indoor food and beverage service prohibited between 12am and 5am 

• Employees must have their temperature taken before or upon entering the establishment and have a temperature no greater than 100 degrees F

• One person from each party must sign in to provide contact tracing information

• Visitors must wear face coverings except while seated

• Wherever distancing is not possible, barriers must be created between tables

• Individuals at a table must be members of the same part, but may be from different households

• Separate entrances and exits must be designated for customers and exits

• Where possible, contactless order and payment should be used

• Air filtration must meet the requirements of the state

• Hand hygiene and distancing signs should be hung

For more details about the safety precautions NYC restaurants would take upon reopening, as designated by New York State, click here. 

The Most Spacious Places to Eat Indoors in NYC

Remember to call the restaurant ahead of time to ensure they are offering indoor dining.

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Spacious Indoor Dining in Manhattan

The Smith
WHERE: Nomad, Lincoln Square, Midtown, East Village
 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by The Smith (@thesmithrestaurant)

City Winery
WHERE: Tribeca
 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by City Winery (@citywinerynyc)

Clinton Hall
WHERE: Clinton Hall's 36th Street location is very spacious
 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Clinton Hall (@clintonhallny)

Hole in the Wall
WHERE: Hole in the Wall's Murray Hill location has a spacious indoor dining room

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Hole In The Wall (@holeinthewall)

Nerai
WHERE: Midtown East

 

 

 

 

 

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Royal 35
WHERE: Midtown West

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Royal 35 Steakhouse (@royal35steakhouse)

El Vez
WHERE: Financial District

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by El Vez NYC (@elveznyc)

Eataly NYC - Serra by Birreria
WHERE: Flatiron

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Viviane PAJAMANDY (@welovenewyorkblog)

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