Indoor dining returns to NYC on Wednesday, Sept. 30, with rules and restrictions that restaurants, bars and New York City eaters all need to know and follow.
Here’s what to expect:
There is limited seating, so don’t hang out, especially if you see people waiting to be seated. If you want to hang out, order more food and drink.
Try to check the menu online, so you know what you want to order before you arrive.
Order everything at one time to save time and simplify things for the staff.
Remember to wear your mask when talking to your server and tip generously – at least 20% these days.
See more etiquette rules here.
Additional Indoor Dining Requirements in NYC
All patrons must get their temperature checked at the door
At least one member of each party must leave contact information for potential contact tracing if an infected person is linked to the establishment
Service must end at midnight
No bar service will be allowed; table service only
Masks must be worn by diners at all times except when seated
Tables must be 6 feet apart
Establishments must adhere to enhanced air filtration, ventilation and purification standards, though specific details on these standards are not yet available.
The pandemic has been especially tough on the hospitality industry.
There used to be more than 36,000 NYC bars and restaurants, many of them small family-owned businesses, which employed more than 315,000 chefs, wait staff, bartenders, etc.
Sadly, some of NYC’s most famous and longest-lasting places have shut permanently, from the storied Copacabana to your favorite neighborhood Tex-Mex or sushi joint.
It’s unclear how many bars and restaurants have closed so far, but a New York Times report in August said as many as one-third of small businesses may have been lost for good.
What do you think about this? We welcome your comments.