Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Homepage

Sidewalk Cafés Loading Data...

Sidewalk Cafés Loading Data...

New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Logo

Sidewalk Café Map

Sidewalk Café Map

Important Updates Due to COVID-19: Per the Mayor’s Executive Order, certain laws and rules relating to sidewalk cafés have been suspended to administer the Open Restaurants Program. If you own a restaurant or bar, you must apply for Open Restaurants certification to offer outdoor dining service, even if you already have a license for an unenclosed sidewalk café or a small sidewalk café. Learn more including guidance on heating elements for outdoor dining setups at nyc.gov/openrestaurants.

The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) licenses sidewalk cafés. On this site, license applicants, Community Boards, and the general public can access important information.
Using this site, you can:
  • Learn about the three types of sidewalk cafés that DCWP licenses.
  • Learn what DCWP inspectors check for at each type of café.
  • Find existing sidewalk café locations near you and see the details about the café.
  • Track new and renewal license applications.
  • Learn when public hearings are scheduled for license applicants.
  • Generate and easily export, in CSV format, a searchable list of sidewalk cafés located in a Community Board district.
Photo of a Sidewalk Café

Disclaimer:

This map was developed by the City of New York and gives general information only.

The City seeks to keep information up-to-date and accurate but cannot guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information. The City disclaims any liability for errors that may be contained herein and shall not be responsible for any damages, consequential or actual, arising out of or in connection with the use of this information. The City makes no warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose as to the quality, content, accuracy, or completeness of the information, text graphics, links, and other items contained in the map.

To start or run your business, you may need more information about City, state, and federal laws. If you do not comply with all laws and rules, you may have to pay fines and you may lose your licenses or permits. This loss may be temporary (suspension) or permanent (revocation). You may be subject to other penalties allowed by law. This information is not legal advice. You can only obtain legal advice from a lawyer.

  • Home
  • Rules and Regulations
  • License Information
  • Application Information
  • Datasets
  • New York City Department of Consumer AffairsDCWP Homepage

Home

Businesses can legally operate a sidewalk café if they hold a DCWP license or a temporary operating letter.

Map Controls:
I want the map to show:
  • All Operating Cafés
  • Cafés with a DCWP License
  • Cafés with a Temporary Operating Letter
  • All Pending Applicants
  • Pending Applicants - New License Only
  • Pending Appliants - Renewals Only
  • Pending Applicants - License Amendment
  • Recent Inactive Locations

Find a Business:

Find a Location:
Key:
Sidewalk Café Locations
green markerEnclosed Sidewalk CaféExpand Information
An enclosed area on the public sidewalk adjacent to restaurant that is constructed predominantly of light materials such as glass, plastic, or lightweight metal.
blue markerRegular Unenclosed Sidewalk CaféExpand Information
An outdoor area on the public sidewalk adjacent to the restaurant that contains removable tables and chairs.
pink markerSmall Unenclosed Sidewalk CaféExpand Information
An unenclosed sidewalk café containing no more than a single row of removable tables and chairs adjacent to the building. The tables and chairs can occupy no more than 4 feet, 6 inches of the public sidewalk.
blue & pink markerCombined Unenclosed Sidewalk CaféExpand Information
Cafés with a combined Small Unenclosed and Unenclosed Sidewalk Café license are usually located on corners at the intersection of separate sidewalk café zoning regulations. Part of the café is licensed as a Small Unenclosed Sidewalk Café, and a separate part of the café is licensed as an Unenclosed Sidewalk Café. Each part of the café must conform with the requirements for the café type.
black markerInactive Sidewalk CaféExpand Information
Sidewalk cafés with a status of “Inactive” cannot legally operate. Cafés that fall under this category include: new or renewal applicant whose license application is under review; business with a change in ownership (which requires new application review); business that withdrew an application; business whose application was denied; or business whose license expired.
File a Complaint:
DCWP Website (account required)   311 311 Online (no account required) 
DisclaimerExpand Information

This map was developed by the City of New York and gives general information only. The City seeks to keep information up-to-date and accurate but cannot guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information. The City disclaims any liability for errors that may be contained herein and shall not be responsible for any damages, consequential or actual, arising out of or in connection with the use of this information. The City makes no warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose as to the quality, content, accuracy, or completeness of the information, text graphics, links, and other items contained in the map.

To start or run your business, you may need more information about City, state, and federal laws. If you do not comply with all laws and rules, you may have to pay fines and you may lose your licenses or permits. This loss may be temporary (suspension) or permanent (revocation). You may be subject to other penalties allowed by law. This information is not legal advice. You can only obtain legal advice from a lawyer.


Built using Bootstrap, code licensed under MIT.
Sidebar icons licensed under (CC BY 3.0)  by Glyphicons 

Café Regulations

Use this checklist to learn what NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) inspectors look for and help avoid violations.
Note:Businesses must comply with all relevant federal, state, and City laws and rules, which are available at nyc.gov/consumers .

LicenseExpand Information
...
Validity
A valid DCWP Sidewalk Café license is required to operate part of a restaurant on a public sidewalk (not on private property).
...
Posting
DCWP’s combined license and complaint sign must be posted where all customers can see it.

GeneralExpand Information
...
Layout
All of the items in the sidewalk café (chairs, tables, planters, etc.) must be placed as they appear in the architectural plans submitted with the license application to DCWP.
...
Tables and Chairs
It is illegal to have more tables or chairs than what is stated on the license or temporary operating letter.
Tip: If two tables are pushed together but can be easily separated, they will be counted as two tables. If two tables are bolted together or held together in a way in which they cannot be easily separated, they will be counted as one table.
...
Table Rows
A small unenclosed café can only have a single row of tables and chairs set adjacent to the building. (Adjacent means next to or in front of.)
...
Additional Furniture
A small unenclosed café cannot have any furniture other than a single row of tables and chairs. (A regular unenclosed café may also have decorative accessories.)
...
Sidewalk Barriers
For small unenclosed cafés, there cannot be a railing, structure, or other form of a barrier between the café and the sidewalk.
...
Sidewalk Barriers
For regular unenclosed cafés, the base wall, railing, planter, or fence being used must be self-supporting and removable.
Tip: The barrier is not removable if it appears to be permanently affixed to the sidewalk, and it is not self-supporting if it is supported by the café’s tables or hung from the café’s awning.
...
Barrier Height
A regular unenclosed café cannot use a railing planter, base wall, or fence higher than 30 inches to separate the sidewalk café.
Tip: To make sure you’re complying with the law, measure to the top of any plants.

Sidewalk ClearanceExpand Information
...
Clear Path
At least 8 feet or 50 percent (whichever is greater) of the sidewalk along the frontage of the sidewalk café must be clear and unobstructed.
Tip: Measure the entire width of the sidewalk from the building to the nearest obstruction or curb line.
If there is a large obstruction along the frontage of the sidewalk café, such as a bus shelter or subway entrance (except closed end), the Clear Path must be at least 15 feet between the café and the large obstruction.
Tip: A large object is anything larger than 15 feet in area.
Tip: Area = width x length
If the sidewalk café is located on the corner, at least 9 feet from the corner must be clear and unobstructed.
...
Adjacent Clearances
The sidewalk café must maintain certain distances from adjacent obstructions. (Adjacent means next to or in front of.) See list below:
  • 10 feet from fire hydrants
  • 9 feet from traffic lights
  • 8 feet from telephone booths/kiosks, mailboxes, lampposts, street trees (with fencing and guards), bicycle racks (including all bicycles)
  • 5 feet from benches (only for enclosed cafés), subway entrance or bus stop (at closed end), all other street furniture (15 square feet or less)
  • 3 feet from a cellar door (unless closed, locked, and reinforced), transformer vaults, subway grates, Siamese connections
Tip: Measure from the outer edge of the sidewalk café to the adjacent obstruction. (Adjacent means next to or in front of.)
...
Overhead Coverage
A small unenclosed café cannot have any overhead coverage other than a fixed awning that extends no farther than 3 feet or a retractable awning that extends no farther than 4 feet, 6 inches.
...
Awning
The height of the awning must be at least 7 feet above the floor, measured from the lowest part of the awning or valance. (A “valance” is the part of an awning that hangs parallel to the wall.) The awning must be retractable if it extends beyond 3 feet.

FixturesExpand Information
...
Protrusions
Objects inside the sidewalk café such as tables, windows, or potted plants cannot swing or project beyond its perimeter with the exception of fire doors used exclusively as emergency exits.
...
Permanence
No object—other than lighting fixtures and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) installations—may be permanently affixed to any portion of the sidewalk café wall.
...
Permanence
All sidewalk café furnishings, such as tables, chairs, and decorative accessories, must be moveable and cannot be affixed to the ground or the café. No objects, other than lighting fixtures and approved heaters, may be permanently affixed to the sidewalk café wall.
...
Flooring
The café floor cannot be covered by carpet, paint, grass, artificial turf, or any other surface cover.
...
Heating
Installation of heaters requires approval from the Department of Buildings, and operation of the heaters requires an open flame permit from the Fire Department. Operation of the heaters must be directly supervised at all times, and may only be supervised by staff holding a Certificate of Fitness from the Fire Department. More information about obtaining permits and certificates can be found at http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/html/development/plumbing_sidewalk_cafe.shtml 
...
Heating Placement
Heating units cannot be placed outside of the sidewalk café.

Signage and AdvertisementsExpand Information
...
Signage
There can be no signs, announcements, or advertisements placed in the sidewalk café, except that the legal name of the business and type of establishment may be placed on an umbrella, valance, or partition. (A “valance” is the part of an awning that hangs parallel to the wall.)
...
Window Signage
For enclosed sidewalk cafés, if the roof is glass or another material other than fabric, a sign may be placed on the glass wall as long as the sign does not cover more than 50 percent of the glass.
...
Valance Signage
The lettering on a valance cannot be greater than 8 inches on a 12-inch valance and must be limited to a single horizontal line.

AccessibilityExpand Information
...
Entrance
All sidewalk cafés must provide access to persons with physical disabilities by having at least one door to enter that is 3 feet or wider.
...
Ramps
A non-skid ramp may be required if there is a change in grade.
Tip: A non-skid surface is usually textured to prevent water buildup and includes concrete or a rubber mat.
...
Grade Changes
The café floor cannot be uneven with the adjoining sidewalk.
...
Egress
The café cannot block any building exit.

Public NuisanceExpand Information
...
Garbage
Garbage cannot be placed or stored on the public sidewalk.
...
Music
Musical instruments and speakers cannot be used in a sidewalk café.
Tip: It is not a violation if music is being played inside the restaurant.
...
Alcohol
If alcohol is served at the sidewalk café, a waiter or waitress must serve it to the patrons at the café.
...
Floodlights
Floodlights cannot be used to light the café, and all lighting must be directed to the interior of the café.

Service AisleExpand Information
...
Service Area
Service to customers can only be within the designated sidewalk café area.
...
Service Aisle
There must be a 36-inch service aisle for the entire length of the tables that is separate from the minimum 8-foot pedestrian (clear)path.
Tip: For regular unenclosed cafés this aisle may be between rows of tables, but for small unenclosed café it must be on the outside of a single row.
Tip: The service aisles cannot overlap with the pedestrian pathway. Therefore, for small unenclosed cafés, there must be at least an 8-foot pedestrian (clear) path and a 3-foot service aisle for a minimum of 11 feet total clearance.

Business OperationsExpand Information
...
Sidewalk Café Hours of Operation
Sidewalk cafés can only be open for business during the following hours:
Unenclosed Cafés:
Sunday:
10 a.m. to midnight
Monday-Thursday:
8 a.m. to midnight
Friday:
8 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday
Saturday:
8 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday
Enclosed Cafés:
Sunday:
10 a.m. to 4 a.m. Monday
Monday-Saturday:
8 a.m. to 4 a.m. the following day
...
Prices
Customers cannot be charged extra for sitting in the sidewalk café, and food and drink must cost the same in the sidewalk café as inside the restaurant.
...
Menu Displays
If a menu is displayed in the sidewalk café, it cannot be larger than 3 square feet.
...
Minimum Charges
If there is a minimum charge for dining in the restaurant or sidewalk café, it must be prominently stated on the sample menu and on each table menu.

Additional Resources

...

To learn more about NYC Sidewalk Café requirements, visit DCWP’s license requirements page  and download Inspection Checklist: Sidewalk Cafe (in PDF). Businesses must comply with all relevant federal, state, and City laws and rules. All laws and rules of the City of New York, including the Consumer Protection Law and Rules, are available at DCWP’s key laws page .


File a Complaint:
DCWP Website (account required)   311 311 Online (no account required) 
DisclaimerExpand Information

This map was developed by the City of New York and gives general information only. The City seeks to keep information up-to-date and accurate but cannot guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information. The City disclaims any liability for errors that may be contained herein and shall not be responsible for any damages, consequential or actual, arising out of or in connection with the use of this information. The City makes no warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose as to the quality, content, accuracy, or completeness of the information, text graphics, links, and other items contained in the map.

To start or run your business, you may need more information about City, state, and federal laws. If you do not comply with all laws and rules, you may have to pay fines and you may lose your licenses or permits. This loss may be temporary (suspension) or permanent (revocation). You may be subject to other penalties allowed by law. This information is not legal advice. You can only obtain legal advice from a lawyer.

Sidewalk Café Information

 

Doing business as:
 
   
 ,    
 
 

License Information

License Number:
-
License Status:
-
Expiration Date:
-
Café Type:
-
Maximum Size (sq ft):
-
Maximum # of Tables:
-
Maximum # of Chairs:
-

License Notes

-
File a Complaint:
DCWP Website (account required)   311 311 Online (no account required) 
DisclaimerExpand Information

This map was developed by the City of New York and gives general information only. The City seeks to keep information up-to-date and accurate but cannot guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information. The City disclaims any liability for errors that may be contained herein and shall not be responsible for any damages, consequential or actual, arising out of or in connection with the use of this information. The City makes no warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose as to the quality, content, accuracy, or completeness of the information, text graphics, links, and other items contained in the map.

To start or run your business, you may need more information about City, state, and federal laws. If you do not comply with all laws and rules, you may have to pay fines and you may lose your licenses or permits. This loss may be temporary (suspension) or permanent (revocation). You may be subject to other penalties allowed by law. This information is not legal advice. You can only obtain legal advice from a lawyer.

DoHMH Inspection Results
 
 

Application Information

Note:

Before DCWP can issue a Sidewalk Café License, the Application must be reviewed or approved by other parties. The number of days for each step in the approval process are general estimates. The approval process may take more time if there are modifications to the original application or additional information is needed.

 

Doing business as:
 

Application Information

App. Type:
New or Renewal
App. Status:
-
DCWP Review Status:
-
Café Type:
-
Applied for Size (sq ft):
-
Applied for # of Tables:
-
Applied for # of Chairs:
-

  • DCWP PRELIMINARY REVIEW5 days

    Unenclosed
    DCWP reviews application materials and forwards application information to the relevant Borough President, CB, City Council Member, and Speaker of the Council. DCWP will tentatively schedule a public hearing and provide details on public hearing posting requirements.

    Enclosed
    DCWP reviews application materials and forwards application information to relevant City Council Member, Speaker of the Council, DCP, DEP, and LPC. DCWP will tentatively schedule a public hearing and provide details on public hearing posting requirements.

    Note: If you are applying to operate an existing enclosed sidewalk café that was previously licensed, DCWP may issue a Temporary Operating Letter.
    Application Submitted:
    -
    App. Forwarded to BP, CB, and CC:
    App. Forwarded to CC, DCP, DEP, and LPC:
    -

  • DEPT. OF CITY PLANNING REVIEW21 days

    Enclosed
    NYC Department of City Planning (DCP) reviews information. If DCP has objections, the applicant must correct them within 6 months. If DCP approves the corrections, DCP forwards information to CB for review.

    Status
    -
    Status Date
    -

  • COMMUNITY BOARD REVIEW45 days

    CB may hold a public hearing to provide recommendations to DCWP. Call your Community Board or click the link for more information about the Community Board process.

    Status
    -
    Status Date
    -

  • PUBLIC HEARING 10-30 days
    Hearing Date
    -

    DCWP public hearings are held at 2:00pm on the 11th floor at 42 Broadway.

    • If there are issues, DCWP will notify applicant and applicant may request, in writing, up to 180 days to correct any issues.
    • If there are no issues, DCWP files a decision within 2-3 days of public hearing.
    Hearing Status
    -
    Status Date
    -

  • CITY COUNCIL REVIEW21-50 days

    City Council can call the application to a vote and, if called, the review may take up to 50 days. This proposed café is in  .

    Status
    -
    Status Date
    -

  • MAYOR'S OFFICE OF CONTRACT SERVICES3-4 days

    DCWP forwards approved revocable consent to MOCS for signoff.

    Status
    -
    Status Date
    -

  • LICENSE ISSUANCE6-10 days

    Unenclosed
    DCWP issues a Temporary Operating Letter, a consent fee bill, and the required complaint sign. DCWP will then mail the license document and a copy of consent agreement.

    Enclosed
    For New Enclosed Structures
    DCWP issues permission to construct the enclosed sidewalk café and sends a consent fee bill. Applicant is responsible for securing work permits from DOB. Once construction is completed, DCWP inspects the premises, and upon approval DCWP issues a Temporary Operating Letter (if not already received), and the required complaint sign. DCWP will mail your license document and a copy of consent agreement.

    For Existing Enclosed Structures
    DCWP issues a Temporary Operating Letter (if not already received), a consent fee bill, and the required complaint sign. DCWP will mail your license document and a copy of consent agreement.

    Status
    -
    Status Date
    -
Application Timeline Key
Icon Colors
  • This step of the approval process is pending.
  • The application has completed this step of the approval process.
  • The application did not complete this step of the approval process. The application was withdrawn or denied.
File a Complaint:
DCWP Website (account required)   311 311 Online (no account required) 
DisclaimerExpand Information

This map was developed by the City of New York and gives general information only. The City seeks to keep information up-to-date and accurate but cannot guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information. The City disclaims any liability for errors that may be contained herein and shall not be responsible for any damages, consequential or actual, arising out of or in connection with the use of this information. The City makes no warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose as to the quality, content, accuracy, or completeness of the information, text graphics, links, and other items contained in the map.

To start or run your business, you may need more information about City, state, and federal laws. If you do not comply with all laws and rules, you may have to pay fines and you may lose your licenses or permits. This loss may be temporary (suspension) or permanent (revocation). You may be subject to other penalties allowed by law. This information is not legal advice. You can only obtain legal advice from a lawyer.

Data Sets


  • Licensing Data
    Provided by NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP).
    The data set is for informational purposes only.
    Download Sidewalk Café Licensing Data (.csv) 
    Note: Filtered subsets of this data may be downloaded by selecting a Community District on the map and click View List on the lower right corner.
  • Licenses Expand Information

    This site is built using the following tools and plugins:

    Bootstrap is licensed under MIT License .
    Leaflet is licensed under BSD-2 .
    Leaflet.Sidebar-v2 is licensed under MIT License .
    Leaflet-omnivore is licensed under New BSD License .
    Overlapping Marker Spiderfier  is licensed under MIT License .
    Proj4Leaflet is licensed under BSD-2 .
    Leaflet-search is licensed under MIT License .
    Leaflet-locate control is licensed under MIT License .
    JQuery is licensed under MIT License .
    JQuery DataTables and related plugins are licensed under MIT License .
    Sidebar icons licensed under (CC BY 3.0)  by Glyphicons 
    Café Regulations icons courtesy of Yi Seul Chun.
    Timeline icons licensed under (GPL  / CC BY 4.0 ) by IcoMoon 

DisclaimerExpand Information

This map was developed by the City of New York and gives general information only. The City seeks to keep information up-to-date and accurate but cannot guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information. The City disclaims any liability for errors that may be contained herein and shall not be responsible for any damages, consequential or actual, arising out of or in connection with the use of this information. The City makes no warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose as to the quality, content, accuracy, or completeness of the information, text graphics, links, and other items contained in the map.

To start or run your business, you may need more information about City, state, and federal laws. If you do not comply with all laws and rules, you may have to pay fines and you may lose your licenses or permits. This loss may be temporary (suspension) or permanent (revocation). You may be subject to other penalties allowed by law. This information is not legal advice. You can only obtain legal advice from a lawyer.

New York City Department of Consumer Affairs

Community District :