Highland Park, Highwood Establish Expanded Outdoor Dining Areas

Jonah Meadows
Updated ·3 min read

HIGHLAND PARK-HIGHWOOD, IL — Local bars and restaurants can offer in-person service for the first time in 10 weeks following the expiration of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's modified stay-at-home order and the state's move into the next phase of Restore Illinois reopening plan.

Despite having fewer than 10 days notice that outdoor dining would be allowed in a modified version of Phase 3 of the governor's COVID-19 pandemic recovery plan — and less than a week since the Pritzker administration released its safety guidelines for open-air dining — local governments in Highland Park and Highwood have created designed outdoor dining areas for restaurants unable to offer outdoor table service.

In Highland Park, city officials designated nine temporary outdoor dining areas (map) in the Central Business District and Ravinia neighborhood. Nearby businesses can apply for a permit to offer table service in the areas. Patrons may also bring their own chairs, portable tables, blankets and other picnic supplies to enjoy food from local businesses.

In Highwood, a collaboration between the city, chamber of commerce and local nonprofit tourism bureau has set up tables and chairs at the entrance to the Metra station lot at 406 Sheridan Road. The al fresco seating area aims to allow all local businesses to take advantage of outdoor dining now that the state has again legalized it.

Highland Park officials also created a program for temporary outdoor expansion for restaurants seeking to expand their al fresco dining areas. By Thursday afternoon, city staff had received more than 10 applications, already approved four of them and expected to receive many more in the coming days. There are no fees required for the permits. City officials in Highwood have approved expanded outdoor dining areas for at least nine local restaurants.

All restaurants must follow Restore Illinois Phase 3 bar and restaurant guidance from state and local officials, including keeping tables at least 6 feet apart, wearing masks whenever not seated at a table and regularly disinfecting common areas to reduce the potential spread of the coronavirus.

Many restaurants strongly recommend reservations, so patrons should sure to check ahead before visiting.

In addition to carry-out options, the following local restaurants and bars are permitted to offer open-air service, according to city staff and business associations:

Highland Park

Highwood

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The above list is subject to change and may be updated as more information is received. Representatives of any local other establishments offering open-air, on-site consumption of food or drink and who wish to be listed above may email Highlandpark@Patch.com with details.

This article originally appeared on the Highland Park Patch