Chicago's dining scene gets a breath of fresh air, with a side of traffic. City Hall has struck a deal to allow expanded outdoor dining on River North's Clark Street, a move that comes with a side of compromise. This popular chunk of the cityscape between Grand Avenue and Kinzie Street, previously a no-go zone for vehicles, will now cater to both pedestrians and passing cars.
The Clark Street balancing act is part of a broader outdoor dining program in effect from May 1 through Oct. 31. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, permits issued by the Chicago Department of Transportation this Wednesday permit restaurants to spread their tables onto the sidewalks and into the curb lane. However, this hasn't sat well with everyone, most notably with Alderman Brendan Reilly who voiced his dismay over the decision on X.
While some see this development as a cunning compromise, Reilly, having been in talks with the city for the better part of several weeks, had a different outcome in mind. "I was under the impression the compromise would be curb-lane closures from May to July and then a full street closure from July to October," Reilly told the Chicago Sun-Times. After conducting a survey last year, he found overwhelming support for a total vehicular ban, at least from the surveyed residents.
Not everyone shares Reilly's viewpoint, however. According to CBS News, city officials have defended the partial closure as a medium that balances the needs of residents, businesses, workers, visitors, and the local community. They believe it provides a boost for restaurant capacity and outdoor appeal, without clogging the streets and keeping emergency lanes open.
Businesses are adapting to the new rules, with mixed reactions. General Manager Eric Scofield from The Smith, one of Clark Street's dining spots, says they're "thankful to have a little bit more than just the sidewalk." However, he doesn't hide his preference for a street free of cars. "It brought the right kind of people to the neighborhood that were having fun and spending money, so I think it was just an overall positive vibe in the summer for the city," Scofield remarked to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Despite differing opinions, the modified street closure will be the new norm through the end of October, offering a slice of open-air dining amidst the bustle of the city's streets.
