Customers dine at The Boutique Bistro & Bar on Ditmars Boulevard. Ciara O’Sullivan, manager of The Rivercrest.
Astoria street transforms into a go-to destination for
outdoor dining during COVID-19 pandemic
There is a new sport popping up
26 AUGUST 2 0 2 0
around Queens and the surrounding
boroughs, a movement that
has the young and old pursuing
the perfect outside dining scene.
Since the advent of COVID-19
and the dawn of curbside eateries,
throngs of individuals have been scouring
numerous neighborhoods for the perfect
mixture of fine dining, rustic ambience and
the ability to entertain friends in a socially
distant setting. For many, this “it” spot has
become Ditmars Boulevard in Astoria.
Like any sport, this activity has two sides,
yet instead of playing against one another,
the teams here work in tandem. On one side
we have consumers looking to enjoy a meal
with fresh air, and on the other we have the
businesses. Like peacocks spreading their
plumage to attract a mate, local restaurants
have been sparing little expense when
constructing their own unique dining zones
decorated with potted plants, Plexiglas
barriers and yawning awnings.
Pedestrians will be hard pressed to walk
down any New York City street without spying
some fresh outdoor design to put butts in
seats, such as the ability to pay extra for a VIP
booth that Nino’s AQ employs.
However, in order for both teams to
continue playing fairly, Gov. Andrew Cuomo
has implemented strict regulations that
prevent the serving of alcohol unless ordered
with food. This comes in hopes of preventing
overcrowding and unlawful social clusters,
akin to what we have been seeing recently
along Steinway Street. We spoke with both
diners and local restaurants, getting their
takes on the newest rules and the new culture
that is outside dining.
Gissella Guzman and her husband Ryan
Guzman were both victims of the coronavirus
mere months ago. For three weeks, the couple
remained home battling severe sickness.
Now, on a beautiful summer afternoon, they
have pocketed their masks to dine out with
drinks to regain some semblance of normalcy.
“We had COVID-19 like three months ago,
so we have antibodies and we’re not totally
concerned. We have masks to put on when we
are not eating. It was awful — three weeks of
hell. But we are good now,” Ryan Guzman said.
Still, despite suffering from the virus
themselves, they are wary of Cuomo’s new
rule prohibiting bars and restaurants from
serving alcohol alone.
“I think it’s OK because it prevents crowds,
but it doesn’t make any sense. People are
going to do what they want to do,” Gissella
said.
Ryan nodded in agreement, saying, “It’s
not that hard to get around it by just selling a
bag of chips. There are always ways to work
around it.”
Ciara O’Sullivan, manager of The Rivercrest,
takes the new rules in stride, and simply
reiterates to customers the guidelines upon
seating them at a table.
“We have a few smaller options that they
can order. We have sides with chips, side
with fries, carrots and celery with ranch, and
crackers with chive cream cheese. We have
options if people don’t want to get a full meal.
They can still get something substantial and
it’s not going to be an extra $10 or even $5
onto the menu,” O’Sullivan said.
FOOD + DRINK
DITMARS BOULEVARD
BY DEAN MOSES
Ryan Guzman and his wife Gissella
Guzman dine outdoors.
Customers enjoy their meals outdoors at
Taverna Kyclades.
Customers enjoy a meal at Uncle Jack’s
Meat House.
FROM
LIC
COURIER