Arthur Ave. looks to Phase 3
Bronx’s Little Italy gears up for outdoor dining during the weekends
BRONX TIMES R BTR EPORTER, JULY 3-9, 2020 3
BY ALEX MITCHELL
The Bronx’s Little Italy on
Arthur Avenue intends on moving
full speed ahead to close its
street for piazza style, outdoor
dining on weekend evenings per
Phase 2 of the city’s reopening.
Belmont Business Improvement
District treasurer, Frank
Franz, said that the street closure
will likely begin around
Friday, July 10 as the Department
of Transportation has already
granted forms of temporary
approval for the streetside
al fresco dining plan.
Franz, who fi rst told the
Bronx Times about the Bronx
Little Italy’s outdoor dining
plan also noted that while time
is of course essential for restaurants
and businesses, there
wasn’t much sense in rushing
things before a holiday weekend
that’s best known for backyard
barbecues.
While that plan, which will
make diners feel more like their
paisanos in Tuscany, is still
days away, the iconic avenue is
already set for an expansive and
unique outdoor culinary experience
that can’t be enjoyed anywhere
but the Bronx.
The famed Mike’s Deli,
which has been a cornerstone of
the Arthur Avenue Retail Market
has already created outdoor,
curbside seating while many
other stands in the market have
done the same.
Owner Dave Greco, who took
the business over from his late
father, Mike said that COVID
was the most trying experience
for his eatery since he began
working under his dad at
age 12.
He stressed that the city’s
upcoming Phase 3, hopefully
starting in early July is crucial
not just for his business,
but for the entire strip of restaurants
surrounding the
Belmont block.
Greco added that Arthur
Avenue needs to see a return of
its loyal, out-of-town customer
base that religiously treks
from Westchester, Connecticut
and Long Island to begin
making a fi erce comeback from
coronavirus.
“They may not technically
be from the neighborhood but
to us they’re locals,” he said.
Another reason Greco sees
Phase 3 as a pivotal step is to
not depend on climate for good
business on any given day.
Though, on a hot day he has
diners at Mike’s Deli covered
for a meal that isn’t to be trifl ed
with — the “Bobby D” sandwich
named for Robert De Niro
himself.
Greco serves such a behemoth
of a sandwich paired with
prosciutto wrapped cantaloupe
that comes garnished with
mint, lemon, and a balsamic
glaze paired with, of course imported
Italian peach Prosecco
on tap.
That comes in addition remarkably
friendly, tableside
service in a shaded tent adjacent
to the retail market.
More of the magnifi cent offerings
from Mike’s Deli can
bee seen on Instagram.
Meanwhile, other restaurants
like Enzo’s are utilizing
both backyard space as well as
in-street dining for Phase 2.
As an upscale restaurant,
Enzo’s couldn’t thrive on a
take-out based model during
COVID and is quite eager to
bring customers back inside at
a modifi ed capacity per Phase 3
regulations.
Management expressed optimism
about being able to confi
gure a new, indoor dining setup
that will be both functional
and enjoyable for the upcoming
weeks as well.
Ajo y Oregano, a Dominican
restaurant adjacent to Arthur
Avenue is also making the best
use of its cute and quaint outdoor
space too.
This upcoming weekend
is going to be a pivotal one for
the success of Belmont, many
on Arthur Avenue say — so if
you’re looking for some elegant
outdoor dining plans, seek no
further.
Enzo’s back, outdoor dining patio on Arthur Avenue.
Mario’s of Arthur Avenue serving customers al fresco style.
A customer walks through the Arthur Avenue Retail Market, which is only
open for outdoor dining and takeout. Photos by Alex Mitchell
The “Bobby D” from Mike’s Deli.