BOSTON — What’s usually one of the busiest nights out of the year, looked and felt a lot different on this Thanksgiving eve in Boston.
The mandatory 9:30 halt to table service in Massachusetts and rainy weather on Wednesday night contributed to a quiet night all around.
Boston 25 News spoke with people across Southie, the South End, the North End, Faneuil Hall and Beacon Hill who all said they were able to walk into their restaurants of choice without a reservation.
“It’s deadly quiet out,” said Dan McKenna, who dined out at Bricco in the North End. “I do like that everyone isn’t going nuts and going to their local bars everywhere all night. It’s usually one of the biggest days of the year.”
For restaurant owners, the ghost town atmosphere on the night before Thanksgiving was less of a welcome sight.
Looming challenges of winter that lie ahead continue to bring uncertainty and anxiety to business owners.
The city’s outdoor dining allowances are due to end next Tuesday for restaurants with tables and chairs on public streets and sidewalks.
However, on Wednesday, Mayor Marty Walsh announced that restaurants can continue serving people outdoors on private property indefinitely.
“It’s very disconcerting,” said Paula Harris, who walked around the city with her daughter on Wednesday night. “I guess it’s a good thing that people are taking all these precautions though.”
Mayor Walsh said the city plans to roll out plans for resumed expanded outdoor dining in the spring sometime next week.
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