Warm weather has diners missing al fresco option in Boston’s North End

BOSTON — As usual, a beautiful May weekend meant crowds of diners heading to Boston’s North End. But if they were looking for an alfresco experience, it was slim pickings.

“Very disappointing,” said Kevin Louin, waiting for a table inside Strega. “Because the weather’s so nice -- why can’t we just eat out here?”

For the last three years, North End diners have been able to eat outdoors -- as the city balanced the interests of restaurants with an interest in public health -- specifically, the transmission of Covid.

“I think absolutely there should be outdoor dining,” said Adeline Gutierrez, waiting for a table along Hanover Street. “We should have as many options as possible.”

Actually, diners do have an outdoor option in other parts of the city. But in reaction to resident complaints about parking, Mayor Michelle Wu effectively banned most North End restaurants from setting up outdoor seating, unless they met city setbacks from the street and sidewalk.

It seems just two restaurants on Hanover Street have been able to do so.

“I definitely think that more people would be attracted to restaurants in general,” Gutierrez said. “But I could understand why they don’t necessarily have outdoor dining here, although I do wish that we had it.”

Tim Sullivan understands how the restaurants feel -- but he’s a North End resident, very familiar with the area’s limited parking.

“I understand where they’re coming from,” said Sullivan. “But it’s really nice to be able to park.”

Ray Cooper of the Corner Cafe sees another benefit to the near-cessation of outdoor dining in the North End.

“You want outside dining, you gotta clean up after yourself,” said Cooper. “When people in the restaurant don’t do a really good job, then there’s the rats.”

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