The famous square in Downtown Denver will be one of the first areas to open for street dining.
Denver, like many other cities in Colorado, has been trying to find a way to reopen businesses while maintaining the guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
As a result, Denver announced a new program to allow eligible businesses to submit proposals for expanding outdoor seating. Larimer Square in downtown Denver was recently approved for street dining, one of the first areas to receive the approval, and will open to the public this week!
The popular restaurant and shipping area received approval from the city on Wednesday, June 17. The approval will allow to shut down the traffic on 1400 block of Larimer Street between 14th and 15th streets for outside dining.
Restaurants like Rioja, Bistro Vendome, TAG, and Capital Grille, among other businesses, are scheduled to open this week as crews work to set up the expanded space.
In a press release, Larimer Square says it reimagines the block as "a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly experience."
However, safety will remain a top priority. In order to expand the temporary dining area, street parking on Latimer St. between 14th and 15th streets will be closed. Parking will be available on Larimer Square Garage through the 1422 Market St. entrance. Additionally, there will be directional paths to guide foot traffic and maintain social distancing guidelines. Guests must also wear masks.
Even though areas like Larimer Square got the green light, some restaurant owners have complained about the application process and the delay in responses.
Restaurants are still limited to 50% capacity or 50 people, whichever is fewer, for indoor dining. However, with the expanded outdoor space—which can be a city-approved street, sidewalk, or parking lot dining—restaurants can serve more customers.
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