San Carlos Restaurants Get the Green Light for Outdoor Dining.

Temporary Street Closures.

Starting this weekend, numerous downtown streets in the San Carlos dining district will be either closed entirely to vehicle traffic, or have alternate arrangements made for their normal curbside parking.  This is in response to a desperate plea by downtown restaurant owners for the City of San Carlos to “think outside the box” and allow them to offer outdoor dining.  After dozens of emails received by the City Council in support of such a measure and overwhelming positive sentiment from residents, the City fast-tracked the approval this past week and temporary barriers are already popping up in preparation for this weekend's grand re-opening.

The 600 and 700 blocks of Laurel Street will be closed completely to through traffic, while restaurants further down Laurel Street and others on San Carlos Avenue will be able to utilize the normal curb street parking to set up outdoor dining areas, while still allowing through traffic.

The close confines that are characteristic of most San Carlos restaurants make it virtually impossible for them to adhere to the stringent social distancing guidelines and still seat enough diners to make economic sense.  The addition of outdoor seating will certainly help with capacity, but it remains to be seen if local restaurant owners can maintain a viable business while operating in such a limited capacity.

The north blocks of Laurel Street will close starting around noon on Friday, and will only be accessible by automobile for early morning deliveries.

Like most San Carlos residents, you've probably sorely missed the joy of actually sitting at a table and enjoying a great meal downtown.  After nearly three months of shutdown, you'll now have the opportunity to do it again.  So check in with your favorite eating establishment, and help support our great restaurants.  Bon Apetit!