“Streateries” have become a defining part of the District’s streetscape since the pandemic, but many restaurants say they may no longer be able to afford them.
WASHINGTON — Outdoor dining and “streateries” have become a defining part of the District’s streetscape since the COVID-19 pandemic — but many restaurants say they may no longer be able to afford them.
What was once free for business owners could soon come with a price tag, prompting the DC Council to take up emergency legislation aimed at easing the financial hit.
In Adams Morgan, the impact is already visible. Outside The Diner and Tryst on 18th Street, an area once filled with tables and chairs now sits empty. Management says the businesses can’t afford the fee proposed by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) to keep their streatery space.
“It’s been really slow on 18th Street recently,” the manager said, explaining that they’ve already had to cut staff hours. “With no money coming in, we can’t pay for the streatery, unfortunately.”
The manager asked not to show her face on camera, but wanted to voice how challenging the last several months have been.
DDOT is proposing a $20-per-square-foot fee for outdoor dining space — a cost many restaurants say is unsustainable.
Streateries, however, have provided more than just additional seating. Residents say they’ve helped create vibrancy on 18th Street.
“I think that being able to experience the beauty of the diversity of the city comes through the food,” said Adams Morgan resident Jinan Deena. “How the diverse restaurants have brought so much life to the area — that’s what makes D.C. beautiful.”
On Tuesday, the DC Council will vote on emergency legislation introduced by Councilmember Charles Allen. His bill aims to soften the financial blow and protect the future of outdoor dining.
“You can’t really measure the way that streateries in dollars and cents provide benefits back to the community with that vibrancy,” Allen said. “But it absolutely has a huge value for a neighborhood and for our city.”
The legislation would:
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Lower the fee from $20 to $15 per square foot
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Expand exemptions that allow businesses to use plexiglass or other enclosures, enabling year-round outdoor dining
“That’s what this really is all about — providing certainty for those businesses,” Allen said. “Helping make sure they can plan for a streatery as part of their business, keep their jobs, keep their tax revenue, and keep that vibrancy for our city.”
Allen says he expects the emergency measure to pass unanimously. The Council is scheduled to vote on the legislation on Tuesday.