Heatwave diners packed the sidewalk tables of Serafina on Manhattan’s Ninth Avenue, swapping indoor air for Aperol spritzes. Manager Anne Kassi said patrons crave the street‑level vibe, likening it to a Parisian boulevard. Yet the venue is one of just over 2,000 eateries citywide with permits to serve outside, a steep drop from the 6,000‑8,000 spots that flourished during the pandemic.

City Councilmember Lincoln Restler blames the Adams administration’s rigid April‑November rules for the collapse, noting that only 500 restaurants now operate roadway sheds. He argues the red tape forced many owners to abandon outdoor huts or face fines, while the remaining setups are cramped behind railings and planters, limiting tables to four guests.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s transportation chief, Mike Flynn, has pledged to make the streets “the envy of the world,” urging the council to revive outdoor dining year‑round. Speaker Julie Menin co‑sponsors Restler’s bill, promising a streamlined permit process that could boost hospitality jobs and restore the sidewalk culture that once defined New York’s post‑pandemic recovery.

Industry observers warn that without broader allowances—such as larger sidewalk footprints or road‑lane conversions—restaurants like Serafina will remain constrained, limiting revenue growth as summer foot traffic peaks. The council’s vote, expected this summer, could determine whether New York retains a competitive edge in hospitality or reverts to pre‑pandemic indoor‑only models.