The Town of Greenburgh has an eclectic mix of restaurants and instead of describing them as a restaurant row, it is probably more accurate in the Town to describe our scene as a series of restaurant rows, as East Hartsdale Avenue, Central Avenue, Rt. 119 and other areas all contribute to the fantastic array. Like so many other industries, the pandemic has negatively impacted the owners, chefs and servers of restaurants that work so hard, often seven days a week, to do what they love to do and prepare what we love to eat.
With Phase 2 enacted last week, which allowed for outdoor dining, several restaurants have been able to expand a bit beyond takeout and delivery services, which have been ongoing, and offer outdoor dining. The Town has been working hard to coordinate with restaurants and understand what services offered could be helpful. An expedited no-fee outdoor dining expansion process was created via executive order, which allows for additional sidewalk seating, and other outdoor dining (patios, courtyards, parking lots, etc.) options, where they can be provided in a safe manner. Building Department staff spent several days trying to reach every eatery to make them aware of this option.
GREENBURGH WORKING WITH RESTAURANTS TO INCREASE SIDEWALK DINING--COMING SOON-MORE TEMPORARY DINING AREAS
Some communities have taken creative steps and closed off a side street or even a main thoroughfare on weekend evenings or other times, to allow for an expanded experience to support their restaurants. In Greenburgh, East Hartsdale Avenue would be the logical consideration for such a setup, which was considered, however, with no alternate routes, unfortunately such a concept would not work. What has been done though by restaurants though is great. East Hartsdale Avenue restaurants offer nice sidewalk dining options. One bakery (Enricos) has made a nice enclosed area to the rear of its store. The Hartsdale Parking District has been an excellent partner, sharing ideas with the Town. We have coordinated with the District and a private property owner, and the travel lane from East Hartsdale Avenue adjacent to the Irish Bank will likely be converted to a temporary outdoor dining area. Safety Jersey Barriers were loaned to private businesses and Town crews helped coordinate. Several establishments have or are considering creative options. Sidewalk space and an alley-way have been used at Four Corners (Arthur Avenue Pizza, Unico in planning stages). Pas-Tina on Central created a nice enclosed area with barriers and plantings. The Fountain Diner is in the planning stages of a similar setup. Mariachi Loco, Panera, Pizza and Brew, Panera, TGIF, Candlelight Inn and the Eldorado Diner are some highlights on Central Avenue in Edgemont. Benjamin Steak House on West Hartsdale Avenue, Racanelli’s (Greenburgh Shopping Center) and The Cabin on Knollwood Road are all offering nice outdoor options.
Phase 3, when enacted, will allow for additional but limited indoor dining. We wish our restaurants all the best and thank them for their hard work. The support of our residents has been great. Town staff will continue to update lists regarding restaurant options and openings.
Paul Feiner