Patio vs. Sidewalk Al Fresco Dining

Okay. I am not stirring up the pot. I just would like to know what other folks think. I enjoy sidewalk dining more then patio dining. It seems to make me a part of the street action and adds a vibrancy to a neighborhood. Patio dining is more enclosed and insular and often actually separates the diners from the street. Louisville appears to have more patio dining then sidewalk dining. Is there a particular reason for this? Are the sidewalks too narrow? Are there ordinances preventing this? I am not criticizing. I am just asking................Do other people feel or notice the difference? We had very little sidewalk dining in Milwaukee until Tom Barrett was elected mayor, and a bunch of developers approached him and Tom altered the city restrictions. Three neighborhoods in Milwaukee, Brady Street, Jefferson Street, and the Third Ward are now filled with sidewalk tables and during the warm weather these places sizzle with action. What do you think? Again, I am not criticizing or belittling anything.................................

I agree Phil. I prefer sidewalk dining because of the action and entertainment. But our city sidewalks do seem to be a bit narrow. I used to love the side walk dining at Deitrich's.That was the best. I've enjoyed many an early evening on 4th St at BBC (although their menu gets dull after a bit).

Yes, there is a reason. The sidewalks have to leave a certain amount on space for wheelchairs, etc. to pass by.

I like both. I think some patios can be really wonderful. Unfortunately, the two places I'm specifically thinking of are Allo Spiedo and Azalea - both gone.

Phil,

Yes, the problem is one of space and codes. But there a still a great deal of sidewalk dining once te weather warms up. Lots of the places on Bardstown and Frankfort have at least a few tables out front, and several are set back far enough that they can fit a number of tables ( Palermo Viejo comes to mind) .

Many of thse tables are still in storage right now, so you are just not seeing them- I think you'll be surprised at how many suddenly pop-up mid April.

Deb

Hey Phil,
Stop apologizing! You asked a straightforward question, and it didn't even begin to sound like belittling, criticizing, or stirring. Glad to see you posting again . . . and I hope you stay in Louisville, and let it grow on you!

It occurs to me that I prefer sidewalk dining if there's something interesting to look at. It's fun in NYC or Paris or Vienna and lots of other places. So, on parts of Bardstown or Frankfort I would prefer it. But at August Moon I like their back patio/deck. There needs to be enough sidewalk so it's not too cramped and enough people/place watching to make it interesting.

Phil, Yes there ordinances and annual fees associated with sidewalk tables. We have to allow three feet for pedestrians to pass. I think you will enjoy our sidewalk tables at Varanese once we pull them out of storage. You will be able to have the option of both Patio or sidewalk.

Sidewalk dining?
Patio dining?

I'm probably more comfortable with tables and chairs....

Phil, Yes there ordinances and annual fees associated with sidewalk tables. We have to allow three feet for pedestrians to pass. I think you will enjoy our sidewalk tables at Varanese once we pull them out of storage. You will be able to have the option of both Patio or sidewalk.

David,
I'm so there! I didn't know you had outside tables- thought the open air wall/door ( which is very nice) took the place of actual outside dining. Thanks for the intel!

Deb

Both can be great, but I prefer patio for dining. Sidewalk is ok for drinks, can be prone to car noise and exhaust fumes in some locations.

"Both can be great, but I prefer patio for dining. Sidewalk is ok for drinks, can be prone to car noise and exhaust fumes in some locations."

Yep, a passing car splashing me and food plus report on the dangers of breathing while running along major roadways cured me from doing much dining curbside. CD