Crystal Lake OKs Outdoor Dining Through Dec. 31

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL —Outdoor dining could continue well into the winter months in Crystal Lake since the city council passed a measure that will allow restaurants in town to keep patios open through Dec. 31. Many restaurants throughout the Chicago area are adding heat lamps, tents and heated huts amid concerns over the spread of the new coronavirus and state mandates that limit the number of people who can sit inside.

Some have also put in fire pits or are offering blanket to help customers toasty and hopefully draw patrons out to many of the businesses that have been struggling amid a drop in food sales and traffic in the past six months.

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Earlier this year, city officials in Crystal Lake worked closely with businesses to help find ways to stay open while keep staff and customers safe and encouraged restaurants to customize its approach, according to a news release from the city.

"...many businesses have been innovative and adopted new practices to continue to safely serve patrons," according to the news release.

As of last week, there were 36 businesses in town that are licensed by the city to provide outdoor seating. But its unclear how many would be offering it in the cooler months.

"I don’t have a list of who will be offering outdoor dining in the fall, yet," Heather Maieritsch, city of Crystal Lake economic development manager, told Patch in an e-mail response. "I think it is still too soon and with this being a new concept in such an unpredictable time."

Currently, restaurants are only allowed to accommodate about 50 percent of its typical customer capacity. And even with indoor seating allowed, many prefer to sit outside.

Any business interested in adding or altering its existing outdoor seating can call the city at 815-356-3605.