Outdoor Dining In Worcester: See Restaurants Seeking Permits

WORCESTER, MA — With warmer weather, coronavirus vaccinations on the rise and new temporary rules in place, many Worcester restaurants are seeking permits to offer outdoor dining.

This week alone, eight businesses are asking the License Commission to either set up new outdoor seating or expand existing dining areas. Like most communities in Massachusetts, Worcester last spring loosened rules around outdoor dining, and the policy will be in place until at least January.

Here are the local restaurants that will soon offer outdoor seating, pending License Commission approval during the April 29 meeting:

4th and 1 Club, 7 Muskeego St.

The sports bar at wants to serve alcohol and food across nine tables with a total capacity of 54 diners.

Che! Empanada, 19 Kelley Square

This new Argentinian spot located in the former Anthem Bagel location wants to seat 20 people at 10 tables in Kelley Square.

Bay State Brewery & Tap Room, 112 Harding St.

Bay State already offers outdoor seating, but the brewer is looking to expand to 64 tables with up to 384 seats at the Worcester Ice Center.

El Basha, 424 Belmont St.

This restaurant on the Worcester side of the Kenneth F. Burns Memorial Bridge has applied to seat 16 diners across four tables.

Gong Cha, 24 Southbridge St.

This bubble tea spot opened next to the Hanover Theatre in September, and now wants to expand to offer five tables and 10 seats along Southbridge Street.

Taco Caliente, 226 Chandler St.

Taco Caliente is seeking permission to amend its existing outdoor dining permit to include a tent for dining.

Acadia Grill, 1105 West Boylston St.

The restaurant is seeking a food-only permit for two tables with a combined eight seats.

New Traditions, 7 Jackson St.

This Main South specialty coffee shop features a sunny concrete patio. The owner wants to add seven tables with space for 24 people.

Previous outdoor dining applications filed this month include:

• Peppercorns, 455 Park Ave, amendment to existing permit
• Main South Market, 1025 Main St., three tables with 12 seats