Right this way.
These days, if there's a bar or a restaurant in the city that doesn't have an outside seating area, I'd like to know where it is. It's a craze here and just about all over from what I have seen and read. If I owned an establishment like this, I'd string tables along my storefront too. Only one big problem. If you are a pedestrian trying to negotiate the sidewalk, you might be fighting a losing battle. And sidewalk usage on First Friday Art Walk down Congress Street? Forgetaboutit! Ain't happening. It got so bad last summer that over the winter the Portland City Council passed an ordinance that determines how much of the sidewalk was tables, chairs and umbrellas and how much was a 'restaurant-free' zone. They also attached threats of fines on for good measure. Now, 8AM on a Sunday morning it's not a issue, but come 4 in the afternoon until closing it can be a mighty problem.
A walking hazard, if you will.
Sidewalks.
Free at last!
Those bright yellow umbrellas are cheerful! They can line the sidewalks anywhere IMHO!!
ReplyDeletediners encroaching on walkers is no fun!
ReplyDeleteWhat? You've never been to Paris. Tell the city fathers to get over it!
ReplyDeletei love sitting outside but my husband hates it so we always end up with a table indoors...once while walking around downtown i embarrassed my boys by chatting with the diners that were sitting outside, they all looked so crabby so as i walked by i asked them silly things about their meals ha :D
ReplyDeleteIt is even worse here...
ReplyDeleteHi Birdman, The tables along the walk look so inviting ... I can understand the issues later when the crowd arrives. Neat photo! Thank you for your kind comment on my blog a couple of days ago re: astronomy. Have a fine weekend!
ReplyDeleteSome of the same issues come up here in areas with lots of terraces.
ReplyDeleteI've seen that sidewalk encroachment problem happen a couple of times here but, for the most part it's not a problem. In the summer, it's too darn hot to walk anywhere and too darn hot to eat outside. However in the winter the sidewalk cafes will be full. I love those yellow umbrellas.
ReplyDeleteThere are a lot of regulations here on the sidewalk use too! I love to sit outside especially after the winter we had!
ReplyDeleteWe have the outdoor bistro areas here too but most seem to be fenced in leaving the sidewalks clear for walking. If not, it would be, like you said, a mighty problem.
ReplyDeleteGreat photo you shot and an inviting space to gather.
Thanks for stopping by too and your kind comment. Have a nice weekend. cm
Hope you're making the most of it. You deserve it after this past winter. :-)
ReplyDeleteCan't do that around here, especially in summer. The wind would polish off those umbrellas in no time.
ReplyDeleteNot a problem here either….way too hot and humid to sit outside!
ReplyDeletePersonally, I love outdoor cafes. if that means pedestrians have to snake through, well, that is a small price to pay.
ReplyDeleteI admit that I like to dine outdoors. Always an interesting view and the people watching can't be beat.
ReplyDeleteWhat about Pizza Hut?
ReplyDeleteI'll do these only if there is complete shade - I'm as white as they make 'em.
Great color.
ReplyDeleteAhhh but it's so nice to sit outside on a beautiful day and it certainly looks like one of those in this photo! Poor pedestrians...
ReplyDeleteDining outdoors in perfect weather is really nice and I guess table space is premium, I can see them slowly edging out as the evening draws nigh :)
ReplyDeletePortland's sidewalks aren't as wide as in some cities...Guess they didn't forsee the "craze."
ReplyDeleteIt's not just a local craze but is popular anywhere the weather is pleasant. Not so in either Texas or Arizona this time of the year. When I got up this morning it was 77 outside and the humidity was 92 percent. Sitting outside would not have been a treat!
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine not eating outside whenever possible!
ReplyDeleteSomething cold to drink and a book.... I could have spent time here.
ReplyDelete