Add a photo. We draft paste-ready text — you copy it and open 311. We never file from this guide.
Your photo is sent to our AI provider (xAI) to analyze. See our Privacy Policy.
NYC rules · Ask Grok
SidewalkSnitch / Guides / Sidewalk cafe NYC
SidewalkSnitch · Guide
Last updated: 2026-09-07
SidewalkSnitch is an independent civic tool. Not affiliated with the City of New York and not a government 311 service.
Sidewalk cafes must keep a clear pedestrian path. This thin how-to helps you document a problem setup and open 311. SidewalkSnitch never files from this guide.
Related: /guides/report-outdoor-dining-violations-nyc. Street Desk: confirm permit vs clear-path complaint labels before expansion.
See it. Snap it. Fix it.
We prep the text. You file it on 311. We never file from this guide.
How to report sidewalk cafe in NYC
Photograph the cafe footprint and the remaining clear path.
See it. Snap it. Fix it. We prep the text. You file it on 311. We never file from this guide.
Join the friends & family waitlistPhone number required. F&F access only — not a public neighborhood launch.
Friends & family waitlist — phone number required. Public neighborhood launch is not open yet.
No. Clipboard + Open 311 only. We never file from this guide.
Yes. /guides/report-outdoor-dining-violations-nyc. This stub matches the approved SEO slug for sidewalk cafe permit complaints. Street Desk should keep clearance cites aligned.
Related guides: Food cart rules in NYC: placement & clearance · Report outdoor dining violations in NYC · Report an illegal street vendor in NYC · How to report overgrown tree in NYC