Dining Out NYC — No Cooking or Amplified Music on Sidewalk

Cooking appliances, open flames, grills, and amplified music or sound equipment are prohibited in sidewalk cafe areas. Food preparation must occur indoors.

• visible grill, burner, or cooking equipment on the sidewalk
• open flame or propane heater used for cooking outdoors
• speakers or amplified sound system placed on sidewalk
• smoke or steam from outdoor cooking visible

1. Photograph the obstruction from sidewalk level showing clear path width.
2. Capture any posted DOT dining license or permit if visible.
3. File via 311 under Sidewalk Café / Outdoor Dining, or use SidewalkSnitch dining analysis.
4. Describe how pedestrians are forced into the street or bike lane.

Official channel: portal.311.nyc.gov or dial 311. Agency: NYC DOT / FDNY / DEP.

DOT may issue notices of violation to licensed cafés; unlicensed setups can face removal orders and fines. Repeat violations can affect license renewal.

DOT Sidewalk Café Inspection responds to encroachment complaints. Licensed sites are measured against permit bounds; unlicensed structures may be tagged for removal.

• Outdoor dining violations