Here's When Outdoor Dining Will Begin In Greenwich For 2026

GREENWICH, CT — With warmer days on the horizon, residents can begin to think about outdoor dining, something that has become a staple in town each year since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Board of Selectmen on Thursday approved the fees and schedule for the 2026 season.

Outdoor dining will begin May 22 and run through Oct. 4. The board had the option to select Oct. 18, but Selectwoman Lauren Rabin was the only member in favor of the later date.

First Selectman Fred Camillo said the town will monitor the weather and demand for outdoor dining as the season winds down.

New this year, participating restaurants will be provided with covers for the concrete jersey barriers that are used to carve out spaces for tables and chairs and protect pedestrians and diners from nearby vehicles.

The town decided to purchase the covers, which are expected to be green, to create uniformity and add color to the drab concrete barriers.

The barrier fee per linear foot for restaurants has increased in 2026 from $48.50 to $63.50, Department of Public Works Commissioner Jim Michel said at the March 26 Board of Selectmen meeting, noting most restaurants use an average of 40 feet.

With the barrier covers factored in, the total average fee per restaurant has increased from an estimated $6,148 to $6,716 with the Oct. 4 end date, according to Michel.

Greenwich DPW sent information out to restaurants about the covers after the March 26 meeting, according to Town Administrator Kate Buch, who said there was only one response from a restaurant that was unhappy about an additional charge and a shortened season.

"I disagree. I think these [covers] are a benefit to the restaurant owners," Buch said. "Overall, adding those covers to the barriers is going to be a big plus."

Camillo noted one restaurant owner was upset about the shortened season and didn't realize he could put tables out on the sidewalk now, as long as they're not blocking the sidewalk, a door or a hydrant.

Michel reminded restaurant owners that if they want to put out tables and chairs on the sidewalk right now, they still need outdoor dining approval from the town.