Dining Near Vernon Circle: A Plethora Of Tents And Tables

VERNON, CT — Several creative outdoor dining layouts on the part of larger local restaurants have created a colorful culinary landscape at and near Vernon Circle.

Visually, restaurants in the area seem to have been doing well with takeout during the coronavirus pandemic. Outdoor dining was recently approved by state officials.

The Ninety-Nine chain was the latest to get into the fray after announcing an initiative Tuesday. The local Ninety-Nine is located in the shopping plaza at 295 Hartford Turnpike.

The Wood-N-Tap chain also recently announced an outdoor dining initiative. At Vernon circle, the parking lot was reconfigured and decorative tents were set up.

Here are other examples:

• Rein's Deli found some space on the left side of the building to accommodate tables
• Vernon Diner put up a tent worthy of a full-scale wedding
• Fiesta Mexicana commandeered some space in an alley on the side of the building to set up a stylish dining area
• Pancho Loco was able to reopen its patio

Takeout was still available for Pizza, Asian, Jamaican and fast food cuisine in the area.

Restaurants will be able to reopen for indoor dining when the second phase of reopening commences on June 17.