Happy trails to the 2-story dining structure that almost was on 4th Street

Yesterday, we bid farewell to the curbside dining structure outside Izakaya on Fourth Street between Avenue A and Avenue B. (Thanks to Sal Barone for the photo!) 

There were reports that someone had turned the space into a makeshift shelter complete with mattresses, etc., so ownership had it removed. 

Updated Friday morning look via Stacie Joy...

In a city full of curbside dining structures, this one was notable for making the cover of the Post and getting Steve Cuozzo in a lather in August 2021 when workers started to add a second level — complete with artificial turf. (Photo below by Stacie Joy from August 2021)

The addition was scrubbed after neighbor complaints — two-story structures are not allowed — led an inspector from the Department of Transportation to the site, who nixed the double-decker. 

Izakaya's owner told Curbed this: "I was basically looking for the best we could do under the restrictions by being more creative and ambitious."

Meanwhile, we've seen more of the pandemic-era curbside dining structures torn down in recent weeks... as we've entered a new era with "Dining Out NYC." 

As previously noted, the significant change with the new guidelines is that enclosed, year-round roadway dining structures will no longer be permitted. The revised regulations stipulate that roadway cafes must now be open-air, easily portable, and simple to assemble and dismantle. Additionally, these establishments are restricted to operating only from April through November. 

Per the new guidelines, if restaurants participating in the temporary program do not reapply for the permanent outdoor dining program, they will have to take down their streeteries by Aug. 3. And: "Outdoor dining setups will need to comply with the Dining Out NYC design requirements within 30 days of the approval of your application." 

Lastly, Nov. 29 marks the conclusion of the roadway dining season under the permanent program, and all roadway setups must be removed until the spring. 

Previously on EV Grieve: 

• The 2-story dining structure that almost was on 4th Street