News of COVID-19 started to impact NYC restaurant’s scene weeks ago, when the first reported deaths happened in China. Even when there were no confirmed cases stateside, New York’s major Chinatowns — in Manhattan, Flushing, and Sunset Park — suffered major declines in business due to fears of spread. But in March, New York had its first confirmed case, from a woman who recently traveled to Iran, and since then, the number of people testing positive for the novel coronavirus have increased. Although most people will experience only minor symptoms, the fast spread and vulnerability of certain people has turned it into a public health crisis — and one that’s deeply impacting the economic future of all the city’s restaurants, regardless of cuisine. Here’s where to check in on the updates, and check for more sanitary recommendations on the city’s website.
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January 18
Where to Order Takeout and Delivery Right Now
The best dumplings, burritos, and scallion pancake breakfast sandwiches available to-go
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April 28, 2021
Best Bets for Grocery Delivery in NYC
From local specialty stores to CSAs, here’s a guide to options for grocery delivery
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February 9, 2021
NYC Restaurant Industry Divided Over Return of Indoor Dining
With days left to the reopening, the hospitality industry still remains deeply divided on whether it’s safe to restart indoor dining this week
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January 29, 2021
Indoor Dining Will Return to NYC Starting on Valentine’s Day
Gov. Andrew Cuomo outlined his plan for NYC’s return to indoor dining on Friday
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December 11, 2020
Indoor Dining Banned In NYC Starting Monday Following COVID-19 Uptick
The decision has been expected for weeks with the rise in cases, but without federal aid, it will still come as a major blow to NYC restaurants
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October 4, 2020
Mayor Proposes Suspending Indoor and Outdoor Dining in Parts of Brooklyn and Queens
The decision follows a recent spike in COVID-19 cases across nine zip codes in those boroughs
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September 23, 2020
‘We’re Dealing With a Virus We Still Know Very Little About:’ How NYC Diners Feel About Eating Indoors
While some are enthusiastic about indoor dining’s return next week, many remain deeply skeptical about the safety of eating inside again
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August 27, 2020
A Running List of NYC Restaurants That Have Permanently Closed During the COVID-19 Crisis
A dozen more restaurants have closed including Williamsburg beer hall the Well, and Tribeca’s China Blue
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August 17, 2020
Dan Barber Announces Major Shake Up at Michelin-Starred Stone Barns
The chef is stepping away from the kitchen and switching to a guest chef residency program; he also pledged to help combat racial and gender inequities in the kitchen
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August 17, 2020
Sales at New York Restaurants Continue to Plummet Without Aid, According to Survey
Plus, a massive new food hall is coming to Chelsea next year — and more intel
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August 14, 2020
In the Hamptons, Restaurants Make the Most of Outdoor Dining As Diners Reject Eating Inside
Many restaurants not previously equipped to rely on takeout and outdoor dining are now thriving on the model
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August 12, 2020
Thomas Keller’s Extravagant Hudson Yards Restaurant TAK Room Has Closed
The restaurant famously served a $100 entree for one, but was felled by the financial downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic
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August 10, 2020
Will Hospitality Workers Actually Receive Trump’s $400 Unemployment Checks?
Probably not, as states don’t have the money, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says
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August 7, 2020
Vegetable-Focused, British Seasonal Fare Restaurant Fat Radish to Close After a Decade
The once-sceney Lower East Side spot is closing after a decade
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August 7, 2020
Restaurant Jobs Growth Sputtered in July as Republicans Still Hold Out on $600 Checks
Unemployment in food and drinking places fell more slowly last month to 21.8 percent, while the overall jobless rate dropped to 10.2 percent
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August 6, 2020
Chinatown Is Springing Back to Life
The neighborhood is spilling over with cold noodles and dim sum specialties after its streets emptied this spring, says critic Robert Sietsema
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August 5, 2020
NYC Restaurateurs Renew Calls for Rent Relief As End of Eviction Moratorium Looms
With the moratorium on evictions set to end August 20, there’s growing concern for restaurants’ survival
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August 5, 2020
The Hottest Brooklyn Cocktail Bar of the Pandemic Is Actually Prospect Park
Faced with the uncertain future of New York’s restaurants and bars, industry professionals have flocked to Brooklyn’s second-largest public park to sell homemade cocktails
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August 5, 2020
Very Fresh Forges First-Class Noodles Even as the Pandemic Upends Chelsea Market
Eater critic Ryan Sutton visits the recently reopened Chelsea Market hangout, which has returned for takeout service
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August 3, 2020
NYC Party Boat Carrying 170 People Busted for Social-Distancing Violations, Unlicensed Bar
Plus, LES pizza stalwart Rosario’s is looking to relocate to the Upper East Side — and more intel
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July 31, 2020
NYC Designates 15 More Open Streets For Outdoor Dining
There are now 62 streets in the city that are closed off to vehicular traffic on weekends to allow for more outdoor dining
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July 31, 2020
New Yorkers Get More State Unemployment Benefits Even As $600 Federal Checks Expire
Congress still hasn’t come to an agreement on whether to extend the $600 pandemic checks, however
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July 31, 2020
Five More NYC Bars’ Liquor Licenses Suspended During Statewide Crackdown
More than 40 bars and restaurants in NYC currently have their licenses suspended — largely due to social distancing violations
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July 30, 2020
Where to Get Takeout in Greenwich Village and the West Village
Eater critic Robert Sietsema lists his favorite spots that are currently open
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July 29, 2020
Street Vendors Are Returning to Queens In Greater Numbers — With No Certainty of Customers
With no end in sight to the pandemic, many street food vendors have returned work in the face of mounting bills