City Strips Astoria Lounge of Its Street Seating Following Weeks of Crowds

Astoria lounge’s outdoor dining permission stripped after weekend of crowds

Astoria lounge the Brik saw its provisions for outdoor dining stripped for a week after the city said the bar failed to enforce social distancing measures, Gothamist reports. It’s now the first bar among more than 8,700 establishments citywide that have been approved for outdoor dining, to see its permits revoked.

The temporary suspension follows weeks of complaints by Astoria residents and elected officials for the crowds that that have been gathering along Steinway Street — where the Brik is located — and frequenting the establishments there without following social distancing norms or wearing face coverings. Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Sunday that sheriffs would be patrolling the street to maintain order and handout summonses to those who aren’t following the existing COVID-19-related guidelines.

The Brik, meanwhile, is continuing to offer at least some form of outdoor dining, according to Gothamist. Owner John Zorbas tells the publication that he had permits for sidewalk seating before the pandemic, and will continue to offer that while working with the city get back his street seating as well. With the rise in coronavirus cases across the country — partly prompted by the reopenings of restaurants and bars — New Yorkers are worried about a potential second wave of the virus in the city.

In other news

— UES Roman-style pizza spot PQR is reopening for takeout and delivery this Thursday, co-owner Fabio Casella tells Eater. The pizzeria will be open daily from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

— Restaurateur Ravi DeRossi is expanding his East Village cocktail destination Amor y Amargo. The new version of the bar will have an expanded food menu.

— Greenpoint has a massive new rooftop cocktail bar. Top of the Box is located atop the Box Hotel, spans 10,000 square feet, and offers up views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Long Island City.

— With federal and local loans running out, some NYC restaurants are unsure about how they will get through the next few months.

— The East Village outpost of Detroit-style pizzeria Lions & Tigers & Squares has reportedly closed. A for lease sign is currently hanging in the window.

— Ridgewood bar Nowadays has opened up its backyard for outdoor dining. Reservations are required, and a food truck helmed by the Izakaya team is slinging out wagyu hamburgers, pork katsu sandwiches, fish and chips, and more.

— Starting the week off right: