Outdoor dining returns to downtown York; street closures planned

Outdoor dining is returning to downtown York.

Downtown Inc announced in a news release that outdoor dining will return to North George Street on May 12. Patrons can enjoy dining al fresco at The Handsome Cab, Tutoni's, Rockfish Public House, The Left Bank Restaurant & Bar and Gift Horse Brewing Company.

“We know that with the increased foot traffic brought on by the recently reopened Yorktowne Hotel, the continuation of the N. George Street outdoor dining experience will only further our community’s reputation as a desirable destination,” Director of Downtown Inc Jonathan Desmarais said in the release.

The outdoor dining and street closure will be in effect beginning today and will continue each Friday and Saturday through the end of October. Friday outdoor dining hours, excluding First Fridays, will be from 5:30-10 p.m. Saturday times will run between 1-10 p.m. The closure of North George Street will be between West Philadelphia Street and West Gas Avenue.

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Each restaurant will post its hours of operations and standards for service to their social media or website. All reservations for seating will be handled by the individual restaurants.

Allison Witherow, chair of the York City Independent Restaurant Association and board member of the York Business Improvement District Authority, added that “closing the street for expanded outdoor seating and live music creates a destination environment for our city that is found in larger downtowns with much success."

In addition to the restaurants on North George Street, there over 25 restaurants offering outdoor dining in all three micro-districts of Downtown York.