False spring is behind us (fingers crossed) and it’s time for streateries to make their annual debut. While I might relish sipping an ice cold bevvy on the street, there’s another, more controversial side to streateries. We asked the community: “do streateries still belong in D.C.?”
Streateries Origin Story
In the beginning, streateries were a desperate attempt to help businesses stay open during the pandemic. Restaurants threw up haphazard platforms with little care for how they might affect the city long-term, sometimes even blocking bike lanes, road signs, and street drains. But despite their flaws, streateries took off in D.C. and they remain a staple, even if they’re no longer essential.
Bringing Streateries Into 2025
Last year, D.C. spent $750,000 on a pilot to build permanent streateries in Adams Morgan. The goal was to find a way to make them safer and more attractive, while still keeping a popular feature of the city. Earlier this year, Mayor Bowser paused the implementation of these permanent streateries, meaning new permits are off the table. But that doesn't mean existing structures are going away.
New streateries in Adams Morgan. (Kaela Cote-Stemmermann/City Cast DC)
Build It and They Will Come
The fact remains that Washingtonians have a real soft spot for the roadside patios. “I really like the streateries," said City Cast DC listener Aidan L. “They reduce dependency on cars and I like that they create a lively atmosphere in the neighborhood.”
For businesses, streateries are a double-edged sword. They allow for more diners, but they also block valuable parking spots that bring in business. Carrie Bradley, the owner of D Light Cafe told us, “I know it takes away from parking, which we very much need in Adams Morgan. But it's also a good space for us, and doubles our capacity.”
The Naysayers
Nick DelleDonne, a spokesman for D.C. Safe Streets Coalition, argues that streateries are eyesores and that they narrow D.C.'s streets, jeopardizing safety. City Cast DC listener Scot S. agrees. “Parking spaces are for parking,” he said. “Same for bike lanes. As a bicyclist and pedestrian, streateries jeopardize my safety to put money in someone else’s pocket.”
What do you think of streateries in your neighborhoods, or the lack of them? Should they become a permanent D.C. fixture?
