Chicago sidewalk cafe permits for restaurants

A Chicago restaurant that puts tables on the public sidewalk needs a sidewalk cafe permit from the City, in addition to its retail food establishment license. If it serves alcohol outside, it also needs a liquor license that covers the sidewalk area. Applications go through the City's online permit portal, and the permit is issued for a season whose dates the City sets.

What is a sidewalk cafe permit?

A sidewalk cafe permit allows a restaurant to place tables, chairs and related equipment on the public way in front of its building. It is separate from the restaurant's license to operate indoors, and it covers only the area the City approves. The City's rules set how much of the sidewalk the cafe may use, how much clear walking space must remain and what may be placed in it.

Who can apply?

The City's pages say applicants must hold a valid retail food establishment license or a tavern license. A restaurant without an active license cannot get a permit. If you are opening a new restaurant, plan the license first, since the sidewalk application builds on it. Check that your zoning and the building frontage allow a cafe before you spend money on furniture.

How do you apply?

Applications go through the City's permit portal. Gather a survey or drawing of the proposed area with dimensions, the layout of tables and chairs, your license numbers, proof of insurance and any other documents the City lists. Ask the City whether any step involving your ward's alderman or the City Council still applies. Allow time for the process, because applications tend to pile up in the spring.

What does the season look like?

The City sets the permit period and the fee, so ask the licensing office for the current dates before you plan. Plan furniture storage for the winter, and ask whether you can keep the cafe open in cold months. A restaurant that renews on time avoids a gap at the busiest time of year.

A worked example of a spring timeline

An owner of a neighborhood restaurant decides in January to add a sidewalk cafe. In January, the owner checks zoning and measures the sidewalk. In February, the owner gathers the drawing, insurance and license numbers. Once the City's season opens, the owner submits the application in the portal, and answers any questions from the City. A few weeks later, the permit is issued, the furniture is delivered and staff have been briefed. The first warm Saturday brings the first full patio, and the owner has also asked whether a liquor license amendment is needed for the patio.

What about alcohol on the sidewalk?

Serving liquor on the public way requires a liquor license that covers the area, and a sidewalk cafe permit alone does not authorize it. Ask the City's licensing office whether your liquor license needs an amendment or an endorsement for the outdoor area, and what hours apply. Serving alcohol outside the licensed area is a violation, and busy patios are where it happens. Train servers on where drinks may be served and removed.

Are there other outdoor options?

The City has separate programs for using the curb lane or closing a street, run through its transportation department. If a sidewalk is too narrow, ask whether a curb lane option is available for your block, and what it costs and requires. Each option has its own application, rules and insurance.

What should you do before the season?

1. Check your food or tavern license is current.
2. Measure and draw the area.
3. Check your insurance covers the outdoor space.
4. Ask about alcohol and hours.
5. Apply early and keep a copy of everything you submit.

How should you run the cafe once it is open?

Assign a host or a server to watch the outdoor area, keep walking space clear and enforce the alcohol boundary. Check the tables, chairs and umbrellas daily for damage and weight, and bring in loose items during high winds. Keep a copy of the permit and the approved drawing on site for an inspector. If neighbors complain about noise or trash, respond quickly, because the permit can be reviewed when complaints arise.

What does it cost to add a cafe?

Budget for the permit fee, furniture, barriers if required, insurance, extra staff for the season and the storage of furniture in winter. Compare it with the extra seats and the revenue per seat on a good evening. A cafe with eight tables that fills on every warm night pays for itself in a season, but one that sits half empty adds work without adding sales. Count your covers on the best and worst outdoor nights of the first season before you decide to renew, and talk to your neighbors about noise and trash before they talk to the City.

More guides for your business:

• Chicago food truck licenses for mobile food businesses
• Illinois BASSET training and liquor licenses for restaurants
• Chicago paid leave and paid sick leave for restaurants

More in the US guides for food businesses.