With the lovely stretch of spring weather our area is experiencing — after a seemingly interminable winter — South Orange Village Center is announcing that a record number of eateries is offering al fresco dining.
“The warmth and beauty of spring is everywhere in South Orange Village Center from the hundreds of orange tulips planted by volunteers to the tables and chairs appearing outdoors at Village eateries,” said South Orange Village Center Alliance (SOVCA) executive director Bob Zuckerman.
Beginning today, May 5, a total of 15 restaurants have ways for patrons to enjoy outdoor dining (and Mara’s Bakery makes 16 when it opens at month’s end), including:
Above Restaurant and Bar
Ariyoshi Japanese Restaurant
Boccone South
Bunny’s Sports Bar
Cait & Abby’s Daily Bread
Cold Stone Creamery
The Dancing Blender
Falafel-ly Yours
Giorgio’s
Grid Iron Wafflerie
Mara’s Café & Bakery (opening in late May)
Tito’s Burritos & Wings
Toro Loco
Town Hall Deli
Village Diner
Stony’s
Zuckerman said the uptick is largely due to the easier, cost-free process for permitted al fresco dining. “Last year, SOVCA worked with Village officials to simplify the application process and waive the fee that had been in place for many years. This year, SOVCA once again successfully advocated for the Village to waive the filing fee for restaurants if they submit their al fresco applications by May 15th. Melissa Hodge, SOVCA’s Events and Operations Associate, has been assisting restaurants with the process.”
From numerous sidewalk cafes to rooftop dining at Above to a back patio beach cabana at Stony’s, South Orange restaurants have a slew of ways for diners to enjoy delicious food in the beautiful outdoors.
