Restaurants begin allowing outdoor dining

As Fairfax County moved into Phase 1 of the reopening guidelines, a few local restaurants started offering outdoor table service. 

Phase 1, which started Friday, May 29, allows restaurants to operate with outdoor seating at 50 percent capacity. It’s the first step toward easing restrictions in place since the coronavirus pandemic took hold in early March and the local economy was mostly shut down. 

Restaurants must follow strict guidelines to protect the health of customers and employees, including spacing tables six feet apart and sanitizing tables after each group leaves. “It’s exciting and challenging,” said Silverado manager Jennifer Keeler. 

Silverado provides disposable paper menus with a slightly limited number of dishes. Patrons have to reserve a table in advance online through Resy. The restaurant still provides carryout and delivery service.    

Since the pandemic started, Silverado’s parent company, Great American Restaurants, laid off 1,700 employees, Keeler said, and hopes to hire them all back when restaurants can return to full indoor service.

A tent set up in the parking lot next to Glory Days Grill in Barcroft Plaza on Columbia Pike was full of diners, as were the eight tables in front of the restaurant. The menu was reduced somewhat, and the restaurant is operating on a first-come, first-served basis, said manager Eddie Engel. 

Dogfish Head Alehouse on Leesburg Pike in Seven Corners reopened for outdoor table service on Friday and was “very busy,” reported manager Jack Bartuski. The restaurant is offering the full menu. It isn’t taking reservations; seating is first come, first served. 

“The regulars are coming back,” Bartuski said, noting that people were also coming by for beer to go.

Also under Phase 1, gyms and fitness centers can provide outdoor exercise activities. Non-essential businesses and places of worship can operate at 50 percent of capacity. Personal grooming businesses can open by appointment only. Movie theaters, concert halls, bowling alleys, and other entertainment venues remain closed. 

Fairfax County Public Schools announced May 29 that athletic fields and gardens on school grounds are now open. Fields are to be used for walking and recreational use from 8 a.m. to sundown. School playgrounds are closed. 

Outdoor park facilities and parking lots operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority reopened last weekend for the Memorial Day holiday, although that “did not go as well as it should have,” reports Braddock Supervisor James Walkinshaw. 

“While many patrons followed the rules and CDC guidelines, others did not,” Walkinshaw said. 

“There were reports of large group gatherings, violations of social distancing guidelines, and violations of park rules. At Lake Accotink Park, there were numerous instances of people wading or swimming in the lake, which is against the rules and, more importantly, unsafe.”

During Phase 1, social gatherings of more than 10 people continue to be prohibited, face coverings are required on public transportation; inside stores, restaurants, and personal grooming businesses; and inside places where people congregate. Residents are still advised that they are “safer at home.”

Residents can report concerns or potential Phase 1 violations by calling Fairfax County’s public safety non-emergency number, 703-691-2131. The police intend to focus on education, awareness, and voluntary compliance.