- Sidewalk cafe
A sidewalk cafe (sometimes called a pavement cafe, or
patio ) is an outdoor part of acoffeehouse orcafe . This is an area where customers go to relax, dine, and socialize. Other activities at a sidewalk cafe might include studying, reading, or using, if it is available, the cafe'sinternet access .Sidewalk cafe ambiance
Many people who frequent sidewalk cafes, do so for the comfortable and quaint atmosphere. Typically in a sidewalk cafe there are
table s andchair s [and sometimesbench es] for dining and relaxing. Sometimes they are permanently outside, however they are often taken inside on closing time, or earlier if it gets colder. Usually there areparasol s depending on the style and decor of any particular sidewalk cafe and there may be a lowfence around it for protection against wind and/or for the purpose of decoration.Fast food restaurants such asMcDonald's also often have an outdoor dining area, thus making them sidewalk cafes.Popular sidewalk cafe activities
Cafes where
food is the main attraction usually are fordining ,entertainment , and meetings, both business and casual. A cafe where coffee is the main attraction is usually for socializing, internet, reading, studying, entertainment, and dining. There are several types of cafes and venues as well as types of people that frequent these places for different activities.Depending on the country and on permits
alcohol may or may not be served. In some places local laws allow drinking alcohol in a sidewalk cafe but not on a public bench etc.A sidewalk cafe's surrounding area
Typically a cafe or restaurant needs a permit from the municipality to have an outdoor part. This will not be granted if due to lack of space there is too much inconvenience for passers-by. The municipality may restrict the opening hours for the outdoor part.
References and further reading
*Ramati, Raquel. "How to Save Your Own Street"Fact|date=March 2008
External links
* [http://wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=cafe definitions]
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
