Expanded Outdoor Dining Program returns to Easton as warm weather approaches

EASTON, Pa. — Warmer weather finally is on the way in the Lehigh Valley this weekend.

And with it, the City of Easton’s Expanded Outdoor Dining Program will offer seasonal seating at some of the hottest dining spots in the area.

• Easton's Expanding Outdoor Dining Program is coming back on Saturday, May 6
• Ten city restaurants will offer additional seating situated in parking spaces
• The program has proven popular with business owners and patrons alike, as they can enjoy the views of Easton's small businesses while dining

Starting Saturday, May 6, Easton Alfresco will invite area foodies to enjoy their meals in outdoor seating which expands into street parking spaces, taking in the sights as they enjoy the city’s culinary scene.
Ten restaurants — including 3rd and Ferry Fish Market, Easton Public Market, Kabinett Wine Bar, Lehigh Valley BBQ, Mesa Modern Mexican, Porters’ Pub, River Grille, Sette Luna, Tandoor Grill, and Two Rivers Brewing — will participate in this year’s event, which will run until the end of October, rain or shine.

Parking in alleys

The program, originally launched by Mayor Sal Panto Jr. during the coronavirus pandemic as a way to support restaurants and the restrictions they faced, proved popular with both businesses and patrons alike.

Restaurants across the city have been invited to apply for the program, and in preparation for the launch, the city’s Department of Public Works placed cement jersey walls in parking spaces in front of or alongside participating locations to cordon off the new dining areas.

The restaurants participating in the program represent just a fraction of the city’s offerings, but the Easton Alfresco marketing campaign promotes all the area’s restaurants that offer outdoor dining options, including patios, decks or sidewalk seating.

Easton Alfresco’s website currently lists more than 40 city restaurants, offering up a wide variety of options for diners.

Megan D'Imperio, co-owner of Lehigh Valley BBQ with her husband, Chris, said she's looking forward to serving up some good eats.

D'Imperio said she personally recommends the fully loaded BBQ nachos, the pineapple boat, and the mac ‘n’ cheese bowls.

But she said that “there's really no wrong option” in an atmosphere where patrons can get a good look around their community and its independent businesses.

“So we are super excited," D'Imperio said. "We love nothing more than serving our community the best Texas-style barbecue this side of the Lehigh Valley, and we're happy to bring the outdoor dining space and the views of the outside to our customers."

"We know many folks love hanging out on the patio in the late spring, early summer, in the fall months. It's definitely something I personally look forward to myself when going out to eat this time of the year.”