What It’s Like Eating at a Restaurant Patio During COVID-19

This article details a personal account of dining out at restaurant patios in Minneapolis and Edina during the COVID-19 pandemic. The author, Jason DeRusha, recounts his first experiences returning to restaurants after a 12-week lockdown. His last visit to a restaurant before the pandemic-induced shutdown was on March 14, at Town Hall Brewery in Minneapolis. The article highlights the significant impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the hospitality industry, affecting restaurants, bars, events, and hotels, and causing a shift from social gatherings to essential lockdown for many families. DeRusha describes the initial apprehension and eventual comfort experienced during his return to dining. His first outing was a lunch reservation at Town Hall Brewery with his family. Upon arrival, they wore face masks, adhering to the restaurant's request and Minnesota's 'Stay Safe Guidelines,' which mandated staff to wear masks. The patio seating allowed for ample social distancing, with tables positioned at least 10 feet apart. Despite the initial awkwardness of attempting to put masks back on when the server approached, the overall experience was positive, offering a sense of normalcy and enjoyment in eating, drinking, and laughing together. He discusses the rationale behind wearing masks, noting that while the science on their efficacy might not be 100% conclusive, organizations like the CDC recommended them. For DeRusha, wearing a mask was a symbolic gesture of care for others and collective responsibility during the pandemic. He points out that local ordinances in Minneapolis and St. Paul required masks for indoor public spaces, while outdoor dining areas only had a strong recommendation. This distinction underscored the evolving understanding and regulations surrounding public health measures. Feeling more confident after the lunch experience, DeRusha decided to venture out again for dinner the same day, this time with friends, Steve and Heidi, at CoV in Edina. CoV's large patio provided a spacious environment, and they wore masks from their car to the table. The interaction with the masked server, whose smile was perceptible even through the fabric, contributed to a positive atmosphere. The author enjoyed a cocktail, the Nantucket Sour, which brought a sense of pre-pandemic indulgence. The dinner at CoV felt remarkably normal, fostering a delightful conversation and a sense of community that had been absent during the lockdown. This experience highlighted the crucial role restaurants play in facilitating social connections, laughter, and catching up with loved ones. DeRusha acknowledges that comfort levels regarding public interactions during a pandemic vary among individuals but expresses hope that people will gradually re-engage with the world and collectively navigate the challenges. The article concludes by emphasizing the value of these social spaces and the shared human need for community and connection, particularly after a period of isolation. #COVID19 #RestaurantDining #PatioDining #MinneapolisRestaurants #EdinaRestaurants #SocialDistancing #FaceMasks #HospitalityIndustry #PandemicLife #COVID19 #RestaurantDining #PatioDining #MinneapolisRestaurants #EdinaRestaurants #SocialDistancing #FaceMasks #HospitalityIndustry #PandemicLife

64 months ago

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