THE GREENING OF PIER 17
The roof of Pier 17 now has patches of turf that you can reserve for up to eight people. Called The Greens, each mini-lawn is 14 x 14 feet with an umbrella, lounge chairs, and a built-in cooler. I tried to see what the reservation process is and it looks like it is already sold out for all available dates, which only go to August 22. But try your own luck here. You can also rent gaming lawns for $25 an hour for bocce, cornhole, giant jenga and ladder ball.

AMELIA’S DINER IS OPEN OUTSIDE
Amelia’s Diner — which has been on Varick and Broome since 1965 and has been owned by Niko Katehis since 1989 — is back open for outdoor dining (and delivery and pickup). The restaurant serves breakfast and lunch only, and hours now are 7a to 3p, Monday through Friday (closed weekends). “We’ve been able to stay in business with the ever-changing neighborhood and now I hope to try and revive my business,” Niko said.

 

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Despite the circumstances, we hope that our streetscape looks like this forever. Outdoor dining open at the newly opened Kintsugi for lunch from 12noon-3pm and for dinner from 6pm-11pm for our soft opening

A post shared by Kintsugi Sushi Ya (@kintsuginyc) on Jul 28, 2020 at 9:44am PDT

TAKESHI SUSHI NOW KINTSUGI
Takeshi Sushi is now reopening as Kintsugi for outdoor dining. The 11-seat omakase restaurant also has a new chef — John Daley who was mentored by acclaimed sushi chef Masato Shimizu of the Michelin-starred 15 East. From there, he went to train in Tokyo under Shimizu’s mentor, Rikio Kugo of Sukeroku. While studying in Japan, Daley made connections with the fishing community and will work those here on Grand Street. Hours are noon to 3p Thursday and Friday for lunch; Tuesday to Friday 5 to 11p for dinner; and Saturday from 1 to 11p. Text 917-675-0771 or use RESY for reservations.