August 2025
Joe Lawniczak, Wisconsin Main Street
Many changes have occurred in the past few years in the way we live, work, and entertain. Among them, people value outdoor spaces much more. We now design our homes and apartments with outdoor living space in our yards, on balconies, or on rooftops. On Main Street, we’ve seen alleys, sidewalks, vacant lots, and even parking spaces converted into inviting outdoor spaces.
In community surveys across the state, one of the most popular amenities requested is outdoor dining. It is so popular that many national restaurants identify patio space as a requirement for new locations. The presence of people dining outdoors can instantly make a district feel more vibrant and active. Conversely, districts without this amenity seem to be missing something. When all the ingredients are there, outdoor dining spaces can become social-gathering spaces, much like the best city parks or sunny beaches.
Let’s take a look at some effective strategies businesses and communities can use to design compelling spaces.
What makes an outdoor dining space vibrant and inviting?
It really depends on the type of space, its location, and the target audience. Obviously, some careful thought and design features need to go into a space to make it attractive, unlike the examples below.
It might seem that there’s no rhyme or reason why some outdoor dining spaces succeed and others fail. In some cases, people flock daily to an outdoor area with just a few tables and chairs—yet, other open spaces with expensive fixtures, lighting, and décor might be vacant most of the time.
Usage sometimes depends on the character or reputation of the business or its location. If a tavern or restaurant is known for poor customer service or poor-quality food, no amount of flashy décor will get people there. If it’s located near a noisy highway or smelly trash bins, even the best customer service and quality food will not make the space inviting. Keeping in mind that other factors might play a role in a space’s popularity, here are some options to consider for creating an inviting space.
Outdoor dining formats to consider
Sidewalk café seating:
This is perhaps the most common downtown outdoor dining option. In some communities, seating must be located directly in front of the building. In other places, it’s required to be along the curb, leaving the main sidewalk free. Or it can be in both locations, with pedestrian access down the middle, and a clearance of at least four feet. Some communities may require that the seating area be “fenced off” with moveable barriers. The distance from the building to the curb will determine how much space can be used for seating and how much must be left free of obstruction.
Parklets:
In areas with minimal sidewalk width, businesses may only have enough room for a few small café tables and chairs. In these cases, some communities allow the use of parklets ─ temporary structures that extend outdoor seating into an on-street parking space or two, leaving the sidewalk accessible for pedestrians. Please note, however, that parklets (and pedlets, discussed below) are not allowed on state highway routes.
Pedlets:
On streets with high traffic volume or in communities that require all outdoor seating to be directly against the building, a parklet may not be feasible. As an alternative, a pedlet may be an option. Built similarly to a parklet, this format places the outdoor seating on the sidewalk, and pedestrian traffic is routed onto a pedlet. For this reason, pedlets must be built so that there is a seamless, level transition from the sidewalk to the pedlet surface.
Side lots:
Most communities have a vacant lot or two in the downtown where a building was lost due to fire or neglect. While new infill construction is often the best long-term reuse plan for these lots, allowing adjacent businesses to use them for outdoor seating in the short term may be desirable. These spaces may serve just one adjacent business, or perhaps it becomes a shared space. These lots typically provide ample room for seating, games, an outdoor bar, a small stage, fire pits, etc.
Alley spaces:
For centuries, back alleys have been used as service, parking, and/or delivery areas, and are usually where utilities, meters, and dumpsters are located. The architectural detailing in these spaces is often sparse and utilitarian, with barred windows and decades of soot collected on the brick walls. But increasingly, people are seeing these traits as desirable characteristics, and they can make a perfect backdrop for outdoor dining. The size of the alley space will always dictate what types of seating, décor, or activities can be placed within them.
Shared spaces:
Side lots, alleys, and parking lots are often adjacent to multiple businesses and can be designed as shared outdoor spaces. Oskaloosa, Iowa, and Flint, Michigan, have done a great job creating alleys that serve the entire community, much like a city park. But these alleys also serve as outdoor seating for adjacent businesses. In Fort Worth, Texas, Sundance Court created shared seating in an alley courtyard space (below left) for the many businesses that back up to it. In Gainesville, Florida (below right), a planned development incorporated shared outdoor dining in a large patio area.
Courtyards:
When we think of courtyards, we likely imagine New Orleans (below left). But even northern cities like Madison (below center and right) have beautiful courtyards of their own. These lush, green spaces are tucked away behind and between adjacent buildings, and immediately create a mood. These spaces get rained on, but they’re protected from the wind and street noise, which contributes to the lushness and the relaxing atmosphere. No wonder this is where the jazz brunch got its start!
Parking lots:
Many communities have old gas stations that have been repurposed for new uses. Often, the building is set back from the street with a small parking lot in front, but there’s really no sidewalk, alley, or side lot, so adding outdoor seating on an expanse of concrete or asphalt is the only option. It can be tricky to make such a stark space look inviting, but the good thing about this setup is that it often has ample room for amenities such as string lights, games, and dog-friendly features.
Rooftops:
Sometimes a building may not have access to a sidewalk, an alley, or a side lot. If the building is structurally suitable and has an elevator, then rooftop dining might be an option. Very few spaces in a downtown can provide such a unique view and atmosphere. Obviously, games such as bag toss are probably not appropriate for rooftop settings—nor are these the best dog-friendly spaces, with nowhere to take your pet when nature calls. But when conditions are ideal for rooftop dining, these unique spaces can become a destination all their own.
Balconies and porches:
Balconies and porches can also be used for outdoor dining. Typically, these spaces have room for only tables, chairs, and umbrellas—but they can be a good option for outdoor space when no other option exists. Froggy Bottoms restaurant in Northfield, Minnesota, created two levels of balcony seating perched above the Cannon River (below left). However, if a building wasn’t designed with a balcony or porch, especially on the front facade, it would not be appropriate to add one, as it could completely alter the historic appearance.
Closed-off streets:
In some communities where on-street dining options are limited, one or more low-traffic, side streets have been closed off to vehicular traffic ─ either permanently, seasonally, or during certain days and times. This creates a bustling gathering space shared by multiple businesses. In Wauwatosa, a former vehicular bridge was converted to a pedestrians-only bridge, with outdoor seating added, making for a truly unique experience. But a word of caution: Permanently closing off a main arterial street (as opposed to a side street) is generally not recommended, as most thriving Main Street districts rely on both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Operable storefronts:
Another recent trend in outdoor dining is converting traditional storefronts into windows or doors that can be opened in warm weather, allowing diners inside to feel like they are outdoors. It may be appropriate to install operable storefronts when they are part of a new construction project or when an original/historic storefront window has long been removed. However, from a historic preservation standpoint, it would not be appropriate to remove an intact traditional storefront today, and replace it with an operable one. Common types of operable storefronts include glass and metal “garage” doors, sliding windows, or bi-folding windows. If this approach is used, it is recommended that the operable storefront is the same size and configuration as what would have been there historically. And a word of caution: operable storefronts are generally not as energy efficient as traditional ones.
Covered/shaded areas:
While being outside in Wisconsin can be glorious after a long winter, sitting directly in the sun can still be uncomfortable. And while rain is necessary for plants and flowers, it can put a damper on our outdoor time. But providing shade and cover whenever possible can make outdoor dining spaces enjoyable more days out of the year. Trees, umbrellas, shade sails, awnings, or even pergolas can provide the perfect cover.
Tight spaces:
Due to limited space at some restaurants, property owners have been forced to get creative in setting up inviting and usable outdoor seating. These tight spaces may be tucked away in a back alley or in a sliver of a yard to the side, but they can still be productive and attractive.
Factors to evaluate when designing an outdoor seating space
Accessibility:
Accessibility for everyone is important in every aspect of the built environment. Make sure there are no physical barriers that preclude access to your indoor or outdoor dining space.
Flexibility:
Choose tables and chairs that can be rearranged or adapted for various events, groups, or programming. Café tables and chairs are best for dining and can be moved around easily to accommodate large or small groups. Picnic tables may be suitable for a more rustic or laid-back space, such as a food-truck park, but are not as easy to move and can be difficult for some people to get in and out of. Padded sofas and chairs are great for encouraging comfortable conversation, but take up a lot of space and can make dining difficult. If a space is large enough, having two or more types of seating is ideal.
Activities and amenities:
Different design features, amenities, and activities in an outdoor dining space will attract different types of people. For instance, having a scoreboard, goalposts, and large TVs will attract sports fans. Old gas pumps and vintage car or motorcycle memorabilia will attract motorsports enthusiasts. A lush, green courtyard with jazz music will attract a more relaxed patron. Games, activities, and water bowls will attract families and pet owners. Similarly, the type of music, either live or through a sound system, will attract a certain demographic as well.
Signage and branding:
Some spaces may not be as visible to the public as others, so signage is important. Even in highly visible spaces, incorporating a business’s brand and signage into its outdoor spaces is recommended.
Lighting:
Nothing is more effective for attracting attention at night and making a space look inviting. The type and design of lighting should reflect the atmosphere of the space. If it’s a more refined, relaxed space, wall sconces might be best, washing the adjoining walls with a soft light. String lights create a more festive mood. Different colors of lights can create a specific ambiance as well.
Winter:
Summer is never long enough, and here in Wisconsin, winter often means the end of outdoor patio season—but that doesn’t have to be the case. Cold-weather amenities such as fire pits, propane heaters, or igloo domes can extend the patio season year-round.
Color, art, and selfie spots:
Public art or sudden pops of color are surefire attention-grabbers. Murals, sculptures, umbrellas, shade sails, flowers, etc., all catch the eye and the imagination. Many diners love to “check in” or tag themselves on social media when they’re out for dinner or drinks, especially when they’re somewhere unique. Art installations with the business name imprinted on them offer great backdrops for selfies—and free advertising for the business owner.
Waterfront:
If an outdoor space overlooks a body of water such as a river, lake, mill pond, or, in rare cases, a waterfall, this can be a huge draw. Make sure to design the layout to take advantage of these views. In Montello, what would normally be the alley-side of its downtown buildings is the Montello River, creating a canal-like atmosphere. Some businesses have a few tables and chairs in back, but a comprehensive effort to create a vibrant riverfront lined with outdoor café seating could create a one-of-a-kind, world-class tourist destination.
Trash and utilities:
One disadvantage of outdoor spaces directly connected to businesses is that they may be used for deliveries, utilities, and trash bins ─ all necessary for day-to-day business operations. Creative ways to make them more attractive are often required. Shared dumpster locations or trash bins screened behind landscaping or enclosures are a few solutions. Painting dumpsters and electrical or gas meters (if legally permitted) can be effective, as well.
Zoning and code considerations
Each community may have different regulations or restrictions on creating outdoor dining spaces. If a business wants to add outdoor seating, they should research what the local community allows (or doesn’t allow) per the zoning ordinance. Keep in mind that adding outdoor seating may increase the official seating capacity of a business, which could affect various building code, occupancy, or restroom requirements—but it may be worth it in the long run.
Consult these resources for more information:
