The end has come for Chula Vista’s outdoor patios and what’s next for them
The time has come. Chula Vista’s outdoor patios are going away; this weekend will be the last time you can enjoy them. The community has enjoyed outdoor dining parklets since the pandemic began, but now those parklets are set to be removed by September 4th. These dining areas have become a big hit, especially on Third Avenue, where locals love eating outside and watching the community around them. But now, these spots must be taken down, at least for now.
The End of a Pandemic-Era Initiative
The outdoor dining parks were introduced as a temporary solution during the pandemic. They quickly became popular, with many residents enjoying the chance to eat outside. However, the city has decided it’s time for these temporary parklets to come down. While some people understand the decision, others, like local resident Mitchell Hire, feel that removing them is a waste. He points out that these spots are always busy, especially on weekends.
“We come down here on Friday night, and everyone is drinking and having fun. To see them go will be crazy and I feel for these business owners.” Said Mitchell as he enjoyed a beer on the patio at 3 Punks Brewery.
The Community’s Response
Many in Chula Vista are sad to see the outdoor dining areas go. People like Gonzalo Quintero, head of the Downtown Chula Vista Association, are worried that removing these spaces will lead to complaints. Gonzalo has even started a petition to keep the outdoor dining areas up until a new plan is in place. He believes these parklets have become critical public spaces, offering accessibility to everyone, including those with disabilities.
“A lot of guests, especially those with kids who have autism, love to sit outside where they don’t feel enclosed inside. It gives them a better place to feel safe while eating with their kids.” Explained Mariana, owner of Balboa South Burgers. Her outdoor patio is always filled with guests enjoying a burger and a beer.
We recently shared an Instagram video about Chula Vista’s outdoor patios, and it gathered over 95 comments. Many of you were sad to see them go, while a lot of users were happy they were torn down.
“About time. Every restaurant has had plenty of time with the patio however, it does take up space and looks bad as you enter the village.” Posted by user konaspage on Instagram.
Mayor John McCann’s Vision for the Future
Mayor John McCann sees the value in outdoor dining and plans to make it a permanent part of the city. He’s leading a special team to create a citywide policy that will benefit businesses and customers while following city rules. This plan is still in the works, but the goal is to find a solution for everyone.
The Chula Vista City Council will soon discuss whether to approve the creation of the special team working on this new outdoor dining policy. This meeting will help decide the future of outdoor dining in the city. The community is encouraged to stay informed and share their thoughts on this crucial issue.
I will miss the Chula Vista outdoor patios
Chula Vista’s outdoor dining spaces may be gone for now, but there’s hope that they will return in a new form. The city is listening to the community and working on a plan to bring back these popular spots. This is not going to happen overnight, so don’t expect to see them returning soon.
Personally, I will miss them. My family and I have been dining at them long after the pandemic. We love The Vogue Tavern, and sitting outside enjoying a good burger and beer has always been a go-to during the weekend. Make sure you continue to support these local businesses. They might have less space than before, but they need our support now more than ever.
Be sure to check out our latest video on the outdoor patios and let us know what you think. Do you love them and want them to stay, or would you rather see them disappear?
