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The Ravinia District and the City of Highland Park welcome the public to enjoy the designated alfresco dining area that is now open on Roger Williams Avenue, between Burton and Pleasant Avenues. The shared space offers a place for local business patrons to dine in the great outdoors, while adhering to social distancing guidelines.
“The outdoor picnic area facilitates residents’ enjoyment as we enter Phase 3 and allows them to stay in the Ravinia District after they pick up curbside from local businesses that do not have outdoor dining areas or for their outdoor area overflow,” says Katie Wiswald, Chair of the Ravinia Business District Association and Vice President at Highland Park Bank & Trust.
The community is invited to enjoy the variety of foods from Ravinia District businesses. No outside food or beverages are allowed. While the businesses along the outdoor dining area have expanded seating areas in the streets in front of their locations, anyone is invited to set up their own “Ravinia-style” picnic tables, chairs and blankets and bring in food from the other restaurants in the District.
“While tables and chairs were not part of our plan, the outdoor ‘food hall’ is an amazing and welcome addition to BWB.Rocks,” says co-owner, Jeff Hoobler. “With the street closure for outdoor seating, our community now has the ability to grab a burger, wings or salad from us, tacos or a local beer from Ravinia Brewing Co., pasta and Italian favorites from Viaggio, sushi from Happi Sushi, pizza from Piero’s, dinner from Abigail’s and dessert from Baker Boys! The city has really turned the Ravinia District corridor into one of the best places to have a variety of meal options on the North Shore this summer and we are thrilled to be a part of helping give some life back to everyone in this community! Ravinia Brewing Co. has even set up a beer truck on the street for anyone of age to enjoy.”
“We are thrilled to have an area designated for outdoor dining in the Ravinia District that gives our customers a place to go sit outside and enjoy Baker Boys sweets.” says Sasha Zoric, owner of Baker Boys, celebrating their 10-year anniversary in the Ravinia District. “We have a shortage of staff due to the Pandemic and cannot have our own usual outdoor dining area set up, so this gives our patrons an option to stay in the Ravinia District.”
The community is reminded to follow all social distancing and safety guidelines including:
· Wear a face covering when entering any business, including picking up a carryout order from a restaurant.
· Continue to wear a face covering when walking around the District, if not able to maintain a safe 6 foot social distance.
· Avoid congregating in close quarters.
· Enjoy alcoholic beverages only in the designated outdoor dining areas.
· Dispose of trash before leaving the outdoor dining area or take trash to dispose at home.
· Respect capacity limits that are set by state guidance.
· Observe all additional requirements or guidelines implemented by business owners.
For more information on the outdoor dining area in the Ravinia District of Highland Park, please visit the City website at www.cityhpil.com or call the City Manager’s office at 847.926.1000.
ABOUT THE RAVINIA DISTRICT OF HIGHLAND PARK
The Ravinia District is comprised of an eclectic mix of small-scale businesses, popular restaurants and food specialty shops, and high-end personal and professional services. All located within a few walkable blocks, this creative, quaint, friendly and historic neighborhood offers nearly anything a person might be looking for. A lovely location to dine before of after visiting the Ravinia Festival or the Chicago Botanic Garden, Ravinia District is just east of Green Bay Road in Highland Park on Roger Williams Avenue and hosts the Ravinia stop on the Metra train service.
Ravinia District’s historic roots as a getaway from Chicago for artists and other creative people led to its establishment as an artists’ colony. Ravinia District remains separated from Downtown and other more commercial business areas.
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