Philly's "streetery" regulations are discouraging restaurateurs
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Illustration: Annelise Capossela/Axios
Philadelphia's "streetery" scene is shaping up to be a small club this year.
Why it matters: People who like to dine out outside have fewer options than the hundreds they could choose from during the pandemic.
State of play: Streeteries have provided a boost for Philly's economy, and customer demand for them is still high.
- But the industry is waiting for the Parker administration to update its streetery guidelines after lawmakers modified regulations last year.
Flashback: About 800 streeteries popped up in Philly during the pandemic.
- Then stricter and costly regulations went into effect in 2023, tanking participation.
By the numbers: The city has only 22 active streetery licenses in 2025, up from 13 at the start of last year, per Philadelphia's online database.
- Manayunk has the most by ZIP code with four, including Cactus and the Bayou, per city data.
- Other restaurants with active licenses include Sabrina's Cafe, Finn McCools Ale House and Yakitori Boy.
What they're saying: There's "no streamlined process yet" for licenses, which is holding back restaurateurs from obtaining them, Ben Fileccia of the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association, tells Axios.
- "Depending on what the regulations look like, this could mean an influx of new business trying to participate … or it's going to be another example of too many businesses saying, 'This is not worth the hassle,'" Fileccia says.
Jeff Kile, general manager of Good Dog Bar in Center City, tells Axios the updated guidelines will help him determine whether to renew his license.
- It's felt "impossible for anybody to operate" an outdoor dining room, he says, noting that he hopes city leaders relax the regulations, and allow for things like heat and electricity.
The Parker administration declined to comment about when it'll issue the new guidelines.
Zoom out: The city controller issued a report last year saying the licensing process is complex and costly, and posing barriers to businesses.