It took a pandemic, but part of Tejon Street is now a pedestrian-only zone filled with extended patios for on-street dining—at least on Friday nights and Saturdays. Organized by the Downtown Partnership, Dine Out Downtown closes the first block of South Tejon Street between Colorado Avenue and Pikes Peak Avenue from 4 p.m. Friday through 10 p.m. Saturday. The move provides more space for local restaurants to expand their seating while maintaining social distancing and following public health regulations.
“Dining in the streets is a great way to enjoy our wonderful Colorado sunshine while supporting Downtown’s independently owned restaurants,” said Susan Edmondson, president and CEO of Downtown Partnership in a press release. “We’ve worked closely with restaurants, city staff, the state and El Paso County Health to provide a fun new way to dine Downtown.”
The outdoor dining has been popular since opening with a test launch on June 20. It’s scheduled to continue throughout the summer. Reservations are required, and limited walk-up reservations are available.
Here are the participating restaurants:
Jax Fish House
Here’s what you need to know before you go, according to the Downtown Partnership:
• Reservations are required. Walk-up reservations will be accepted, but may be limited.
• Proceed to the restaurant for seating, a host will seat you. No self-seating.
• No outside food or beverage. No smoking.
• Rain or shine, but if bad weather rolls in the restaurants may not be able to accommodate you indoors due to COVID-19 capacity guidelines.
• Hours are Fridays, 4-10 p.m., and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Last seating at 9 p.m.; last call at 9:30 p.m.
• Tejon will be closed to traffic between Pikes Peak and Colorado. Easiest parking is one block away at the Nevada/Colorado garage. Parking info is here.
• No dogs, please, due to permit regulations.
• Other businesses on the block are open! Please access them from the sidewalk. Many retailers on the North Tejon block are open late, and will offer a discount if you show your dining receipt.
For more info and updates: downtowncs.com
*Please note that the Dine Out Downtown street closures have been discontinued on the 200 block of N. Tejon St. alongside Acacia Park, though restaurants there continue to offer normal patio dining.
