# More Philly Restaurants Reopen as PA Eases Restrictions

https://youtu.be/4uwig4sFhcI Pennsylvania restaurants are once again adding tables and barstools to their dining areas. Philadelphia restaurants, on the other hand, [still has the restrictions in place](https://templeupdate.com/philadelphia-increasing-indoor-dining-capacity/). On April 4, [PA eased COVID-19 restrictions](https://www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/gov-wolf-effective-april-4-more-options-for-restaurants-and-other-businesses-mass-gathering-maximums-increase/) for restaurants. The state now allows bar service without curfew. Customers can now order alcohol without buying food. Also, restaurants may increase indoor capacity to 75%. [The Great American Pub](https://thegreatamericanpub.com/wayne/) in Wayne, PA opened its bar seats again over the weekend. Manager Chrissy McIvor says that the pub is "getting back to normal." Owner Tim Hemcher says this is a step moving forward. "\[We are\] trying to welcome \[as many\] people back in...as possible." However, [Philly will not follow suit](https://whyy.org/articles/pa-coronavirus-update-philly-wont-follow-state-and-relax-restaurant-restrictions-as-cases-rise/). Philly [COVID-19 cases](https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/live/covid-coronavirus-cases-philadelphia-vaccine-pa-nj-restrictions-updates-20210330.html) doubled in March, reaching a positivity rate of nearly 7%. As a result, restaurants must operate at only 50% capacity with [bar restrictions.](https://www.phila.gov/programs/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/guidance/guidance-documents/restaurant-and-mobile-food-cart-guidance/)

### Philly Restaurants Making a Comeback

 Despite bans and limits, the Philly restaurant scene is still making a comeback. As the weather gets warm, some restaurants will open for outdoor dining. Some are open for limited indoor dining as more vaccines become available. [Over 350,000 Philadelphians](https://www.phila.gov/programs/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/data/vaccine/) received both vaccine doses. Trendy spots [Fond](https://www.fondphilly.com/) and [Laurel](https://www.restaurantlaurel.com/) reopened at the end of March. [Parks on Tap](https://www.parksontap.com/) kicked off their spring season on April 3. In addition, [Zahav](https://www.zahavrestaurant.com/) began serving their award-winning dishes again on April 6. [La Peg](https://lapegbrasserie.com/) opened for outdoor dining on April 1. "We have this fantastic outdoor space that can accommodate \[a\] lot of people. We're just excited to be full again," says general manager Liz Boleslavsky. ### What's Next for Philly

 The first annual [Northern Liberties Restaurant Week ](https://northernlibertiesrestaurantweek.com/)will run from April 9 to 18. [Bourbon & Branch](https://www.bourbonandbranchphilly.com/) manager Adam Honeycutt hopes it will "bring more people out" after a long pause. Philly foodies can enjoy specials at [over 20 restaurants](https://aversapr.com/aversapr/northern-liberties-restaurant-week-april). In addition, [Day by Day](https://daybydayinc.com/) in Center City West will also open again on April 9. "We depend on our neighbors. We're really happy to see them \[again\]," says owner Robin Barg. Coming up, [Bok Bar](https://www.bok-bar.com/) will open again on April 14, as well as [Morgan's Pier](https://www.morganspier.com/) on April 22. Overall, Philly hopes the city will ease restrictions on [April 30](https://www.phillyvoice.com/phillys-covid-19-restrictions-restaurants-bars-gym-remain-effect-april-30/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social+flow&utm_campaign=twitter+news+feed). Until then, they must follow all [CDC guidelines](https://www.phila.gov/programs/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/guidance/guidance-documents/restaurant-and-mobile-food-cart-guidance/).