From restaurants on 1st Street to coffee shops on Cesar Chavez Avenue, many businesses in Boyle Heights have made the most of the city’s al fresco program, which brought more outdoor dining to the neighborhood.
Now businesses who set up outdoor pop-up spaces during the pandemic will get a little longer to continue operating and to apply to make those permanent. For the second time this year, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass has extended the Al Fresco Temporary Authorization program – originally set to expire in July and then December – through the end of 2025.
“Thousands of businesses have been assisted this year building on our momentum to change City Hall into an advocate for businesses – not a barrier,” Bass said in a statement. “We must support businesses and help them thrive.”
The city launched al fresco in May of 2020 to support restaurants struggling during pandemic-era indoor dining bans. The program created a more streamlined and affordable process for L.A. businesses to gain approval for outdoor dining areas on sidewalks and in streets adjacent to their establishments.
Boyle Heights Chamber of Commerce President Miriam Rodriguez said the program enhanced the dining scene in the neighborhood by helping smaller restaurants increase seating capacity and making it less stressful for applicants with busy schedules to offer the experience.
“A lot of the time, owners in the neighborhood are stretched thin, they have families and busy schedules managing everything that comes with having a business,” said Rodriguez. “Running a business is not easy, so having a simple process like Al Fresco has helped out a lot in Boyle Heights.”
Rodriguez said the Chamber of Commerce has helped many businesses owners learn about and apply for the program in hopes of maintaining the neighborhood’s vibrant dining scene.
“Outdoor spaces are an extension and showcase of what businesses are, and many have given them their own personal touches that can even draw in more customers,” said Rodriguez.
On Cesar Chavez in Boyle Heights, Brooklyn Avenue Pizza and Milpa Grille are just some of the businesses that added outdoor seating in the last few years. On 1st Street, you’ll also find unique seating arrangements outside at Six Heights, Pink and Boujee and Casa Fina.
Ana Perez, co-owner of the Milpa Grille, was able to apply for the permanent program, which she says has helped the unique shared kitchen space thrive while also serving as a gathering place for locals.
“Many of the businesses here are operating in older buildings where the indoor space tends to be smaller, so the program is really great for many restaurants. On top of that, it’s great for the community. It’s creating spaces where we can be outside, enjoy the sunlight and not all be crammed indoors,” Perez said.
Businesses interested in the permanent program have until Jan. 31, 2026 to apply. The application is available here.
