La Ñapa

Different Blocks, Different Outdoor Dining Scenes, One Deep Economic Divide | Bon Appétit

"A small family-run tapas bar whose menu includes grilled shrimp skewers with tamarind sauce, but which has struggled to attract outdoor diners despite nearby activity; the chef-owner reports being unable to afford a roughly $10,000 outdoor build-out and faces additional burdens from infrequent street cleaning, removed trash cans, heavy traffic that prevents street closures, and inconsistent enforcement that has already led to multiple violations even without a finalized outdoor setup. Pro bono design help is in progress to create a 31-seat, weatherproof outdoor installation that the owner says would allow rehiring staff, though rising costs for heaters and air curtains and the slow design process mean the restaurant must rely on takeout and delivery in the meantime." - ByPriya Krishna