The iconic outdoor dining corrals have officially been installed across the Ridgewood Central Business District
photos courtesy of the Village Manager Keith Kazmark
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The wait is over for fans of open-air dining! The iconic outdoor dining corrals have officially been installed across the Ridgewood Central Business District (CBD), marking the start of the 2026 spring and summer season.
A Pandemic Innovation That Became a Village Staple
What started as a vital lifeline for restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved into one of the most beloved features of our Village. The “corral” concept was originally designed to save the CBD by expanding seating capacity onto the streets.
Beyond helping restaurants, the layout encourages a “park and walk” culture. By strolling through the business district to reach their tables, diners are more likely to discover and support the local retailers that make Ridgewood’s corridors so unique.
Why Ridgewood Loves the Corrals
The return of the corrals isn’t just about the food—it’s about the lifestyle. Here is why they remain a hit:
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Health and Comfort: For those who still prefer the ventilation of the outdoors, these spaces provide a comfortable and safe dining alternative.
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Pet-Friendly Dining: Dog walkers have embraced the convenience of the corrals, making it easy to grab a high-quality meal without leaving their four-legged friends at home.
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Community Spirit: In 2023, the “Save Ridgewood Outdoor Dining” petition went viral across local Facebook groups, proving just how much the community values these shared public spaces.
Support Local: Dine Downtown Today
As the warmer weather settles in, there is no better way to experience the charm of Ridgewood than by grabbing a seat in one of the many participating restaurant corrals. Whether you are looking for a quick lunch or a romantic dinner, the CBD is ready to welcome you.
Support our local business owners and enjoy the best outdoor dining in Northern New Jersey!
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Tags: #DowntownRidgewood #OutdoorDining #RidgewoodNJ #VillageOfRidgewood #ShopLocal #BergenCountyEats #AlfrescoDining #CommunityFirst
Iconic?
and Ridgewood loves them! Ridgewood used to hate them because they took up too much space and diners were told eating in the street was so very fine and European while they sucked up the traffic exhaust, but Ridgewood now loves them and they’re iconic.
Because our MAYOR owns buildings with restaurants in them. Follow the money. I hope no one gets hurt with these huge cement blocks in the middle of the street. I would never want to sit there. BAM you could be very hurt. It’s just one accident away One car crashing 2 feet away from your dinner
Absolutely.
And it’s gonna be ugly.
And the vagina will be the first to say I told you so.
is there any single thing that the commentators will support? I mean WTF?? Have a drink outside or don’t but good grief.
The “iconic” corrals are hideous and why should restaurants profit on the backs of Ridgewood taxpayers?
Drinks outside are very fun but not in the middle of the streets for Goodness gracious. Safety first
The rats love it.
It looks like shit, it looks like you’re driving through Berlin in the 40s
Do the restaurants pay for the parking spaces they take up? How much vs the revenue not received by the parking space?
Connect the dots! As the commentator above said, the mayor owns properties with restaurants, restaurants that will be usurping parking spaces, forcing people to do what??????? to use that hellmouth of garage!!! they think we’re so stupid. Well guess what? No one is going to your crappy restaurants and no one is going to use your stupid garage.
I think they pay for the spaces
can anyone pay for a space or spaces for year?
How about a bidding process?
Is the outdoor drinking area insured? Who is responsible for a slip and fall in the concrete corral? For that matter, drinking on the street? Can anyone buy a 40 and stroll down East Ridgewood Avenue?
Of course you can. Who is going to stop you? You can actually do whatever you want. It’s a beautiful thing.
What a bunch of no fun commenters in the crowd. I am personally so happy to see Ridgewood thriving again coming back from the communist pandemic lockdowns
Don’t get used to it. You’ll be locking yourself down for the environment (and because you won’t be able to afford otherwise) shortly.