D.C.’s ‘streateries’ have transformed al fresco dining throughout the capital, but big changes are in store. Introduced in June 2020 by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), the temporary Streatery Program enables food establishments to occupy parking lanes, travel lanes, and alleyways with outdoor dining setups.
Over five years later, temporary streateries have remained a key facet of the D.C. dining experience. Take a stroll down Adams Morgan’s 18th Street or M Street in Georgetown, and you’ll find countless outdoor setups packed with patrons. Yet establishments will soon have to pay a price to keep these structures.
DDOT’s Permanent Streatery Program
DDOT is now transitioning to a permanent Streatery Program. On November 30, 2025, all temporary streatery permits will expire. For food establishments to keep their outdoor structures, they “must have obtained a Streatery Design permit from DDOT to bring their structures into compliance with the permanent program,” informs the DDOT Public Space Activation website.
However, establishing a permanent streatery comes with a price. Those seeking streatery permits must pay a $260 application fee and, if approved, $20 per square foot as part of their public space rental fee. Concrete barriers will cost $250 or $800 a piece, depending on the kind of barrier, and require a $500 deposit. It is difficult to imagine that all restaurants with existing streateries will pony up to pay these fees. This could result in a reduction of outdoor dining spaces across the district.
While the permanent Streatery Program may be a welcome change for those seeking more parking opportunities, November 30, 2025 could be a sad day for fans of the temporary Streatery Program — and the establishments that benefited from these auxiliary dining spaces. You can find more detailed information on the new program here.