Heat Wave Melts Outdoor Dining in Stamford

Restaurateurs usually consider summer the time they can capitalize on patrons wanting to enjoy the outdoors, especially with al fresco dining.

But given the record-breaking rainfall in June and now the third week of oppressive heat and humidity, local dining establishments are feeling the pinch.

There are several streets in downtown Stamford where restaurants have marked their outdoor dining spots. But in the past week, there have been nary a diner to be seen during the usually busy mid-day with its lunch-hour crowds.

"It's been very slow with the heat," said Ali Yahya, manager of Lucky's Classic Burger & Malt Shop at 209 Bedford St. He and a hostess spent a good part of Tuesday's lunch time waiting for patrons to drop by and be seated beneath the umbrellaed patio.

"After 8 p.m., when it's kind of cool, people are sitting outside...but it's been very slow with the heat" during lunch, said Yahya. "Normally, we're filled up."

Shortly before 12:30 p.m. Tuesday at Capriccio Cafe, an Italian eatery, next door at 189 Bedford St., manager David Ramirez, said, "Right now it's way too hot to eat outside." He also said the restaurant is seeing an uptick in business as the sun is setting in the evening.

"There's nobody here for lunch," said Ian Fulton, manager of Tigin's Irish Pub at 175 Bedford St. "No one is outdoors. But as soon as the sun goes down, we were filled up and open until midnight," Fulton said of business on Monday, July 15. 

He added, "I don't know what's worse—the rain or the heat."

Regardless, there were plenty of plein-aire dining spaces vacant throughout downtown along Spring, Summer and Main streets on Tuesday. Tables were set up but there was nary a diner in sight. Those who ventured out for lunch, preferred to sit in the air-conditioned restaurants.