West Side Eatery's Outdoor Dining Setup Named One Of NYC's Best

CHELSEA, NY — A Chelsea eatery's outdoor dining setup earned it a new honor on Monday: an Alfresco Award, a new honor created to recognize the best such structures across the city.

Empire Diner, the longtime spot on 10th Avenue and West 22nd Street, was one of seven restaurants that won the inaugural prize. The Alfresco Awards were a joint effort from the Design Trust for Public Space, the Regional Plan Association and the Tri-State Transportation Campaign

Judges praised Empire Diner's "efficient seating arrangement [and] slim design," while the dining area "is accessible and takes up minimal space without feeling crowded."

Winners were selected by a jury of journalists, restaurant and economic development professionals and mobility advocates. Each will get $500, to "acknowledge their exceptional design efforts during a trying time for the industry."

Empire wasn't the neighborhood's only spot to be recognized. Maiden Korea, a joint venture between several second-floor restaurants in Koreatown, won for "outstanding collaboration," while Chelsea Market earned an honorable mention for its own outdoor setup.

"We are gobsmacked by the recognition of the Al Fresco Award for ‘The Pavilion’ at Empire Diner," said Stacy Pisone, Empire's managing partner, in a statement.

"Through the longest city inside dining shutdown, snow storm after snow storm and constantly changing guidelines, we all maneuvered to continue creating unique and enjoyable dining experiences for our community," Pione added. "Now New Yorkers and tourists alike are exploding with excitement over just how much this 'Al Fresco' experience has enhanced our city."