To support local businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, Issaquah is partnering with the Downtown Issaquah Association to launch a pilot project that opens vehicle travel lanes on Front and Alder streets for outdoor dining.

Starting June 26, the “Front Street Streatery” will be open from 2 p.m. Fridays to 10:30 p.m. Saturdays.

A streatery, as explained on the city’s website, allows restaurants or cafés to use portions of an adjacent street during operating hours, functioning as additional outdoor seating. Restaurants and cafés will be able to extend their service area on the sidewalk, in the parking lane, and in special cases when a road is closed, like this pilot, onto the vehicle travel lane.

During these times, Front Street (from Dogwood to Sunset) will be closed to vehicular traffic, and drivers should take alternate routes.

In addition, Northwest Alder Place will be closed from First Place Northwest to First Avenue Northeast Alder at all hours/days for the duration of the pilot program.

The Front Street Streatery will take place for two weeks, with the potential for extensions through the end of September, or when businesses are allowed to re-open at full capacity, whichever comes first.

This project was created by the Issaquah Recovery Task Force, which was appointed by Mayor Mary Lou Pauly in May to advise the city on various issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you have questions, please contact Senior Transportation Planner Stephen Padua.