The charming concept of patio dining is one of the few cultural fixtures the 2020 COVID-era left behind. When restaurants began seating overflow customers at outdoor tables along the curb due to health restrictions, L.A. diners adapted to it and embraced the change as part of the community.
There’s nothing more L.A. than restaurant culture. Sitting down in a dark red booth with the closest of friends, over drinks and an authentic meal. The allure of patio dining on a warm summer night, drinking wine as the cars on Hillhurst whirl by. What happens when the city faces the threat of an intense storm and rain season?
The El Niño subtly affected California throughout the summer, and this fall it takes a sharp turn. According to the United States Geological Survey, El Niño does not solely disrupt weather patterns. Western winds are blowing, creating above-average precipitation and high sea surface temperatures.
Once El Niño begins to rain on the dining chairs and canopies on L.A. sidewalks, it’s hard to tell whether restaurant owners will move all customers inside or simply adjust their outdoor seating. Still, restaurant-goers might be hesitant to sit outside if the constant rain doesn’t subside during their evening out.
Walking along the restaurants in the LAX/Westchester area, it is clear that many thrive off of patio business. Canopies hang low, and string lights cross the street, making the area warm and inviting. One of the beloved community staples here is The Ramen Joint (6220 W 87th Street). Passing by the cozy interior, one can envision themselves huddled up inside with a bowl of ramen on a rainy evening. When the rain is gone, though, the restaurant provides homey outdoor seating for customers.
Harry Chenbana, a manager at The Ramen Joint, said the restaurant has a game plan for the strong El Niño season.
“When it comes to rain, usually I close the section, and we don’t use it at all,” Chenbana said. “It could be dangerous for the customers, and it gets wet everywhere, so I try to accommodate.”
He pointed towards the outdoor canopy, which can be easily brought down and stored. Luckily, The Ramen Joint provides indoor seating, too.
“During the rain season, more to-go orders are placed, so that section is less affected,” Chenbana said.
The Ramen Joint has an effective tactic in avoiding the rain-chaos, and it seems that customers find the alternative beneficial as well. On a rainy day, most restaurant-goers aren’t seeking out an outdoor patio meal, anyway.
On the other hand, L.A. has been facing extreme heat waves lately. Most locals are not used to sitting outside in the 97-degree noon, so many shy away from curbside dining.
The city’s restaurants have faced a tumultuous weather season, but outdoor dining remains a staple for the cool days of fall. Something about watching passersby while enjoying a meal on an autumn day brings a sense of peace. In this post-COVID L.A., sometimes the best thing you can do is sit outside and enjoy the outdoor excursion.
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