Residents rejoiced on June 5 when public health officials announced the reopening of outdoor dining, as well as swimming pools, dog parks, and religious services in Contra Costa County. In-store retail shopping and outdoor fitness classes have also resumed.

With capacity limited to accommodate six-foot social distancing, things may look a little different at some of your favorite haunts. Local restaurants without outdoor seating may now apply for special permits from the city to use for seated dining, and if all goes well, indoor dining rooms may be allowed to reopen July 1st.

The partial list of Walnut Creek and Lafayette eateries open for outdoor dining includes: Main Street Kitchen, Broderick, Va de Vi, Rooftop, 54 Mint, Sauced, Buttercup, Rocco’s, Kacha Thai, The Greenery, Silk Road, 1515, Pancoast Pizza, Burma 2, Benvenuti, Lettuce, Massimo’s, Crepes A-Go-Go, Modern China, Metro, Postino, American Kitchen, The Hideout, Tutu’s, and Batch & Brine.

Bookmark this post to keep track of what else will open and when as we transition back to everyday life, together again.

Here are some of the new outdoor dining rules:

Patrons must wear face coverings except when sitting at the dining table with other members of their household or living unit.

Each table is limited to six members of the same household or living unit.

Alcohol may be sold only with a meal.

Restaurants that open for outdoor dining must also offer takeout and delivery meals as an alternative.

For more details on opening phases, go to cchealth.org and watch for updates on Walnut Creek Magazine’s Instagram. Please remember to wear a mask, keep your distance, and stay vigilant.