Two More Chances to Dine on 25

Thursday night will be one of two last chances to eat al fresco in the streets of Riverhead.

The Riverhead Business Improvement District will once again host Dine on 25 on Thursday, August 13 and August 27. The evening shuts down Main Street to vehicular traffic, allowing eateries to transform the space into a socially-distanced dining area.

“We’ve seen how quickly these businesses have had to change their operations to adapt throughout the pandemic,” said Steven Shauger, the Riverhead BID president. “We’re now adapting too, to keep Riverhead alive and vibrant throughout the season. Dine on 25 is a solution-based event series designed to help our local eateries and downtown businesses recover losses after the COVID-19 shutdown.”

There will be live music while diners eat at participating restaurants, breweries and the distillery. Seating is available on sidewalks and in the street, in front of restaurants, as well as at establishments that already have indoor and outdoor dining. Participating restaurants include Digger’s Ale’s ‘N Easts, PeraBell Food Bar, Preston House and Hotel, North Fork Brewing Company and Montauk Distilling Company. A full list can be found online at downtownriverhead.org/dine-on-25.

Thursday’s Dine on 25 is the third in a four-night series that replaced BID’s Alive on 25 street fair in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. It launched on July 16.

Kristy Verity, BID’s executive director, said the first two Dine on 25 events were a success. “Our hope was to lift the spirits of people and offer a way to enjoy being away from home, yet feel safe going out. We wait all year for these warm summer nights. It’s refreshing to see people smiling and reconnecting, even while adhering to the safety precautions in place,” she said.

Reservations are strongly suggested and facial coverings are necessary when not seated.
Dine on 25 is sponsored by sPower, allowing the Riverhead BID to support restaurants with furniture rentals and entertainment at little or no cost to their business. “The BID is grateful for sPower’s ongoing support in helping us to spur economic activity in the community through experience, arts, and culture,” she said.