More Sidewalk Cafes That Serve Live Music

New York State regulations specify that live music at sidewalk cafes must be "incidental" as opposed to being an attraction. Restaurants are forbidden to advertise, impose cover charges or sell advance tickets to any performances. Patrons must be seated and must order food with their liquor. Patrons must wear a mask when moving about. Agents of the State Liquor Authority frequently patrol the streets, threatening violators with fines and the possible suspension of liquor licenses. Despite all this hardship, sidewalk cafes continue to add live music to their tasty delights.

Musicians typically perform inside the restaurant by the windows to customers at tables outdoors. Efforts are made to keep musicians and diners socially-distanced. Performances end by 10 p.m. so as not to disturb the neighbors. The musicians encourage the diners to donate in the tip bucket or electronically by Venmo.

In mid-August, I posted an article (link: Sidewalk Cafés That Serve Live Music) that listed many downtown venues where "incidental" live music could be enjoyed over dinner and drinks. Over the past month, a few more eateries in the East Village and Greenwich Village have added live entertainment to their offerings.

The Underground Harmony plays classic rock and originals at Caravan of Dreams

Caravan of Dreams (405 E 6th Street) serves inventive vegan dishes that are kosher and organic.

John Boutellier and band across from da Toscano

Da Toscano (24 Minetta Lane) serves regional Italian cuisine with a curated cocktail, beer and wine menu.

Mike King on solo piano at Hermana NYC

Matt Baker on piano and Marty Kenney on bass at Hermana NYC

Hermana NYC (349 E.13th Street), formerly known as Hermana Juana, serves Mexican cuisine with an extensive tequila selection.

Ludovica D’Angelo sang pop and soul, accompanied by Hyuna Park

Numero 28 Pizzeria (176 Second Avenue) is the East Village franchise of the national chain. It serves far more than pizza; it has a full Neapolitan menu.

A jazz quartet at Planted

Planted (361 Avenue of the Americas) serves healthy food, much of which is vegetarian or vegan. The inexpensive sangria seems to be a hit.

The Murray Wall Quartet at Rue-B

Stew Cutler plays acoustic and electric guitar at Rue-B.

The Zeb Stern Trio

Rue-B (188 Avenue B) is first and foremost a jazz club with a Parisian feel, and specializes in hand-crafted cocktails.