Arlington Hts. may allow more outdoor dining with drinks

This summer, diners could be sipping cocktails in more outside spots in downtown Arlington Heights.

Restaurant owners can serve alcohol only on private property, which is popular at places like Peggy Kinnane's and Armand's Pizzeria.

When Javier Villarreal, owner of La Chicanita Mexican Restaurant, wanted to build an outdoor dining area that stretched over public and private land, village planners told Villarreal he couldn't extended his restaurant on to public land.

Arlington Heights trustees, however, supported Villarreal's original plan and said other restaurants should be able to do the same.

"We'll see how it goes," Village President Arlene Mulder said of the proposed change in policy at a board meeting this week. "We may need more controls but this is a good start."

No final vote on the change was taken.

Villarreal's plan includes having outdoor dining for 24 people along the private section of Miner Street. Originally, he wanted to have outdoor dining for 60 people on both sides of the sidewalk, including the public portion.

Trustee Tom Hayes said he likes the idea too, but wants some control over which restaurants get the special license to serve liquor outdoors on public property.

"I prefer it comes before the board," Hayes said "The board should have the authority to deny an application if we feel it's not appropriate."

Mulder said the restaurant should fence off outdoor dining areas that have liquor service. This rule is applied to private dining areas as well.

Villarreal and the owner of Harry's of Arlington attended Monday's meeting.

"Absolutely this is something I'd be interested in," said Villarreal after the meeting. "I'm glad they're talking about it. It's a good thing for downtown."

Villarreal is about to start on his expansion project, which will remodel the outside of his restaurant and move the entrance from Dunton Avenue to Miner Street. It should be completed this summer.

The expansion will increase Villarreal's seating area from 118 to 185. He will also change the restaurant's name to Javier's.