Customers at Davis Street Fishmarket, 501 Davis St., often ask manager Mark Robbins why they can’t eat outside.
Soon, they might be able to do so. On Wednesday, Robbins and six other restaurant owners will ask the city for permission to establish “sidewalk cafes.”
For Davis Street Fishmarket, the experience is a new one. But other Evanston businesses will repeat the process because the city requires them to reapply each year to have tables and chairs outside.
It’s not a simple process. An application must include a drawing of the cafe, a menu and copies of business and liquor licenses.
“I have to wait a long time — that’s what I hate,” said Mary Cha, manager of Cafe J.K. Sweets, 720 Clark St., who will also appear before the Site Plan and Appearance Review Board Wednesday afternoon to be considered for a sidewalk caf
