See Every State's Official Restaurant Reopening Guidelines

This page was last updated June 30, 2020.

Many of the stay-at-home and shelter-in-place orders are being lifted in almost every state allowing restaurants to reopen again for in-person dining.

While many restaurants have offered takeout and delivery services throughout the months of quarantine, this will be the first time since the restrictions were put in place that restaurants are resuming their dine-in services. Still, the reopening process for every restaurant will need to strictly comply with the state’s official restaurant reopening guidelines and standards to protect the health and safety of all staff and patrons.

As a restaurant owner waiting for your state to allow for in-person dining, there are few things you can do right now to prepare to reopen:

Restaurant staff should be ready (completely healthy and fever-free) to return to work
Purchase EPA-listed disinfectants to be used regularly on high-traffic surfaces
Stock up on PPE equipment for your staff, especially facial masks and protective gloves
Create a cleaning and sanitation guide for your restaurant
Use checklists for cleaning to improve accountability with your staff for cleaning
Begin to rearrange seating so that all tables are spaced at least 6 feet apart

Here’s the latest on which states are allowing restaurants to resume in-person dining and the official reopening guidelines that they’ll have to follow. Remember: takeout and delivery are still one of the safer options.

Official Restaurant Reopening Guidelines in All 50 States

ALABAMA

Alabama restaurants are OPEN for dine-in services starting Monday, May 11. A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

All restaurant tables must be spaced at least 6 feet apart.
Party sizes are not to exceed 8 people (per table)
Each employee must wear a face mask at all times
There should be absolutely no patron self-service at drink stations, buffets, or salad bars.

Please review Alabama’s official state guidelines for more information.

ALASKA

Alaska restaurants are OPEN for dine-in services starting Friday, May 8. While there are no set state requirements, it is highly recommended that establishments:

It is encouraged to continue having employees, who are in direct contact with the public, wear cloth face coverings.
Reservations are encouraged. Walk-ins are permitted. A visitor log is not necessary, but one that has sufficient information to be able to contact a visitor should the need arise can be helpful
It is recommended that cleaning and disinfecting continue to be conducted in compliance with CDC protocols.
Social distancing of at least six feet continues to be a best practice.

Please review Alaska’s official state guidelines for more information.

ARIZONA

Arizona restaurants are OPEN for dine-in services starting Monday, May 11. While there are no set state requirements, it is highly recommended that establishments:

Encourage employees to wear facial masks
Maintain physical distance between all persons, and limit parties to no more than 10 people per table
Operate with reduced occupancy based on size of establishment
Regularly sanitize customer areas with a powerful disinfectant after each sitting

Please review Arizona’s official state guidelines for more information.

ARKANSAS

Arkansas restaurants are OPEN for dine-in services starting Monday, May 11. A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

Seating shall be limited to 33% of total capacity
All tables shall be spaced 6 feet apart
All staff who interact with patrons must wear a facial mask that covers nose and mouth
Party size per table should not exceed 10 people

Please review Arkansas’s official state guidelines for more information.

CALIFORNIA

California restaurants are being open on a county-by-county basis. All counties except Alameda, Contra Costa, Imperial, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties are OPEN for dine-in services.

A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

Ensure that six feet of physical distance can be maintained for customers and employees
Have disposable menus or post menus online so diners can view them on their own devices
Avoid use of shared condiments
Thoroughly clean and sanitize tables and chairs after each group’s use

Please review California’s official state guidelines for more information.

COLORADO

Colorado restaurants are OPEN for dine-in services starting Wednesday, May 27. A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

Indoor dine-in service can be held at 50% of the posting occupancy code limit and a maximum of 50 patrons
Tables must be a minimum of 6 feet apart
All employees much wear face coverings
Limit party size to eight people or fewer

Please review Colorado’s official state guidelines for more information.

CONNECTICUT

Connecticut restaurants are OPEN for dine-in services starting Wednesday, May 20. A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

Restaurants may only serve patrons outside at up to 50% capacity (no bars or self-service)
Restaurants must complete the self-certification on the DECD website to receive a reopen CT badge
All employees must wear a facial mask that covers the nose and mouth
Employers are responsible for proving personal protection to their employees

Please review Connecticut’s official state guidelines for more information.

DELAWARE

Delaware restaurants are OPEN for dine-in services starting Monday, June 1. A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

Diners must have a reservation in order to sit down for table service
Restaurants should operate at 30% capacity
Face covering is required for all staff at all times
A minimum of 6 feet should be kept between all tables
Self-service food and buffet options may not reopen

Please review Delaware’s official state guidelines for more information.

FLORIDA

Most Florida restaurants are OPEN for dine-in services starting Monday, May 4, with the exception of establishments in Palm Beach, Miami-Dade, and Broward counties that are OPEN for dine in-services starting Monday, May 18th. A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

Restaurants should operate at no more than 50% capacity
A minimum of 6 feet should be kept between all tables
Parties should not exceed 10 people per table
All surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned/disinfected after each use
Employees should be screened prior to returning to work (fever-free, 100% healthy)

Please review Florida’s official state guidelines for more information.

GEORGIA

Georgia restaurants are OPEN for dine-in services starting Monday, April 27. A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

No more than ten patrons should be allowed in the facility per 300 square feet
Require all workers to wear face coverings at all times
Limit party sizes at tables to no more than ten
Ensure at least six feet of seperation

Please review Georgia’s official state guidelines for more information.

HAWAII

Hawaii restaurants are OPEN for dine-in services starting Saturday, June 5. A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

No more than 50% of total seating capacity
A minimum of 6 feet apart between tables
Maximum of 6 customers, not living in same household, per group per table. A maximum of 10 customers, living in the same household, per group per table
Staff with direct customer contact should wear a face mask at all times

Please review Hawaii’s official state guidelines for more information.

IDAHO

Idaho restaurants are OPEN for dine-in services starting Saturday, May 16. A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

Total occupancy should be limited to 50% capacity
Tables should be limited to parties of six people, maximum
All tables should be spaced at least 6 feet apart
Eliminate all waiting areas
Staff members should regularly disinfect high-contact surfaces
All staff and patrons should be encouraged to wear facial masks and/or gloves

Please review Idaho’s official state guidelines for more information.

ILLINOIS

Illinois restaurants are OPEN for dine-in services starting Friday, June 26. A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

Limit customers to no more than 10 people
Limit to 50 people in a room or 25% capacity (whichever is fewer)
Ensure 6 feet between tables
Ensure protective gear worn by employees and guests

Please review Illinois’s official state guidelines for more information.

INDIANA

Indiana restaurants are OPEN for dine-in services starting Monday, May 11. While there are no set state requirements, it is highly recommended that establishments:

Screen and evaluate all employees for signs of illness
Provide and require use of facial masks for all employees
Limit the number of patrons to 50% of total seating capacity
Tables should be spaced at least 6 feet apart
Limit the number of people per party to 6 or less per table
Staff should regularly disinfect high-contact surfaces

Please review Indiana’s official state guidelines for more information.

IOWA

Iowa restaurants are OPEN for dine-in services starting Friday, May 15. A few notable that guidelines restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

Indoor and outdoor seating should be limited to 50% of normal operating capacity
Party size per table should not exceed 6 people
Tables should be spaced at least 6 feet apart
Increased hygiene and thorough disinfecting practices should be observed

Please review Iowa’s official state guidelines for more information.

KANSAS

Kansas restaurants are OPEN for dine-in services starting Monday, May 4. A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

At least 6 feet of distance should be should be maintained between tables/patrons
Restaurants may meet the above requirement by using physical barriers between seated customers
All cleaning and public health practices must be followed

Please review the official Kansas state guidelines for more information.

KENTUCKY

Kentucky restaurants are OPEN for dine-in services starting Friday, May 22. A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

Indoor capacity shall be limited to 33% of normal occupancy
Unlimited outdoor seating, as long as tables are spaced appropriately

Please review Kentucky’s official state guidelines for more information.

LOUISIANA

Louisiana restaurants are OPEN for dine-in services starting Friday, May 15. A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

Occupancy must be limited to 25% of normal seating capacity
Sanitization practices must be increased, especially for all high-traffic surfaces
Increased spacing for social distancing shall be enforced

Please review Louisiana’s official state guidelines for more information.

MAINE

Maine restaurants are OPEN for dine-in services starting Monday, May 18 for the following counties: Aroostook, Piscataquis, Washington, Hancock, Somerset, Franklin, Oxford, Kennebec, Waldo, Knox, Lincoln, and Sagadahoc.

A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

All employees must wear facial masks covering their nose and mouth
Tables must be spaced 6 feet apart
Total occupancy should not exceed 50 people per room
High-traffic surfaces must be regularly and thoroughly disinfected

Please review Maine’s official state guidelines for more information.

MARYLAND

Maryland restaurants are OPEN for dine-in services starting Friday, June 12. A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

Maximum of 50% capacity.
Ensure tables are at least 6 feet away from one another.
Require all staff to wear face coverings.

Please review Maryland’s official state guidelines for more information.

MASSACHUSETTS

Massachusetts restaurants are OPEN for dine-in services starting Monday, June 22. A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

Ensure a minimum of 6 feet of distance between tables
Size of a party cannot exceed 6 people
Require face coverings for workers at all times

Please review Massachusetts’s official state guidelines for more information.

MICHIGAN

Michigan restaurants are OPEN for dine-in services starting Monday, June 8. A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

Limit capacity to 50% of normal seating
Require six feet of separation between parties at different tables
Close waiting areas and ask customers to wait in cars for a call when their table is ready
Require hosts and servers to wear face coverings in the dining area

Please review Michigan’s official state guidelines for more information.

MINNESOTA

Minnesota restaurants are OPEN for dine-in services starting Wednesday, June 10. A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

Ensure a minimum of 6 feet of distance between tables
50% maximum capacity
Masks required for workers
Require reservations in advance

Please review Minnesota’s official state guidelines for more information.

MISSISSIPPI

Mississippi restaurants are OPEN for dine-in services starting Thursday, May 7. A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

Daily employees must be screened/evaluated prior to the start of their shift, and must confirm that they have not been in contact with anyone who’s been confirmed with COVID in the last 14 days (and confirm that they have been fever-free for 48 hours)
Every employee who comes into direct contact with customers shall be provided a cloth mask, which they must wear while on duty
Restaurant and bar occupancy shall not exceed 50% of total capacity
Tables and parties must be spaced 6 feet apart
Party size must be limited to 6 people per table
Prior to resuming dine-in services, the entire establishment must be thoroughly cleaned/disinfected

Please review Mississippi’s official state guidelines for more information.

MISSOURI

Missouri restaurants are OPEN for dine-in services starting Monday, May 4. A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

Proper spacing of 6 feet between all tables
Party sizes shall be limited to no more than 10 people per table
Personal protective equipment (facial masks, gloves) may be worn during shifts
Consider disposable menus
Self-serve options must be regulated and monitored (buffets, salad bars, etc.)

Please review Missouri’s official state guidelines for more information.

MONTANA

Montana restaurants are OPEN for dine-in services starting Monday, May 4. A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

Occupancy must be limited to 50% of total seating capacity
Parties must be limited to 6 people per table
Proper spacing of 6 feet between tables must be enforced
Self-serve options (buffets, etc.), refills, and condiment bottles are prohibited

Please review Montana’s official state guidelines for more information.

NEBRASKA

Nebraska restaurants are OPEN for dine-in services starting Monday, May 4. A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

Occupancy must be limited to 50% of total seating capacity
Proper spacing of 6 feet between tables should be implemented
Parties must be limited to 6 people per table
All staff/employees should wear facial masks throughout their shift
All high-traffic surfaces should be disinfected at least every 4 hours

Please review Nebraska’s official state guidelines for more information.

NEVADA

Nevada restaurants are OPEN for dine-in services starting Saturday, May 9. A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

Discontinue use of all self-service stations (buffets, salad bars, etc.)
All employees must wear facial masks throughout their shift
Occupancy shall not exceed 50% of total seating capacity
All tables and booths shall be spaced at least 6 feet apart

Please review Nevada’s official state guidelines for more information.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

New Hampshire restaurants are OPEN for outdoor dine-in services only starting Monday, May 18. A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

All tables must be properly spaced (6 feet apart) and disinfected after each party
Tables are limited to 6 people per party
All employees shall wear facial masks throughout their shifts

Please review New Hampshire’s official state guidelines for more information.

NEW JERSEY

New Jersey restaurants are OPEN for outdoor dine-in services starting Monday, June 15. A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

Outdoor service only
Ensure tables are at least 6 feet apart
Require patrons to wear a face covering while inside the indoor premises

Please review New Jersey’s official state guidelines for more information.

NEW MEXICO

New Mexico restaurants are OPEN for dine-in services starting Monday, June 1. A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

Occupancy shall not exceed 50% of total seating capacity
No live music will be permitted until further notice
Ensure tables are 6 feet apart

Please review New Mexico’s official state guidelines for more information.

NEW YORK

New York restaurants are OPEN for dine-in services starting in Phase 3. A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

Maximum capacity of 50%.
Ensure tables are at least 6 feet apart.
Maximum of 10 people per table.

Please review New York’s official state guidelines for more information.

NORTH CAROLINA

North Carolina restaurants are OPEN for dine-in services starting Friday, May 22. A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

Ensure a minimum of at least 6 feet between tables
Limited to 50% capacity of state fire capacity or 12 people per 1,000 square feet
Post signage reminding people about social distancing

Please review the official North Carolina guidelines for more information.

NORTH DAKOTA

North Dakota restaurants are OPEN for dine-in services starting Friday, May 1. A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

Occupancy shall not exceed 50% of total seating capacity
All tables must be properly spaced (6 feet apart)
Tables shall be limited to 10 people per party
During Phase 1, all restaurants should close for a minimum of 4 hours daily to deep-clean their establishments

Please review the official North Dakota guidelines for more information.

OHIO

Ohio restaurants are OPEN for dine-in services starting Thursday, May 21. A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

A minimum of 6 feet shall be enforced between employees and tables
Frequency of all sanitization procedures shall be increased (hand-washing, surface-cleaning, etc.)
All employees shall wear facial masks throughout their shifts
Employees must comply with a daily symptom assessment
All tables shall be limited to 10 people per party

Please review the official Ohio state guidelines for more information.

OKLAHOMA

Oklahoma restaurants are OPEN for dine-in services starting Friday, May 1. A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

All tables must be properly spaced (6 feet apart)
It is highly recommended that employees wear facial masks throughout their shifts
Frequency of all sanitization procedures shall be increased (hand-washing, surface-cleaning, etc.)
It is recommended that employees and vendors are regularly screened for COVID symptoms

Please review the official Oklahoma state guidelines for more information.

OREGON

Oregon restaurants are OPEN for dine-in services by county starting Friday, May 15. A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

All tables must be properly spaced (6 feet apart)
All tables shall be limited to 10 people per party
All employees shall wear effective facial mask coverings throughout their shifts
All on-site consumption of food and drinks shall be suspended by 10 p.m
All high-traffic areas shall be regularly and thoroughly sanitized

Please review the official Oregon state guidelines for more information.

PENNSYLVANIA

Pennsylvania restaurants are OPEN for outdoor dine-in services only starting Friday, June 5. A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

Restaurants open at 50% occupancy
Tables must be separated by at least 6 feet
All employees must wear face covering

Please review the official Pennsylvania state guidelines for more information.

RHODE ISLAND

Rhode Island restaurants are OPEN for outdoor dine-in services only starting Monday, May 18. A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

Capacity is limited to no more than 20 seated tables at any given time
Parties shall not exceed 5 people per table
All tables shall be separated by 8 feet

Please review the official Rhode Island state guidelines for more information.

SOUTH CAROLINA

South Carolina restaurants are OPEN for dine-in services starting Monday, May 11. A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

All tables must be properly spaced (6-8 feet apart)
Occupancy shall not exceed 50% of total seating capacity
Frequency of all sanitization procedures shall be increased (hand-washing, surface-cleaning, etc.)
All employees shall pass a health check prior to the start of their shift

Please review the official South Carolina state guidelines for more information.

SOUTH DAKOTA

All South Dakota restaurants remain OPEN for dine-in services. A few notable guidelines that restaurants are recommended to meet include, but are not limited to:

Continued good hygiene and sanitation practices, especially for high-traffic areas
Employees shall be screened for symptoms prior to beginning their shifts
Employees are encouraged to stay home when sick

Please review the official South Dakota state guidelines for more information.

TENNESSEE

Tennessee restaurants are OPEN for dine-in services starting Monday, April 27. A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

All employees shall be screened for COVID symptoms prior to beginning their shifts
All employees shall wear appropriate facial coverings/protective gloves at all times
Occupancy shall not exceed 50% of total seating capacity
All tables must be properly spaced (6 feet apart)
Parties shall not exceed 6 people per table.

Please review the official Tennessee state guidelines for more information.

TEXAS

Texas restaurants are OPEN for dine-in services starting Friday, May 1. A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

Occupancy shall not exceed 25% of total seating capacity
All tables/parties must be properly spaced (6 feet apart)
Parties shall not exceed 6 people per table
Frequency of all sanitization procedures shall be increased (hand-washing, surface-cleaning, etc.)

Please review the official Texas state guidelines for more information.

UTAH

Utah restaurants are OPEN for dine-in services starting Friday, May 1. A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

Parties shall not exceed 10 people per table
All tables/parties must be properly spaced (6 feet apart)
All employees shall wear facial masks at all times
Restaurant may not operate if PPE, EPA-approved disinfectants/sanitizers are not available.

Please review the official Utah state guidelines for more information.

VERMONT

Vermont restaurants are OPEN for outdoor dine-in services only starting Friday, May 22. A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

Outdoor dining only
Reservations or call ahead seating is required
Tables must be spaced a minimum of 10 feet apart
Total of 10 people may be seated at the same table
Disposable menus are required

Please review the official Vermont state guidelines for more information.

VIRGINIA

Virginia restaurants are OPEN for outdoor dine-in services only starting Friday, May 15. A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

Occupancy shall not exceed 50% of total seating capacity
All tables/parties must be properly spaced (6 feet apart)
Parties shall not exceed 10 people per table
All menus must be single-card disposable menus, and should be discarded after each use
All surfaces must be thoroughly and frequently cleaned

Please review the official Virginia state guidelines for more information.

WASHINGTON

Washington restaurants are OPEN for dine-in services starting in Phase Two. A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

Parties shall not exceed 5 people per table
Occupancy shall not exceed 50% of total seating capacity
All tables/parties must be properly spaced (6 feet apart)
Single-use, disposable menus are required

Please review the official Washington state guidelines for more information.

WEST VIRGINIA

West Virginia restaurants are OPEN for dine-in services starting Thursday, May 21. A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

Occupancy shall not exceed 50% of total seating capacity
All tables/parties must be properly spaced (6 feet apart)
Outdoor dining parties shall not exceed 6 people per table
All employees are required to wear facial masks at all times

Please review the official West Virginia state guidelines for more information.

WISCONSIN

Wisconsin restaurants are OPEN for dine-in services starting Thursday, May 14.

There are currently no recommended/enforced state guidelines in place.

WYOMING

Wyoming restaurants are OPEN for dine-in services starting Friday, May 15. A few notable guidelines that restaurants must strive to meet in order to reopen include, but are not limited to:

Parties shall not exceed 6 people per table
All tables/parties must be properly spaced (6-10 feet apart)
Staff that comes within 6 feet of tables/patrons shall wear facial masks
Regular cleaning and disinfecting practices should be performed during all morning, afternoon, and evening shifts, as well as on all high-traffic surfaces

Please review the official Wyoming state guidelines for more information.

Warren Wu

Warren is an implementation lead at Coast, specializing in guiding companies across various industries in adopting maintenance software solutions. Based in San Francisco, Warren is passionate about ensuring smooth transition for his clients. When he's not assisting customers, you can find him exploring new recipes and discovering the latest restaurants in the city.