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 conductedin 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.
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