Make plans to go al fresco: Cancuns and Pub 122 approved for outdoor dining

Add Cancuns and Pub 122 to the list of Grafton restaurants that will be offering outdoor dining — but next year, it may be somewhat more difficult to eat al fresco.

As Grafton experiences its second spring under COVID-19. state regulations have eased on outdoor seating for the duration of the pandemic with the hope of boosting restaurant business. While take-out business is booming, many are still reluctant to dine indoors — and the need for social distancing cuts back on the number of patrons allowed inside.

At Cancuns, the popular 75 Worcester Street Mexican restaurant, the parking lot beside Lake Ripple will become an extension of the dining room, offering 20 four-person tables eight feet apart, manager Carlos Jimenez said. The area will be fenced off with a single exit and monitored to ensure no one leaves with alcohol. Tables will have umbrellas.

Pub 122, 215 Worcester Street, Grafton’s only Indian restaurant, will again be seating patrons in the front parking lot, owner Ricky Sharma said.

“I wish I could put in a tent but I can’t find any plans for the parking lot,” said Sharma, who had visions of putting in a stake and striking a utility line. “I don’t want to drill a hole and have water spouting up.”

The two restaurants join Post Office Pub at 1 Ray Street and Reunion Tap and Table at 198 Worcester Street, both of which were granted permission to have outdoor tables last month, as well as Grafton Grill & Crust..

Post-Covid, restaurants will be required to make a full modification of their site plans if they plan to continue to offer outdoor seating.

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