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Date: 6/17/2020
HILLTOWNS – The Rapids Bar & Grill (therapidsbar.com) had a beautiful weekend to cap off its first week of outdoor dining, which began on June 9.
Tommy Ray, manager of the iconic restaurant that sits on the banks of the Westfield River at 200 Worthington Road (Route 112) in Huntington said on Sunday that they are taking reservations only for the outdoor seating, which has been filled to capacity since the first day. He encouraged people to call ahead.
The restaurant has implemented many safety protocols as mandated. Patrons are asked to wear a mask until seated, and if they are not feeling well or may have been exposed, to stay home.
“If we are all smart and safe, we can get back to normal much quicker,” Ray shared on the restaurant’s Facebook Post.
Ray said they will continue to offer takeout, as they have since the closure in mid-March. However, he is thankful that they can now serve alcohol on the patio. “It’s tough to survive without the bar,” he said.
“We’re going to be okay, I think. Everybody’s excited to be back,” Ray said.
The Chester Common Table (chestercommontable.com), located at 30 Main St. in Chester, has also opened for outdoor seating. Owner Erin Patrick said they have a nice big backyard with tables, plus seating on the porch.
“This weekend was quite busy, it was very nice. We saw a lot of people we haven’t seen since this all started,” Patrick said.
Another bonus feature of outdoor dining is serving cocktails. Patrick said her husband and co-owner Aaron Allen is a really creative bartender. “It’s really exciting to be mixing cocktails again. That we have not been able to do since March,” Patrick said.
The restaurant has been offering their full menu for takeout meals with beer and wine since the closure, and will continue to do so, but Patrick admitted it hasn’t been easy.
“To be honest. it was hard. We did some takeout - everybody has been really responsible and careful. We’re excited to be getting back to whatever is the new normal,” she said, adding, “We certainly have fared better than we know some have.”
While they have 12 tables for outdoor dining, which she said are “nice and spread out,” Patrick strongly recommended reservations for dinner due to limited capacity. She said reservations are in the governor’s recommendations, and are helpful for them as well.
Chester Common Table, which serves “farm fresh takes on comfort food classics” is open Thursday through Sunday, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Patrick and Allen also own Carm’s Restaurant and Coffee Shop (carmsinchester.com) on 241 Route 20 in Chester, which also has a small outdoor dining option with six tables.
“It’s pretty and sunny. You can watch the world go by and see the river,” she said.
Reservations for outdoor seating are not necessary at the breakfast spot, which also serves takeout, but Patrick said if people call ahead, she will make sure a table is saved for them.
Carm’s is open seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.