Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. is expanding outdoor dining along the Third Street Promenade to help local restaurants adapt to pandemic restrictions.

Downtown restaurants that do not have space for outdoor dining — which remains the only type of dining allowed in Los Angeles County — will be given positions along the popular walk-street to establish “satellite” locations.

Under a partnership with the city of Santa Monica announced March 3, DTSM has temporarily outlined specific parklets along the promenade for eateries to set up tables and chairs while leaving space for pedestrians to walk and mill about.

“Adapting public space for expanded outdoor dining is a key initiative in our business recovery efforts,” said DTSM Chief Executive Kathleen Rawson. “We are so inspired by the resilience and innovation of the businesses as they continue to navigate change. We know that these talented and determined restaurateurs will continue to play a critical role in our economic recovery.”

Restaurants will be given designated locations for free, then will be free to design the space to their liking. Each section will be roped off and will include tables,  chairs, heaters and umbrellas.

The Britannia Pub, Lanea and The Misfit are already using the expanded spaces. The Independence will join them in the coming days, and West 4th & Jane will be posted up on the promenade in a few weeks.