North End restaurant owners say shutting down historic Hanover Street and expanding outdoor dining into roads and sidewalks could be the saving grace for their businesses as the coronavirus lockdown lifts. “In this neighborhood, it would be a dream come true to have a little outdoor dining, so you experience the neighborhood, the people, the culture,” said Nick Verano, owner of Strega on Hanover Street.

“It would help us a lot,” agreed Frank Prezzano, who has owned neighboring Ristorante Saraceno for 35 years. More than 87 restaurants feed locals and tourists in the North End, but most of that dining usually happens inside — at small tables set feet apart, or at a lively bar, often over a glass of red wine.