The Boot Bar & Grill, a popular dive bar among Tulane University students, removed their outside seating indefinitely after receiving a permit violation from the Department of Safety and Permits last August.

Now, the owners are fighting to get the tables back. 

In early August 2025, Safety and Permits issued The Boot a violation for offering outside seating without a sidewalk use permit. 

After The Boot submitted a request for a permit later that month, Safety and Permits deemed the bar ineligible due to local zoning laws that prohibit bars in residential neighborhoods from having sidewalk cafes. 

Zach Smith Consulting & Design, a local architecture and regulatory compliance firm contracted by The Boot, appealed the decision in October 2025. 

The appeal is set to be heard by the Board of Zoning Adjustments at New Orleans City Hall on March 16. 

“For over 40 years, The Boot has provided sidewalk seating for its patrons,” Laura Barth, Zach Smith Consulting & Design permit liaison, said in a statement. “If you are unable to attend the hearing, please voice your support by emailing [email protected], for the return of sidewalk seating to your favorite bar.”

The Boot garnered attention on Instagram after calling on patrons to support their cause.

Some Tulane students expressed concern about the removal of the outside seating.

Andrew Worley, a junior at Tulane, said the removal of the outside seating has affected his patronage at The Boot. 

“Whenever I go to The Boot, I’m honestly looking to sit outside,” Worley said. “I think it creates a social environment that even the inside of The Boot doesn’t really accomplish. So obviously, when I … realized it was gone, I was upset … I mean, obviously, I still go, but it’s definitely not as frequent as it was before.” 

Junior Ed Sha said The Boot’s outside seating sets it apart from other restaurants and bars. 

“I think some of my most fond memories at Tulane, honestly, have come from great conversation outside [The Boot],” Shaw said. “Clearly, this just seems targeted and a result of bureaucracy from the city.” 

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story stated that the Board of Zoning Adjustments declared The Boot ineligble for a sidewalk cafe. However, the decision was made by the Department of Safety and Permits.