Ready to return to restaurants? If you're apprehensive about eating indoors again, we suggest starting somewhere with Alen-purified air. We've made a state-by-state list of establishments that have reopened responsibly with an extra layer of protection for guests and staff.
Find Pure Air Destinations in Your State
California | Colorado |
Florida | Nevada |
Hawaii | New York |
Illinois | South Carolina |
Massachusetts | Texas |
Maryland | Washington |
Remember the atmosphere and personal connection of dining out?
As many states lift COVID-19 restrictions, indoor dining is now possible for the first time in a year. But worrying spikes in some regions combined with fast-spreading new variants mean vigilance is needed as we venture back into shared spaces.
At Alen, we’re helping tens of thousands of businesses reopen with safer shared air. This article talks about ongoing COVID-19 risks and why restaurants are choosing the protection of True HEPA purifiers. We also talk to the owner of a local-favorite LA restaurant who delighted staff and guests when he made Alen purifiers part of his plan for welcoming diners back inside.
Why air purifiers make restaurants safer
For healthier indoor spaces, experts say ventilation and filtration matter most. HEPA filtration captures all kinds of harmful particles such as smoke, dust, allergens—and especially COVID-19.
How COVID-19 Capture Works: A HEPA purifier with adequate capacity for a room traps virus particle to help keep indoor virus particle counts low, so an infected person is not adding enough particles to infect others.
Alen HEPA air purifiers are lab-tested to capture COVID-19-sized virus particles and designed to circulate large volumes of air quietly. Some restaurants spend upwards of $100k installing technologies largely unproven outside of laboratories or operating rooms. HEPA filtration is the world’s most trusted air-cleaning technology and it’s the only one we use.
Is it safe to eat indoors? What are the risks? Here's what experts say:
For vaccinated and unvaccinated people, guidance from public health experts remains the same.
"You still have to be very careful," said Dr. Ada Stewart, President of the American Academy of Family Physicians, on CNN. "You're in a crowd, and you don't know the status of many of these individuals."
The scientific consensus on COVID-19 risk is clear: The longer you are inside a room (or ‘box’) that's poorly ventilated or without air filtration, the greater your risk of exposure, regardless of distancing.
COVID-19 particle concentration with and without ventilation and an air purifier (Credit: NY Times)
“Airborne transmission is dominant,” said environmental epidemiologist Joseph Allen of Harvard’s School of Public Health in the scientific journal Nature. That’s why additional ventilation and air filtration make sense, he said.
"If you're fully vaccinated, and you become infected, you're not likely to become sick with COVID-19 symptoms," said Stewart. But you "may potentially expose someone else to illness, who may end up getting a serious disease."
To reopen indoor spaces responsibly, we believe HEPA-filtration is an important part of caring for customers, staff, and the community.
“Mobile air purifiers that filter out viruses and other airborne contaminants could be readily deployed as part of the solution,” said Christian Kähler, a physicist studying aerosol production and dynamics at the University of the Federal Armed Forces in Germany, in Nature.
How one of LA's favorites restaurants reopened stronger with Alen
The Den on Sunset is a beloved destination for West Hollywood locals and travelers alike. A vintage bungalow tucked into the hillside overlooking Sunset Boulevard, the Den serves bar fare, draught beer, and craft cocktails in cozy dining rooms and lush outdoor patios.
A dining room at LA's the Den on Sunset, which reopened with Alen HEPA filtration.
"We've been serving the community for 12 years now,” said owner Brett Latteri. “We're a place where neighbors can go multiple times a week, and we get very busy on the weekend."
Latteri spotted an Alen purifier in his doctor’s office. He chose Alen for the Den based on that endorsement along with our stylish design, lab-backed effectiveness, and lifetime warranty, he said.
"I wanted to go the extra mile for my team and customers,” Latteri said. “To give them extra peace of mind that they're in a safe environment, considering what we've all gone through over the past 12 to 14 months."
As dining fully reopens and more guests return, he's received very positive feedback from both patrons and staff. "They were really surprised and pleased that I was thinking about them in that way."
Latteri is a founding board member of the Independent Hospitality Coalition, which formed during COVID-19 to advocate for the hard-hit Los Angeles hospitality industry. Alen has donated a purifier to the IHC on his behalf.
Alen BreatheSmart 75i True HEPA Air Purifier From $749
Restaurants with Pure Air
If you don't see your favorite destination on the list, connect with us here and we'll reach out to them with a special offer.
California
Rated "The Best, Most Interesting Lebanese-Armenian Restaurant in LA" (By Michelle Huneven, LA Weekly), Carousel is a venue that will surpass your culinary expectations. If its authentic Middle Eastern cuisine you are looking for, you will find it at Carousel along with atmosphere and entertainment. We take pride in providing you with the most amazing dining experience. Located in Glendale, CA & Hollywood, CA.
On the sand at the base of the Huntington Beach Pier, enjoy memorable dining, endless ocean views, and simpler times at Duke's restaurant and Barefoot Bar. Relax and take in the view while you enjoy the Hawaiian beach house ambiance and savor the freshest seafood and prime steaks, uniquely prepared and thoughtfully served. Located in Huntington Beach, CA.
Overlooking the La Jolla Cove, Duke’s serves genuine, friendly hospitality with contemporary interpretations of traditional island plates. As a tribute to Hawaii and Southern California beach lifestyles, Duke’s celebrates family, views and the spirit of aloha. We welcome our guests to become a part of our ’ohana. La Located in Jolla, CA
Duke’s Malibu honors the Ambassador of Aloha, Duke Kahanamoku, and pays tribute to the early days of West Coast surfing with delicious island-inspired cuisine, drinks at the Barefoot bar and a genuine spirit of aloha. Nestled along the Pacific Coast Highway, Duke’s Malibu has been serving up timeless memories for 23 years, having opened its doors in 1996. Locals and visitors alike come to celebrate life and dine like a legend. Located in Malibu, CA.
Tucked away in Sorrento mesa, our 12,000 square foot brewpub includes a full service restaurant, an event space, an expansive and lush outdoor beer garden and a pretty stellar team to make sure you always have good food in your mouth and a solid beer in your hand. Located in San Diego, CA.
Jake’s Del Mar brings new American cooking to the edge – to the water’s edge that is. Located right on the beach in Del Mar Chef Duvinh Ta uses fresh, seasonal products as the inspiration for updating classic preparations of fresh fish, shellfish and premium meats. The lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch menus showcase clean, eclectic flavors and local, sustainable products that are complemented by Jake’s jaw dropping location on the sand. Located in Del Mar, CA.
Award-Winning Innovative Vegan Cuisine. Since 1994 Millennium Restaurant has been committed to providing fresh, innovative vegan cuisine. The restaurant recently moved from San Francisco to Rockridge with a refreshed menu of our locally sourced, elegantly plated concoctions. The interior is upscale but not fussy, with rustic woods, metal floor tiles, exposed ductwork and plenty of bar and table seating – plus a spacious, modern outdoor patio. Located in Oakland, CA.
This iconic lakeside lodge and restaurant is the ideal Tahoe getaway. With a charming lakeside hotel, fantastic food and a panoramic lake view, it is nothing short of a magical mountain experience. It’s everything you hoped Tahoe would be and more, from the mouthwatering cuisine to the largest seasonal lakeside deck in all of Tahoe. There’s always something fun and exciting for the entire family at Sunnyside. Located in Tahoe City, CA.
For over 33 years, David and Lesley Cohn have brought San Diego dining to a new level. Beginning with one small diner in 1981, Cohn Restaurant Group now owns and operates over 24 restaurants within Southern California and Maui. Located in San Diego, CA.
The Den On Sunset is a lively restaurant in the heart of West Hollywood. Award-winning Bar & Restaurant! Where great times are always on tap! With Sunset's biggest outdoor patios. We use the best ingredients and provide a great atmosphere. Located in Los Angeles, CA.
Having celebrated its silver anniversary in July 2019, The French Laundry has received numerous honors and accolades over the past twenty five years. Since 2007, the Michelin Guide has awarded The French Laundry their highest rating of three stars, making Chef Thomas Keller the only American-born chef to have two three-starred Michelin restaurants. The menu, which changes daily, commits itself to serving classic French cuisine with the finest quality ingredients, along with a similarly intense focus on impeccable guest service.
Colorado
Courtyard Denver Aurora, a new Aurora, Colorado hotel, is conveniently near the Denver International Airport, Buckley Air Force Base, Anschutz Medical Campus and the Aurora Sports Park, as well as the RTD train and bus lines. Located in Aurora, CO.
Florida
The Surf Club Restaurant by Chef Thomas Keller is located within the recently revamped iconic Miami club, located in Surfside, Florida. Chef Keller will honor the location’s history of good times and grand parties through a classic Continental cuisine, perfectly interpreted for today's contemporary guests to enjoy the Surfside beach view. Located in Surfside, FL.
Hawaii
Go for the view. Go for the food. Go for the atmosphere. Just make sure that you get to Duke’s, on Waikiki Beach. On the sand on famed Waikiki Beach, Duke’s offers stunning, sweeping ocean views, the freshest seafood, and premium steaks in a fun, friendly atmosphere honoring the great Duke Kahanamoku. Located in Honolulu, HI.
Chef-driven Aloha. Dine just above the hustle and bustle of Waikiki and immerse yourself in the authentic flavors of Hawaii that we source from local fishermen and farmers every day. Grab your nicest Aloha shirt and dine in a relaxed, casual setting that serves not only the freshest local ingredients but also Waikiki’s best restaurant view of Diamond Head. Located in Honolulu, HI.
On the sand at Kalapaki Beach, Duke’s is dedicated to legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku, Hawaii’s Ambassador of Aloha. The restaurant’s open-air design offers stunning, sweeping ocean views while the 30-foot waterfall plunges into a koi pond below that meanders through the tables. Enjoy a leisurely lunch, romantic dinner, or tropical cocktail in a fun, friendly atmosphere. Located in Lihue, HI.
Enjoy our thoughtful menu inspired by Hawaii’s farmers, fishermen, and ranchers, featuring locally sourced ingredients crafted and served with aloha. Locals and visitors alike love our refreshing atmosphere, bringing you right into the spirit of our lush island with open-air dining, tropical surroundings, and live Hula almost every night. It’s the place to be on Kauai’s south side. Located in Koloa, HI.
Experience the true flavors of Maui delivered daily by Local Fishermen and Farmers to our open-air kitchen and Barefoot Bar on the water’s edge in Ka’anapali. With local, line-caught fresh fish, Maui grown produce, & all-natural meats, you will experience Hawaii’s unique culinary and cultural melting pot crafted and served with the true spirit of aloha. Located in Lahaina, HI.
We’ve been creating memories and traditions for locals and guests for over 40 years. It’s time to make yours. Home of the famous Hula Pie, we’ve been serving up classic Hawaiian cuisine and making traditions since 1977. From our signature prime rib to our classic Kimo’s style fresh fish, you’ll taste the original aloha of our Old Lahaina Town traditions. Located in Lahaina, HI.
At Leilani's on the Beach, we approach our guests as Leilani herself would – by carefully crafting and sharing the aloha spirit. We are where locals are proud to celebrate their special occasions and where our visitors from all over the globe find their home on Maui. Our award-winning Hawaii Regional Cuisine features long-line caught fresh fish, delivered daily, and all-natural cuts of meat prepared island style. Always served with a genuine sense of aloha." Located in Lahaina, HI.
Nestled along Ka’anapali’s North Beach, Duke’s Beach House has all the romance and nostalgia you need to make unforgettable memories in Maui. Breathtaking ocean and neighbor island views inspired dining and genuine aloha welcome you to celebrate life like the legend, Duke Kahanamoku, himself. Savor your moments in paradise with locally sourced contemporary island flavors and handcrafted cocktails. Located in Lahaina, HI.
Illinois
A rare steakhouse, well-done. Since 1976, Rosebud has been serving its patrons with a passion for perfection. Rosebud Steakhouse brings that same flair to an elegant dining room in the heart of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. Plan your next exciting night out with us at Rosebud Steakhouse! Located in Chicago, IL.
Massachusetts
The team at Amuleto Mexican Table brings a passionate commitment to the traditional flavors of Mexico’s vibrant regional cuisines. We’ve fused these flavors with a modern twist by using fresh, local ingredients. With carefully selected ingredients, Amuleto offers something for everyone—from fresh ceviches to a variety of botanas (small plates) to tacos with house-made corn tortillas. The main dish options include moles, fresh seafood, slow-roasted meats, and many vegetarian choices. They’re all served with a variety of sauces guaranteed to pique the taste buds. Even the guacamole is made to order each time. Located in Waltham, MA.
Maryland
Our modern, urban retreat, positioned at the edge of Baltimore’s Harbor East, offers a host of luxurious amenities such as a five-star Spa to a rooftop pool, setting the scene for fabulous vacations with kids, romantic getaways, and business stays. Miles of walkable waterfront, top restaurants, and city landmarks are all within easy reach. Located in Baltimore, MD.
Nevada
Located adjacent to Mandalay Resort & Casino, discover one of the only non-gaming and non-smoking hotels on the Las Vegas Strip. Four Seasons Las Vegas is a tranquil Five-Diamond oasis with a Forbes five-star spa and offers the best of both worlds: serenity in a resort-like setting paired with the energy and nightlife of one of the greatest entertainment destinations. Just outside the city, experience close-by natural wonders, including the Grand Canyon and Red Rock National Conservation Area. Located in Las Vegas, NV.
New York
A Midtown retreat in the heart of Manhattan. Stay in the heart of the city that never sleeps at our hotel opposite the Museum of Modern Art, five blocks from Central Park and two blocks from Radio City Music Hall. We have a concept restaurant focusing on seasonal ingredients, while our Executive Lounge offers an escape from the rush of the city." Located in New York, NY.
South Carolina
The Westin Poinsett in Greenville
Experience a revitalizing sense of luxury at The Westin Poinsett, Greenville, a hotel in Greenville, SC, with a coveted AAA Four-Diamond rating. Located in the heart of downtown, we're one block from the Peace Center, which hosts concerts, shows, and presidential debates. Ask about our free shuttle to the airport and make travel simple. Then, step into our sophisticated lobby, where our staff stands, ready to assist. Located in Greenville, SC.
Texas
Austin’s particular brand of cool is evident in every detail of our downtown Hotel, from local art to Texas-inspired spa treatments. Come for our incredible margaritas and saltwater pool, then stay for lawn games, miles of lakeside trails, and spacious rooms overlooking idyllic Lady Bird Lake. Located in Austin, Texas.
Washington
Nisqually Red Wind Casino features an expansive smoke-free area in its 95,000 square-foot facilities plus more than 1,600 slot machines, 20 table games, keno games, and four restaurants, including a deli, buffet, fine-dining steakhouse, a smoke-free bar, and sports pub. Located in Olympia, WA.
----------------------
Does your business have an Alen air purifier? We'd love to add you to this list! please contact us at business@alen.com.
Leave a comment