Chicago restaurants push for increase in dining capacity By Sally Schulze Chicago restaurants have upped the pressure on City Hall, saying they need more diners inside within days. CHICAGO - Chicago restaurants have upped the pressure on City Hall, saying they need more diners inside within days. Wolcott Tap General Manager Lindsey Smith says allowing just a few more seats to be filled would make a huge difference. "On a Friday or Saturday night, even if I have an open table, I have to turn people away," she said. Lori Lightfoot to increase indoor dining capacity to 50 percent by Thursday, over the current 40 percent.