Don’t let the cold weather and snow keep you from enjoying a nice get together outside this winter!
Many Cincinnati restaurants are now offering igloo dining experiences. From rooftops to patios, these cozy outdoor dining options are sure to brighten a slushy season.
Whether you’re looking for a unique outing for a group, a fun dinner out with the family, or a special spot for date night, we’ve listed all the Cincinnati area igloo dining options we could find.
Tips for Igloo Dining in Cincinnati…
Most, if not all, of the restaurants offering this outdoor dining experiences are by reservation only. These are popular spots in the winter (evidently I’m not the only one who loves to sit outside!) so be sure to make your reservations early.
The igloos are heated but plan on it being cooler than the temp you’d find inside. Dress for cooler weather and bring your own blanket if you’d like.
Have kids in tow? Check to be sure they’re permitted. Some venues require guests to be 21 and up in the igloos.
Some spots have a minimum drink or food purchase policy and/or charge a flat fee for using the igloo. Be sure to check with the locale when you make your igloo reservation.
Check out these Greater Cincinnati Igloo Dining Spots:
If you’re looking for a festive and unique venue for a holiday party, a birthday party, or a family gathering, check out the igloo dining offered as part of the Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt experience (happening on the Schmidlapp Lawn, adjacent to the Moerlein Lager House).
They have eight igloos, all lined up on a 220′ boardwalk. Each igloo will hold 14 guests. Inside you’ll find three high top tables, an electric fireplace, and seating for 14. You’ll have a dedicated beverage host or cocktail server for your igloo.
Igloos are rented in 90 minute sessions. Igloos must be reserved in advance.
They have a great twist for igloo rental fees*. You rent your igloo for $300 and your $300 rental fee is returned to you in gift cards. These gift cards may be used on food and drink in your igloo, at participating booths on the market, and at the Moerlein Lager House. Gift cards do not expire.
Gift cards are not valid for Ice Skating tickets.
*please see their site for full details
Details on this igloo dining experience can be found here.
AC Upper Deck offers “Glow Pods” this year. Enjoy stunning views of the Ohio River, Roebling Bridge, and Great American Ballpark for this downtown rooftop experience.
Each Glow Pod can accommodate up to 8 guests and has its own unique theme. Whether you’re drawn to the Alien Invasion, Retro Gamer, I Love the 90’s, or Every Day We Wear Pink pod, there’s something for everyone!
You can order from the AC Upper Deck’s main menu while you enjoy your Glow Pod experience. Reservations required.
Choose from a Rooftop Igloo Experience or a Rooftop Greenhouse Experience on Shires’ Rooftop. Enjoy the beautiful view while standing high above the city on the 10th floor of the City Club Apartments (at 309 Vine Street).
Their heated igloos and heated greenhouse experience can accommodate 2-8 people. You can dine with choices from their curated menu offering appetizers, cocktails, and wine. Reservations required.
Braxton Brewing Company has heated igloos at the “Igloobar on the Rooftop” at their Covington, KY taproom.
Each igloo can accommodate up to 8 people (ages 21 and up) comfortably and features cushioned seating, a dedicated Bluetooth speaker (upon request), & cozy decor. The igloos do have a heater but they suggest that you come dressed for the weather; you’re welcome to bring in your own blankets (or use theirs).
During your 2.5-hour time slot, you can enjoy food from Dewey’s and an array of beverages.
Reservations are required. They make it easy to snag your own igloo with online reservations (find that here).
Catch-a-Fire Pizza is bringing back their igloo dining experience for 2024. You’ll find them at their Blue Ash and Lebanon locations. Each location has three igloos you can book and each igloo can accommodate up to 6 people.
The igloos are heated but they do recommend you come dressed for the weather. You are allowed to bring that comfy, warm blanket if you’d like!
Each igloo has its own server and you can order from their full menu.
Reservations are required. Their igloos are available 7 days a week in two hour time slots (11am-9pm).
Get all the details here
Enjoy the Beer Garden domes at Narrow Path Brewing in Loveland.
Their igloos can be reserved in increments of 45 minutes (max of 2 hours and 45 minutes). Up to eight people can fit in the domes.
Make your reservations here
With sweeping views of the Ohio River and downtown Cincinnati, The View at Shires Garden might just have the best rooftop in town!
The Rooftop Igloo and Terrace Greenhouse experiences can accommodate different sized groups (up to 8 max and depends on the space you reserve). Guests must be accompanied by an adult 21+ at all times.
The igloos and greenhouses are through March 30, 2024 and advanced reservations are required. The igloos and greenhouses can be reserved Tuesday through Sunday.
You’ll have full service with a server for your table and a minimum spend is required (depends on the unit you choose). They all come with heat and a bluetooth speaker.
Get all the details, including how to make a reservation, here