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Photo courtesy of Detroit Fleat
Outdoor dining in the winter may not be everyone’s idea of a good time, but many Metro Detroit restaurants have special heated outdoor dining arrangements tailor-made for enjoying great food and drinks no matter what the thermometer says. While these igloos are not the kind made of snow and ice built after a snow day, they are a great way to have a cozy and intimate dining experience without having to withstand the weather. Whether it’s snowing or just below freezing, you can stay toasty warm while enjoying your meal in the great outdoors (kinda) if you’re in an igloo.
HONCHO
3 East Church Street, Clarkston
Honcho takes flavor fusions to another level serving Latin food with an Asian twist (but speaking of fusions, we’ve got even more flavorful options here). You can of course eat in the main dining room, but Honcho also has igloos available to reserve. The igloos have a 4-person minimum but can seat up to eight, and can be booked online or over the phone. As they are located on Honcho’s patio, these spots are dog-friendly as well. There is no reservation cost or minimum spend set for the igloos either, but they do have a two-hour limit.
DETROIT FLEAT
1820 East 9 Mile Road, Ferndale
As the Metro Detroit area has countless food trucks that offer delicious food, Detroit Fleat created a food truck park. Weekly, food trucks rotate in the park and are featured on their social media. As far as heated outdoor dining, Marketing Manager Brooke Zadorsky shares, “Fleat makes use of its giant and colorful patio all year long with the addition of heated igloos through the winter. With menu experiences such as a Hot Cocoa Bar or S’mores experience, guests can make the most of the season in comfort.” Besides the rotating trucks, Detroit Fleat has a house menu, which includes starters, burgers, sandwiches, tacos, and more, and brunch on the weekends. The igloos here have a small heater (jackets are still suggested), can fit a maximum of 8 people, and have a $10 booking fee when you make a reservation.
BLAKE’S TASTING ROOM
17985 Armada Center Road, Armada
Igloo dining is also available at Blake’s Tasting Room. There are 5 igloos available to be reserved for 2-hour blocks, which must be done online in advance. These can accommodate 2 to 10 people. There is a $15 booking fee to reserve your igloo time, with a $250 minimum food and beverage spend if you’re visiting Thursdays through Sundays. When dining Mondays through Wednesdays, there is no minimum spend threshold. More details can be found on Blake’s website. Additionally, Blake’s Backyard Taproom in Almont also has igloo dining with different menu options available.
BUCK SHOTS BAR & GRILL
7048 Gateway Park Drive, Clarkston
Buck Shots Bar & Grill has heated igloos on its patio that can fit six guests. There is a $25 igloo rental fee that is not credited toward food or drinks, but there is no minimum spend for igloo dining. Start your experience with Buck Shots Bar’s award-winning buffalo dip or Woodsmen fries with smoked barbecue pulled pork and jalapẽno cheese sauce. For your entree, build a burger, or pick from the selection of handhelds, pasta, nachos, and more.
DETROIT SHIPPING CO.
474 Peterboro Street, Detroit
Instead of following the igloo trend, Detroit Shipping Co. opted for two giant, heated tents for your dining experience. With six restaurants to choose from, this is the perfect place to bring a group of people with varied tastes. From Coop’s menu of Caribbean chicken dishes to Halal Street’s variety of pita wraps and street food, there’s something for everyone. Reservations are not taken or required. Detroit Shipping Co. also features a gallery, The Shops, where you can check out local up-and-coming entrepreneurs, live entertainment, and special events like watch parties and comedy shows.
WATERMARK BAR AND GRILLE
24420 Jefferson Avenue, St. Clair Shores
If you’ve ever wanted to dine waterside in the winter and still get fresh seafood, now is your chance. The WaterMark Bar and Grille has igloos on its patio, right along the water for an unforgettable experience. These igloos fit 6 and have a $5 per person reservation fee. As far as minimum spends go, they are $35 per person during lunch reservations and $50 for dinner reservations. The WaterMark is known for its excellent views, as well as its octopus chargrilled with lemon oil sauce and the tomahawk grilled pork chops that they top with a garlic butter sauce. You can also choose from its pasta, sandwiches, pizza, or the extensive surf and turf menu sections.
THE TAVERN AT TINA’S COUNTRY HOUSE
50870 North Avenue, Macomb
If you’re hankering for your favorite bar food cravings, like burgers, pizza, and nachos, The Tavern at Tina’s Country House in Macomb is the place, especially for heated outdoor dining. It features eight heated igloos that can serve parties of up to 8 with a 4-person minimum. These are temperature-controlled with a heater and can be reserved online. Check out their social media for the lunch and dinner specials that change daily.
DEADWOOD BAR & GRILL
18730 Northville Road, Northville
This popular log cabin restaurant in Northville offers igloo reservations for parties of up to 10 people. Deadwood Bar & Grill has four igloos available with different themes, like the Grumpy Grizzly, Husky Hideaway, Pesky Penguin, and Northern Lights. Reservations are taken online with a $10 non-refundable booking fee and each party has a $250 minimum food and beverage cost. In addition to Deadwood’s regular menu of hearty meals, like burgers, barbecue ribs, ribeye, and fish, diners can partake in daily specials, too.
LUMEN
1903 Grand River Avenue, Detroit
A staple of Detroit’s Beacon Park, Lumen’s uniquely designed exterior is always eye-catching. Lumen has an extensive bar, an impressive outdoor patio, and a rooftop to enjoy the downtown area’s views. For those looking to dine outdoors, Lumen offers reservations for its private, heated chalets. When you book your reservation, there is a $35 per person non-refundable fee that will go towards your bill at the end of your 2-hour slot. Enjoy a featured cocktail or two along with an amazing dinner and a memorable experience.
This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was published on December 15, 2020.
