Where to find outdoor igloo restaurants in Charlotte, NC

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the restaurant industry was among the first to pivot. From takeout and delivery options to socially distant outdoor headquarters, survival meant getting creative. A few Charlotte restaurants have taken their ingenuity to the next level, offering private Instagram-worthy dining options such as igloos and greenhouses.

They were so successful that some local restaurants decided to keep the trend going, while others found the limitations not worth it and decided to get creative again.

Dining igloos are back

Until March 30, the Merchant & Trade in Uptown has two igloos that can accommodate 10 to 12 people. Reservations are required and are done quickly. Each igloo is available for two hour rentals (with longer hours possible by contacting Merchant & Trade directly). Guests are required to pledge a minimum of $ 600 of food and a $ 150 reservation fee for all rentals.

Between patrons, the restaurant continues to follow its cleaning protocols according to CDC guidelines, including disinfection and the use of an electrostatic fogger.

“We decided to bring the igloos back, because of the overwhelming demand last year and because they provide a way to socially distance ourselves. Igloos are a great way to experience the roof of Merchant & Trade during the colder months, ”said Chris Baliles, Food and Beverage Manager. “They provide a safe and welcoming environment, and with the COVID-19 pandemic still ongoing, we believe additional security measures are appreciated by our customers.”

Goodyear House also offers igloo dining again this winter. Its five igloos can accommodate up to six people each and will have a strict two-hour time limit. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be booked through the Igloos at The Goodyear House page on OpenTable. Customers will have to pay a fee of $ 25, which will go to the restaurant’s non-profit organization.

“Our registered non-profit organization, Goodyear Giving, donates funds each year to local and international partners who do great work in their communities,” said Sean Potter, Partner of The Goodyear House. “This year, we are channeling these funds to our current international partner, BuildOn, a group that works for education by building schools in remote villages in poor and developing countries. Thanks to this initiative, we will build a school in Nicaragua in 2022. ”

Aura Rooftop’s Snowed in on Stonewall winter pop-up is a newcomer to the dining igloo in Charlotte. Go up to the fifth floor of the JW Marriott until February 15 and enjoy one of the restaurant’s signature hot chocolates in an igloo. A minimum of $ 350 of food and drink will allow you to enjoy the food and the view for two hours under a blanket. Reservations are required and can be made through OpenTable.

Greenhouses have been converted

At Fern and his former sister restaurant, Halcyon – now Mariposa – their individual greenhouses were the talk of the town last winter, but this season they have a new home.

“Each greenhouse took about eight hours to assemble. They were inconvenient as they had to be aired for 30 minutes between guests, ”said Jill Marcus, president of the Mother Earth dining group. “All of the greenhouses had to be taken down over the summer because it was just too hot to sit inside, and they now serve as real greenhouses on our Mother Earth farm in our kitchens. Lindbergh Street business. ”

This winter, Fern and Mariposa are offering new patio heaters to keep guests warm while dining outside. “We are happy that (the greenhouses) were used for farewell dinners in Halcyon and served as a special keepsake for that time and place,” Marcus said.