Wine lovers unite! It’s time to explore Michigan wine country!
Since the 1970s, Michigan has been making its mark as a major wine producer in the U.S. wine industry. Read more
The best wedding venues in Chicago
The sheer amount of planning that goes into creating the perfect wedding is astounding. And with the venue being the most important place where you can say your “I do’s”, choosing the perfect location is essential. If you plan on having your wedding in Chicago, you’re in luck because the city offers hundreds of different options - from luxury to views to gorgeous settings.Read more
Valentine’s Day in Chicago: Romantic Getaways
If flowers and a box of chocolates have always been your go-to for Valentine’s Day, this year, you probably want to do something different. Something out of the box. Something special to spoil your loved one. If you have yourself scratching your head with no idea where to start looking or what you could possibly do, fear not. Folks, we’ve lined up some of the top activities, places, and locations for you in Chicago this Valentine’s Day to make it a completely unforgettable one. Let’s take a closer look.
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Large Group Dining in Chicago: Your Ultimate Guide
The new year has arrived! But the celebrations are not over! Whether you’d like to take out business clients for a dinner to say thank you or you’ve got a birthday you’d like to celebrate, you need a location that can accommodate many people with ease and comfort. No more uncomfortable discussions about split bills or who ordered what.Read more
Fine Rooftop Dining: Your Guide to the Best Igloos and Rooftop Bars in Chicago
While temperatures in Chicago continue to plummet, some things are really heating up in the city’s restaurant scene! They’ve been called pods, greenhouses, and igloos, to name just a few. And they’re pretty much the coolest thing about outdoor dining in Chicago. It doesn’t matter which suburb you find yourself in, there are igloos for the whole family to enjoy. Although some may require a prior reservation, this is the best option for privacy to be enjoyed with loved ones.
In this guide, we’ve put together a list of our favorites, both in and around Chicago, and hope you take full advantage of it! There’s something here for everyone! And the menu varieties are sure to impress and delight! Let’s dive right in…
14 of the best igloos in and around town
Chicago
London House Chicago Rooftop
Overlooking Chicago’s Magnificent Mile on the 22nd floor of the London House Chicago, you will experience lH rooftop, with breathtaking panoramic views of the city, in the comfort of cozy rooftop igloos, or dine indoors as well. Enjoy dining on the LH Rooftop, enjoying signature and classic cocktails, a large selection of craft beers and great wine, enjoy one of the best rooftop experiences in the city with great décor, cozy igloos with heaters and comfy blankets for a great night out.
- Winter Wonderland at the IO Godfrey
No matter how cold Chicago’s winter may be, you can enjoy a fun evening out in your cozy igloo atop the Godfrey, located at 127 West Huron. Tucked inside your own igloo snow globe, enjoy a winter wonderland with great food and cocktails. Walk outside your igloo and roast s’mores over the outdoor fire pits, and stay warm and cozy wearing plush robes and blankets.
- Osteria Via Stato
Located on 620 N. State Street in downtown Chicago, Osteria Via Stato is a quaint Italian restaurant that was inspired by the Italian Alps for its outdoor dining experience. Your personal heated outdoor greenhouse can seat up to four people. And of course, Italian treats abound. The kids will absolutely love the classic cheese pizza topped off with a gelato dessert.
Park & Field
Looking for something sporty? You’ve got it at Park & Field! This is a sports and club eatery located at 35909 W. Fullerton Avenue in Logan Square. Open throughout the year, it features fire pits, patio heaters, a heated yurt, and tents where you can enjoy the warmth. The kids’ menu features the classic mac and cheese bowl. While you can bring your own blankets (BYOB), you can also purchase them on-site. The four seasons rugby room will be enclosed during the winter and heated, making it the perfect opportunity to gather with friends and family.
- Pilsen Yards
Pilsen Yards’ entire east patio wall is open to the outdoors. Even though it doesn’t feature a kids’ menu, the tacos, nachos, or sweet corn tamales more than make up for this. This fun and festive dining experience is located at 1163 W. 18th Street.
North/northwest suburbs
Buffalo Creek Brewing
For those looking for an authentic German Alpine Biergarten experience, Buffalo Creek Brewing could be the right place for you! Located on 360 Historical Lane in Long Grove, this brewery transforms into a winter oasis. Kids will love the outdoor games and homemade non-alcoholic sodas. But there’s something unique for the adults, too. Ranging from fire pits, table heat lamps, mood lighting, blankets, throws, and scarves for sale, the holiday decor is all set against the backdrop of a glorious pine forest.
- The Glen Club
The Glen Club offers dining or lounge igloos and the view from these is absolutely stunning. Overlooking the golf club in Glenview, this dining experience can be found at 2901 W. Lake Avenue. The dessert options are simply divine and feature the rich and decadent chocolate fondue and s’mores kit.
South suburbs
- The Forge
Couples or groups of four can spend up to 90 minutes enjoying a candle-lit meal in a stunning igloo while taking in the sights and sounds of the picturesque Forge Quarry with the Eight Towers Adventure ahead in the distance. This lovely location can be found at 1001 Main Street, Lemont.
- DIGS on Canal
Looking for a more spacious place to lounge? Try DIGS on Canal in Lemont. Near Lemont’s I&M and Ship and Sanitary Canals, you can enjoy sumptuous weekday or weekend meals. Its menu is filled with kid-friendly meals including burgers, pizza, and mac and cheese. The latter is available in a build-your-own format or as a flight. Adults, on the other hand, can order some tasty Pollyanna beer.
- Freedom Brothers Pizza
A pizza joint in Plainfield? Why not? Great for a whole-family experience, you can have lunch or dinner there with pizzas, sandwiches, and salads available to suit any taste bud. There are also many customizable choices for children. And of course, the dessert is absolutely divine and features dessert pizza, cotton candy, and s’mores dips.
Western Suburbs
- Bien Trucha
Situated on 410 W. State Street in the Geneva suburb, Bien Trucha is a suburban Mexican restaurant. Offering personal outdoor dining pods with lights, music, and heaters, it’s perfect for the entire family! Signature treats include traditional guacamole, pelote dip, various taco options, and churro bites.
- Gia Mia
The Geneva and St. Charles suburbs bring us Gia Mia! This restaurant features igloos and great Italian food. But that’s not all! The kids’ menu is absolutely divine and includes treats such as calzones and meatballs, mac and cheese, cheese pizza, and so much more.
- Stray Hen Cafe
Looking for somewhere to dine out in Elmhurst? Try the Stray Hen Cafe! It has an extensive menu and serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Kids can enjoy the waffle flights, Mickey Mouse pancakes, and more than two dozen different egg dishes - ranging from skillets to omelets to sandwiches. Adults, on the other hand, can choose from a dozen brunch cocktails in igloos on the sidewalk patio.
Fiamme Pizza
Near downtown, Naperville features winter villas and greenhouses to keep guests warm. This is a classic Neapolitan pizzeria, offering villas that seat six. Meanwhile, greenhouses hold up to four guests. You and your loved ones can enjoy pasta entrees and wood-fired or Detroit-style pizzas. All this can be topped off with decadent desserts such as the Mount Vesuvio brownie sundae.
Final thoughts
Wrapping up our list of the 14 best igloo places in and around Chicago for you to enjoy on a cold, wintry day, it’s worth mentioning that you don’t have to worry about transportation. We all know that parking and even finding the venue can be a difficult and cumbersome task. But why spoil your day or evening?
At Bus Connection, we offer a variety of buses to get you to and from your chosen location safely and in good spirits so that you can enjoy your time out with your loved ones. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us and we’ll ensure you’re dropped off where and when you need it smoothly and seamlessly. We’re just a call or a click away so feel free to get in touch!
Chicago's Complete Guide to Ice Skating This Winter
Chicago transforms into a blissful wonderland this year! And what better way to enjoy the winter season than lacing up your skates and going for a twirl or a spin on some of Chicago’s funnest and most attractive ice rinks?
Feel-Good Theatrical Performances for the Whole Family Come to Chicago This Holiday Season
Very few things compare to being transported to magical wonderlands during winter to usher in the holiday season. This December, you and the whole family will be able to be taken back in time and immerse yourselves in classical stories that unleash your imagination and take you to another world. Wondering what we’re talking about?Read more
Get Ready to let the Trans-Siberian Orchestra Rock You This December
It’s Wednesday, December 21, 2022. Sure, you could do the things you usually do on a Wednesday afternoon and evening in December. But you could also have your entire world transformed for a period of 2.5 hours that will recharge you and change you forever.Read more
Bus charter rental for a wedding - essential things you should know
Your wedding is one of the most special and beautiful days of your life. On this special day, planning and attention to detail are critical to a successful wedding. Wedding transportation is an important part of your wedding. Read more
How to organize the perfect birthday party for your best friend?
If you are a good friend you are going to show up to the party of your best friend with awesome presents. If you are truly best friends, you should organize a surprise party for them at least once in their lives. Get some special events transportation, cruise around the clubs. Or maybe have a garden party in vintage style? The choice is yours. We are going to provide you with some awesome surprise birthday party ideas that you can organize.
What to consider before the party
Before we start laying down ideas, we have to mark several important aspects. When throwing a surprise party for someone you have to:
- have a guest list with the people they want to invite;
- have a great idea about the presents;
- know that the whole party will be organized in a way that the person will like.
If you are planning to order food or have a catering service, just remember to check the food preferences of the guests and if they have some food allergies. This is a common mistake that people do while planning.
Option one: Special events transportation and going around bars and clubs
Here is our first idea for a great VIP experience. Get a limo and go around Chicago in style. Visit your favorite bars and clubs and have a great time. You can open a bottle of champagne in the limo, have the chauffeur play your favorite music. This is something that famous and rich people do all the time. Why not provide such an experience for the birthday party of your best friend?
Option two: Kidnap them and surprise them with an awesome day to their liking
This one is a little hard to pull off if they live alone. However, if they have roommates or family, you can ask them to help you out. The “kidnapping” part is nothing major - just show up at their home in the morning and tell them to come with you. You can put a blindfold on them but it is not needed.
Then give them an awesome day to their liking. This might be a game of golf, horse riding, or playing arcade games all day. The options are really limitless and are all up to your imagination and what your best friends like.
Option three: Garden party in vintage style
Now this will only work if the birthday of your best friend is in late spring or in the summer. Research what type of venue you can rent for such a garden party. It can be an afternoon cocktail in vintage style with an open bar and light music. This is perfect if you don’t want to have a party with loud music and dancing. This type of gathering is more suitable for doing some catching up and fun games. Of course, you can host something like this in the afternoon and continue with a party in the evening.
Option four: Birthday party on a boat
There is always the option to rent a small yacht and have a party there. This is an awesome experience. Just be careful! Someone might get drunk and decide to go for a swim. Such a thing will ruin the whole party. It is a good idea to book a DJ for the day and have some transportation for all of the guests to the port.
Option five: Rooftop party with a DJ
This option is available for nice weather as well. Imagine a rooftop party with a DJ, some cool lights, and an open bar. It is almost the same as some of the previous ideas on our list. However, the rooftop location is what brings added value to this idea. Finding a good spot for such a party can be challenging but it will pay out in the end. Look for a place with an amazing view. That is what makes the magic happen.
Those are our five ideas for а great birthday party that you can organize for your best friends. We hope you are going to have a great time!