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!