Central Indiana can be chilly for at least half of the year. So, what do you do when you want to dine outdoors, but it’s just too darn cold outside? Eat in an outdoor igloo!
Many restaurants around Indianapolis are using plastic igloos (or pods, or greenhouses) to give visitors more seating options during the colder months. These cozy, private igloos are certainly cool to dine in. (You’re sitting in a dome outside! How awesome is that?). But also, many of these outdoor igloos are heated and come with bonuses like personal Bluetooth speakers to play your own music.
Related Article: 10 Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in Indianapolis
Things to Know About Outdoor Igloos
Here are some tips for having a great dining experience in an outdoor igloo:
- Most outdoor igloos and personal greenhouses are heated. But remember: They are still located outside, so they can be chilly. Come prepared for the elements! Bringing blankets is usually encouraged.
- Children are typically welcome at outdoor igloos, but very young children might not enjoy the tight, enclosed conditions.
- Outdoor igloos are popular, and most require reservations. Some restaurants will also require a minimum food and beverage purchase, or ask that you do not bring outside food and drinks. Check with the restaurant before visiting.
Where to Find Restaurants with Outdoor Igloos in Indianapolis
Looking for a place around Indianapolis to eat in an igloo? Check out these places!
Daniel’s Vineyard
Address: 9061 N 700 W, McCordsville
Cost: Wed-Thurs: $40; Fri-Sun: $75
Time limit: 2 hours
More info: danielsvineyard.com/book-online
Please Daniel’s Vineyard some great wine, amazing food, and an even better view. They have 8 different igloo themes so be sure to check them all out! Daniel’s Vineyard’s igloos are heated and spacious, perfect for a gathering with family or friends during a cold or snowy night.
Urban Vines
Address: 303 E. 161st St., Westfield
Pricing: Mon-Tues: $50; Wed-Sunday: $100
Time limit: 2 hours
More info: www.urban-vines.com/igloos
When you want to enjoy wine with friends in a unique way, Urban Vines offers igloo domes that can seat eight to 10 people. All igloos include a heater, music and lights, as well as to-your-igloo food and beverage service.
Wine & Rind
Address: 254 Veterans Way, Suite G, Carmel
Pricing:$35 + a $100 food & beverage minimum
Time limit: 2 hours
More info: wineandrindcarmel.com | Call 317.669.6566 to reserve igloo.
Located in the heart of Carmel, the Wine & Rine patio now has igloos available for wintertime diners. Each igloo can hold 6-8 people. Open for lunch and dinner, Wine & Rind offer a variety of freshly made charcuterie boards, over forty varieties of wine, and ten beers for you to enjoy.
Field Brewing
Address: 303 E. Main St., Westfield
Pricing: $40
Time limit: 2 hours
More info: www.fieldbrewing.com/greenhouses
Greenhouses, igloos — whatever you want to call them, they’re a fun way to dine outdoors at Field Brewing without actually being outdoors! Each heated igloo seats up to eight people. Bring your own games to play while you enjoy the comfy igloo with your friends and family, or borrow one of the board games provided by the restaurant.
Related Article: The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Fun around Indianapolis
Vivante
Address: 1 Carmichael Square, Carmel
Pricing: Free to reserve, but there is a food and beverage minimum.
More info: www.vivantecarmel.com
Located just off the Monon Trail, Vivante guests can enjoy a cozy igloo experience while dining from the French restaurant’s lunch or dinner menu. Each igloo can seat up to 6 guests, is decked out in holiday lights, and equipped with a small heater so you control the temperature. You also have the option to bring your own Bluetooth speaker.
Spencer Farm Winery
Address: 7015 E. 161st St., Noblesville
Pricing: $20 Wed. & Thurs.; $40 Fri., Sat., Sun
Time Limit: All reservations are for 2 hours, additional time can be added for a fee.
More info: spencerfarmwinery.com/yurt-rental
Looking for a cozy place to gather with family and friends, or for a romantic date-night spot? The private yurts at Spencer Farm Winery in Noblesville offer a fun escape during the winter months. Yurts can comfortably seat 6 adults and comes equipped with an electric fireplace, string lighting and cushioned seating. Guests are encouraged to bring their own blankets for an even cozier experience!
Union Jack Pub-Broad Ripple
Address: 921 Broad Ripple Ave, Indianapolis
Pricing: $50
Time Limit: 2 Hours
Reservations: To reserve an igloo, (317) 257-4343
Union Jack Pub in Broad Ripple has recently moved across the street from their previous locations of 40+ years. The new location allows for outdoor seating including outdoor igloos in the winter. These igloos can comfortably fit 4-6 guests and can be reserved in 2-hour slots. Reservations are strongly recommended, and all ages are welcome.
Worth the Drive
Fair Oaks Farms
Location: 856 N 600 E, Fair Oaks, IN 47943
Pricing: Pricing varies by package
Reservation: Book reservations here.
Dates: Igloos are Available for booking from November 11th – February 14th
Looking for a unique, outdoor, heated dining experience this winter? The Farmhouse Igloos, overlooking the spectacular Forest of Lights will be open for a full-service, restaurant experience this season! Igloos are settled in the Farmhouse Backyard, featuring both the full dining menu and bar menu.
Igloo Rental near Indianapolis
Penguin Park at Washington Township Park
Location: 115 S. County Rd. 575 E., Avon
Pricing: Pricing varies by package
Reservation: Book reservations here.
Dates: Now through Jan. 2, 2022
Guests can also rent one of the several inflatable igloos — just to hang out in, or for birthday parties, reunions, and other get-togethers. Igloos are $100 and include 10 skate rentals, and feature tables and chairs, electrical outlets, and can hold up to 15 people.
Not Confirmed for 2022
Foundation Coffee Co.
Address: 4565 Marcy Lane, Indianapolis
Pricing: Free
More info: http://foundationcoffeecompany.org
Bring your friends (even your furry friends!) and enjoy some coffee and baked goods at one of Foundation Coffee Company’s greenhouses, located on their patio. These cozy igloo houses are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Public Greens
Address: 902 E. 64th St., Indianapolis
Pricing: Free
More info: www.publicgreensurbankitchen.com
Located off the Monon Trail in Broad Ripple, Public Greens offers little “greenhouses,” available on a first-come, first-served basis. Able to seat two to three people, the greenhouses are smaller than an igloo, but they are a nice alternative to dining indoors (and definitely warmer than dining outside!). To keep their customers cozy, the restaurant provides single-use blankets to use, or visitors are welcome to bring their own.
