DETROIT – Igloo dining has become increasingly popular during the coronavirus pandemic.
In recent weeks it has been the only option local restaurants have to offer customers an in-person dining experience due to Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s COVID-19 restrictions.
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The restrictions closed indoor dining until December 8. Whitmer is waiting for more data from Thanksgiving to determine whether the state will extend the restrictions put in place for three weeks.
With the possibility of restrictions being extended and COVID-19 cases rising igloo dining is the new norm.
Here is a list of restaurants in Metro Detroit that offer a cozy and warm igloo dining experience.
Many of the restaurants have a minimum spending amount that can cost upwards of $300 while others have none. Additionally, some businesses require reservations and deposits to be made online in advance.
For more details on dining terms or to make reservations call the restaurants by clicking on the links below.
Mint 29 in Dearborn
The popular Dearborn restaurant offers a fun and festive winter igloo dining scene. Mint 29 is an upscale fusion cuisine that serves great international dishes. It got its name from the coins found on the walls of the historical building during renovations. There is a $150 minimum spending requirement to dine in an igloo there.
Camp Ticonderoga in Troy
Ticonderoga is an Iroquois word meaning “land between two lakes,” which is exactly where Camp Ticonderoga is situated.
Located between Square Lake and Long Lake Roads, Camp Ticonderoga has been serving up delicious staples like pulled pork sandwiches, certified black angus steaks and warm chocolate chip cookies since 1996.
There is a minimum spending requirement for igloo dining.
Lumen Detroit
While indoor dining will be closed Lumen Detroit’s patio and igloos remain open. The popular restaurant has several heaters and fire pits to keep you warm. It does include a minimum spending requirement to dine in the igloo.
Igloos can be booked on Opentable under Lumen Detroit Igloos.
East Eats in Detroit
East Eats touts itself as a Detroit outdoor, socially distanced tiny-dining venue bridging the Eastside with the Eastern Hemisphere.
You have to make reservations that are open on a monthly basis to dine there. The reservations are $45 a person and include 5 items each guest. Each item after your first five will cost $4.50.
Moose Preserve
There are only a few heated igloos available to reserve for the month of December. You can book today by clicking here. The Moose Preserve is a locally owned bar and grill that has been dishing out prime steaks, fresh fish, Jack Daniels BBQ ribs and buffalo burgers since 1990.
The Monarch Club in Detroit
The Monarch Club is feeling festive, preparing for another weekend of igloo reservations! It has extended hours Thursday through Sunday and has more igloos being added to its rooftop. Check back Resy.com for additional December reservation availability. Limited walk-in seating at its outdoor fire pit will also be available with weather permitting. The Monarch Club recommends dressing warmly for fire pit seating.
Royal Oak Brewery
The Royal Oak Brewery is the first brewery in Oakland County. It specializes in craft beer and craft food.
Watermark Bar and Grille in St. Clair Shores
Igloos are available all day with great views for lunch, dinner, appetizers and drinks.
Tavern at Tina’s in Macomb Township
The restaurant’s menu consists of homemade soups, fresh salads, certified black angus burgers, delicious sandwiches and its widely known entrees, paninis and pizza.
Brown Iron Brewhouse in Royal Oak
In addition to great food, you can enjoy its wide variety of all American brewed beer.
Bobcat Bonnie’s with locations in Detroit, Ferndale, Ypsilanti, Wyandotte and Clinton Township
Bobcat Bonnie’s doesn’t require a minimum spending amount to dine in one of its igloos. The restaurant also doesn’t require a certain number of people. It has a great menu with a variety of inexpensive options. It has locations in Detroit, Ferndale, Ypsilanti, Wyandotte and Clinton Township.
Deadwood Bar and Grill in Northville
Take a walk on the wild side at Deadwood Bar and Grill. Mountain-inspired decor meets hearty, adventurous cuisine inside the cozy, log cabin restaurant.
Despite indoor dining being closed, you can still dine at Deadwood out on its heated upper patio. It has industrial heaters and a gas fireplace to keep you cozy while you enjoy your meal outside. No reservations are necessary, just walk in!
Berkley Common
The lodge at Berkley Common offers a fun winter dining experience. In addition to its igloo outdoor dining it has a winter wonderland patio for guests to enjoy!
You can book an igloo on its website here.
Buddy’s Pizza in Troy
Buddy’s Pizza in Troy has cooked up a new way to comfortably enjoy outdoor dining. Heated and covered outdoor dining is now available at its Troy Big Beaver and Crooks location. Its outdoor dining includes three heated shanties available for reservation. Each one seats up to six people. Reservations are for 90 minute time blocks and are subject to a minimum spending requirement.
Reservations can be placed online by clicking here.
Whitmore Lake Tavern
Based in Whitmore Lake, the restaurant has three igloos available for dining. You can dine in an igloo with a $75 minimum purchase of food and drinks an hour.
Lake Inn in Lapeer
You can enjoy igloo dining on the patio at the Lake Inn. Reservations can only be made online. There is a $150 food and beverage spending minimum for Monday through Thursday bookings and a $200 spending minimum for Friday through Sunday bookings.
NOTE: In addition to this list you can find and support other restaurants struggling during the pandemic that offer safe dining ranging from heated tents to igloos on opentable.com.