With the weather officially dipping and the Midwest winter is almost here, Chicagoans have begun to flock to dine inside as the excitement for outside patios and rooftops essentially ceases to exist. However, dining outside doesn’t have to be a miserable experience—it may be better than indoors (thanks to igloo dining in Chicago).
Restaurants, bars, and cafes are getting creative with beautiful escapes as they decorate their patios and rooftops with chalets, geodesic dome lounges, greenhouses, igloo dining, and more. Dining outside in the winter has become one of our favorite activities, with these spots for the best igloo dining in Chicago.
The Willow Room
The Willow Room is a historic European-American restaurant and tavern in Lincoln Park. Combining fantastic food and a lively atmosphere, the vibrant bar is often a top choice for those-in-the-know locals.
It’s long been considered one of the best places in Chicago to get cocktails; during the winter, they offer the cutest little glasshouses. Heaters line the street, and blankets are available to enjoy your favorite cocktails and some exquisite dishes from the comfort of a little transparent curb-side house.
📍 Location: 1800 North Halsted Street, Chicago
Godfrey Hotel
Heading back to the River North rooftops, the Godfrey Hotel has one of the city’s most beautiful winter wonderlands. It’s Chicago’s largest indoor-outdoor rooftop, with a retractable roof that allows it to transform into any venue.
Retracting the roof officially makes it an outdoor space with fine dining and extraordinary views. Communal booths and signature heated igloos of different sizes have been erected for a winter wonderland that will continue into the new year. It’s certainly one to check out this winter.
📍 Location: 127 West Huron Street, Chicago
Fiya
Andersonville’s Fiya revolves around a wood-burning oven that produces unique cuisine inspired by Israeli dishes. From the unique Hummusiya menu to dynamic cocktails and coveted craft beers, Fiya is a special Andersonville hideout that is still alive and kicking.
The best part? They are constantly expanding their lush patio to make it a vibrant place to spend an evening igloo dining in Chicago. You’ll find warmth in this cozy patio between the bubbles and fire pits.
📍 Location: 5419 North Clark Street, Chicago
Barcocina
Barcocina’s interior is known for walls lined with open-air garage doors and rustic reclaimed wood intertwined with sensual fireplaces. However, in the colder months of Chicago, it has transformed into an igloo utopia. If you’re looking for a place to dine outside while staying warm with a group of friends, you can purchase an igloo package for $75 per person, which includes menu items from its modern Mexican fare menu.
📍 Location: 1814 W Chicago Ave (West Town)
📍 Location: 2901 N Sheffield Ave (Lakeview)
Château Carbide
While not specifically igloo dining in Chicago—Chateau Carbide’s indoor-outdoor lounge should be on your radar this winter. The Pendry rooftop completely transformed into a Winter Garden, featuring luxurious private chalets scattered across the rooftop.
Each chalet will be adorned with relaxing fireplaces, warm blankets, and seating for up to six guests. The winter-inspired menu includes small bites and seasonal cocktails that are perfect for starting or ending your night.
📍 Location: 230 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601
Uvae Kitchen and Wine Bar
This is the place to find great wine. The wine connoisseurs at Uvae have had unique journeys working their way up as students of the Wine Professional Program. You will find few places in Chicago that can better rhapsodize about a grape’s environment and how the wine is enriched and enlivened by fermentation, aging, and the winemaker’s technique. The array of wines can now be enjoyed in charming greenhouses that line the street outside.
📍 Location: 5553 North Clark Street, Chicago
Whiskey Business
Whiskey Business’s rooftop is an esteemed Wicker Park hideout. Fabled for its variety of over 100 whiskeys, the 3,000-square-foot patio now offers activities like movie nights, curling, and weekend brunches.
The best thing you’ll find on the fun-packed patio is some cute rooftop chalets converted into cozy heated houses. The little heated hideaways are fully equipped with fake fireplaces, candy canes, and Christmas decorations so you can sink a few seasonal cocktails surrounded by friends and festive cheer.
📍 Location: 1367 N Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago
Kennedy Rooftop
The Kennedy Rooftop is Wicker Park’s very own urban chic hideout. The interior, food, and drink options are designed to accentuate Wicker Park’s modern, trendy, and diverse fabric. Panoramic views of Chicago’s iconic skyline and a comfortable layout make it a phenomenal outdoor option, and it’s set to stay open through winter. The Kennedy Rooftop is also home to a curling lane, meaning you can enjoy a classy evening on the plush rooftop with a bit of competitive fun to keep you warm.
📍 Location: 1551 West North Avenue, Chicago’
Las Fuentes
For those of you familiar with Las Fuentes Restaurant in Lincoln Park, you’ll know that as well as a terrific place to get your taco and margarita fix, the Mexican restaurant is also home to an enchanting heated tent patio with colorful murals and plenty of greenery.
The magical outdoor space has been transformed into a private patio oasis to accommodate the Chicago winter rules. A warm and cozy tent now covers the patio with spacious seating around the gorgeous fountain, creating the atmosphere of a tropical paradise in the heart of Lincoln Park.
📍 Location: 2558 N Halsted Street, Chicago
Joy District
River North’s Joy District is something of a pioneer when it comes to winter outdoor dining. Only a select few can compete with the astounding nightclub in Chicago. Sparkling lights, comfortable patterned couches, and impeccable views of Chicago’s skyline guarantee a memorable night. Still, the magic of vibrant murals and cascading greenery truly makes Joy District’s rooftop a unique space.
📍 Location: 112 West Hubbard Street, Chicago
The Drake Oak Brook
If you’re looking for exquisite cuisine and crafted cocktails beneath a cozy igloo, then head to The Drake Oak Brook. While not igloo dining in Chicago, the suburban winter wonderland offers a cozy and intimate dining experience inside one of our enclosed igloos.
📍 Location: 2301 York Rd, Oak Brook, IL 60523
Written by Elliot McGowan and Tori Levy