With the pandemic-induced indoor dining restrictions that were forced upon us in 2021, many Chicago bars, restaurants, and rooftops winterized their outdoor areas attempting to counter the two-pronged attack of Covid-19 mitigation measures and the Midwest’s notoriously harsh weather.
The result was an abundance of customized outdoor spaces filled with heaters, fire pits, and all sorts of windproof shelters. One West Loop bar, however, went the extra mile and decided that if we’re dealing with polar problems, why not pay heed to the pioneers of the polar regions?
The folks down at PB&J in West Loop thus embraced the last two winters with an outdoor bar made entirely from fresh ice featuring an arctic-inspired life-size igloo, ice sculptures and more.
After two successful years, PB&J’s owners, The McCahill brothers, are back with their annual algid antics yet this year they’re gone even bigger with an ice bar and ice sculptures made from over 50,000 pounds of ice.
Originally planned to return on Saturday, January 21st, the ice bar opened on Saturday, February 11th “due to the unseasonably warm January.”
The entire outdoor area of PB&J has been transformed into The PB&J Ice Bar offering an interactive arctic experience with all the crowd-pleasers of their much-loved menu.
The icy paradise features more ice and more surprises than in years gone by including an even more enormous ice throne than before. Ice polar bears, an ice drink luge, and an ice beer stein have also made a return to the West Loop winter watering hole.
If you’re familiar with PB&J you’ll know all about its menu loaded with Neapolitan pizzas, delicious sandwiches, draft beer, and, of course, some exquisite craft cocktails.
“Warm up at the Ice Bar with one of PB&J’s signature hot cocktails” reads the PB&J announcement “including the Hot & Boozy made with Skrewball peanut butter whiskey, hot chocolate and topped with whipped cream, the “Great Balls of Fire”, featuring Angry Orchard hot cider or the “Irish You Were Here” with Irish whiskey, house-made coffee, and Baileys infused whipped cream.”
Guests can enjoy the ice bar’s open-air experience and great photo opportunities every night from 5 pm to 10 pm until the bar melts.
You can head to pbjwestloop.com for the menu, reservations, and more information.
[Featured image from PB&J]