Creative Winter Dining

Several Connecticut restaurants, breweries, and wineries have introduced private outdoor "igloo" seating over the past few years. Plastic igloo structures offer temperature-controlled outdoor dining with a festive flair, making for a fun and unique experience.

• Dockside Brewery in Milford installs igloos from November through March, getting creative with themes like Prohibition, "Love Island," and a Zen garden.
• Rizzuto's Oyster Bar & Restaurant in Westport sets up its winter igloos in the parking lot in November, where guests stay warm with space heaters while dining on seafood, steaks, fresh pastas, and Italian entrees. Reservations are a must, but there's no fee for the igloo experience!
• Worthington Vineyards and Winery in Somers heats up for the winter with igloo experiences, mulled wine, and hot cider.
• Wood-n-Tap in Farmington has an igloo experience, where guests can dine outdoors with a view of the Farmington River. 
   

Aquila's Nest Vineyards in Newtown has seasonal experiences for even the most stubborn winter haters. Groups can book seating around a private fire pit, or enjoy a cozy fire under a fully enclosed pergola. Private igloos accommodate parties of up to 9 people, and "The Forbidden Fireplace", inspired by the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, can seat up to 11 guests. Aquila's Nest also offers a "Winter Winderland" luxury picnic option in its indoor tasting room for up to 10 guests. 

With enclosures and powerful heaters, some of Connecticut's rooftop bars and patios become year-round destinations.

• At Gioia in New Haven, its rooftop space transforms into "JOY-AH for the Holidays" from early November to the end of December, a festive pop-up decked out with over-the-top holiday cheer. Guests enjoy a special menu with holiday-themed cocktails and hearty winter food like mac and cheese, chicken and dumplings, and osso buco Milanese. After New Year’s, it becomes The Red Sauce Joint, a fun and cozy ode to old-school Italian eateries. 
• Mix Restaurant & Rooftop in Mystic, by the owners of Sift Bake Shop, has a pavilion-styled rooftop with retractable sides and a full heating system. Winter plans include a rooftop Sunday brunch, happy hour, family-style dinners, and "girls night out Thursdays." 
• High George by Siena at the Blake Hotel in New Haven is a popular warm-weather destination, but extends its season through the cold months with full enclosures and heaters. The bar has featured seasonal "winter wonderland" decor in past years.
• River in Wethersfield, with a multi-level outdoor deck facing the Connecticut River, keeps its picturesque water outdoor seating going year-round with 26 infrared radiant heaters keeping the deck toasty.