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Creative Winter Dining Last Updated: July 2023
Connecticut’s always been a top spot for great al fresco dining during the spring, summer and fall. Restaurants have been innovating new ways to keep diners fun and warm for the colder months– and it's making for even cooler dining experiences.
Don’t miss this winter’s new and unique dining experiences!
Igloos
In Stamford, the Sign of the Whale Restaurant offers rooftop igloos with couches and chairs for your comfort. Treat yourself and your friends or family to special menus. Dockside Brewery in Milford has a winter experience like no other. Explore ten individual custom igloo experiences at Dockside's very own igloo park. Located in the waterfront outdoor Biergarten. Each igloo even has its own fun theme!
During Foxwoods Resort Casino's Ice Rink and Winter Patio, you can take your group inside and rent an igloo accompanied by special menus. And find even more igloos at Wood-n-Tap and Aquila's Nest Vineyards!
Covered & Heated Patios
To keep you safe and warm, many restaurants are adding heaters and even roofs to their outdoor setups. Enjoy handcrafted cuisine under the covered patio at Oak & Almond in Norwalk or at J Restaurant in Hartford, ring in the holiday season in one of the heated, roofless tents. Or, grab your blanket and sit out by one of our Christmas trees, street lamps, and fire pits.
Enjoy a warm and toasty covered patio at Rebel Dog Tavern in Plainville. After learning their customers' preferred outdoor dining during the pandemic, the restaurant began constructing a steel-supported roof frame which will include eight radiant patio heaters and even drop-down vinyl walls, which is now open year-round.
Heated Tents
Right in the heart of historic downtown Mystic, relish sea-to-table dishes while staying safe and toasty in an outdoor heated tent at Oyster Club. In Old Greenwich, OG Social Club offers a tent, patio, and heaters to compliment American fare in a historically meaningful location. At Luce Middletown, treat your taste buds to traditional Italian cuisine under a heated tent and ambiance-setting string lights.
Heated Rooftop
Cava Restaurant in Southington, sip cocktails and eat delicious meals atop a heated rooftop. As Cava is known for its lavish decorations, your view will be as outstanding as your experience.
Fire Pits, Fireplaces & Wine
Overlook a stunning 40 acre estate at Aquila’s Nest Vineyards in Newtown, you'll find a few ways to dine differently this winter. Heat up by a fire pit — and delicious warm mulled wine and a tasty selection of charcuterie, cheese, and cruditee boxes. Or book the pergola seating with fire pits, or even sit in igloos!