cover image: Bird Dog
Yes, We Are Still Igloo Dining in Kalamazoo This Winter
While igloos, heated patios and other winter outdoor dining may have originated during the pandemic, they have now become a seasonal norm for a few local restaurants.
And for local diners who gladly donned multiple layers to keep their favorite restaurants in business two years ago, they have transitioned into a fun way to dine under the stars. Many of these spots are favorites for patio dining in the summer too.
If you’re curious to try out these new dining spaces, read on for a list of restaurants prepped to serve you outside and some tips for dining in the elements.
Are You New to Igloo Dining? Here are Some Tips
Ready to try winter outdoor dining in SW Michigan? Here’s what you need to know:
Even with heaters, igloos can be cold.
Although you’re in a covered structure, it’s made of plastic and we live in Michigan.
To combat the cool temps, layer up with warm clothes and bring your winter gear; many restaurants will recommend a “lap blanket” as well.
Make reservations (if you can).
Most locations only have two igloos and they are very popular.
We highly recommend making reservations or visiting during a non-peak dining time if you hope to snag one as a walk-in diner.
Consider a premium tip for your server.
While diners may love igloos, they are more work than a traditional indoor table for restaurant staff.
Add Your Restaurant
Winter Outdoor Igloo Dining
Kalamazoo Restaurants with Winter Outdoor Dining
Try these SWMI restaurants for some fun (albeit chilly) dining experiences.
And if you’re up for a short drive, there are igloo dining restaurants in Grand Rapids too.
Bird Dog is a modern American cuisine restaurant located in historic downtown Mattawan and offers specialty cocktails, wine and craft beer.
Bird Dog serves lunch, dinner and brunch.
Hours
Tuesday - Thursday 11am to 9pm
Friday 11am to 10pm
Saturday 10am to 10pm
Sunday 10am to 8pm
Closed Mondays
Outdoor Winter Dining at Bird Dog
Igloos are up & running!! ❄️
*Reservations are for Igloos only. Inside is first come, first serve
*They hold up to 6 people
*We take reservations up to 2 weeks ahead of time (call or DM Facebook page to reserve)
Bird Dog serves lunch, dinner and brunch.
Hours
Tuesday - Thursday 11am to 9pm
Friday 11am to 10pm
Saturday 10am to 10pm
Sunday 10am to 8pm
Closed Mondays
Outdoor Winter Dining at Bird Dog
Igloos are up & running!! ❄️
*Reservations are for Igloos only. Inside is first come, first serve
*They hold up to 6 people
*We take reservations up to 2 weeks ahead of time (call or DM Facebook page to reserve)
Cody Kresta is a small, family winery specializing in hand-crafted Michigan wines
All grapes used in their wines are grown in the Lake Michigan Shore Appellation.
Outdoor Winter Dining at Cody Kresta Vineyard and Winery
The chilly weather is here!
Reserve your own heated igloo by calling the tasting room. Igloos are $20 per hour and can seat 2-8 people.
Hope to see you all soon!! 269-668-3800
All grapes used in their wines are grown in the Lake Michigan Shore Appellation.
Outdoor Winter Dining at Cody Kresta Vineyard and Winery
The chilly weather is here!
Reserve your own heated igloo by calling the tasting room. Igloos are $20 per hour and can seat 2-8 people.
Hope to see you all soon!! 269-668-3800
As a second location for Bird Dog owners, Chef Matt Bush and wife Allison Maxwell, Dog & the Bank also offers intimate dining and specialty cocktails, wine, and craft beer.
Dog & the Bank serves lunch, dinner and brunch.
Hours
Tuesday to Thursday 11am-9pm
Friday 11am-10pm
Saturday 10am-10pm
Sunday 10am-8pm
Closed Mondays
Outdoor Winter Dining at Dog & The Bank
Our Igloos are UP!! Give us a call to book your reservation!
Inside is still first come, first serve but our Igloos are by reservation during Lunch, Brunch & Dinner! ❄️
Dog & the Bank serves lunch, dinner and brunch.
Hours
Tuesday to Thursday 11am-9pm
Friday 11am-10pm
Saturday 10am-10pm
Sunday 10am-8pm
Closed Mondays
Outdoor Winter Dining at Dog & The Bank
Our Igloos are UP!! Give us a call to book your reservation!
Inside is still first come, first serve but our Igloos are by reservation during Lunch, Brunch & Dinner! ❄️
Come to play, eat, and drink! We have full service inside and outside on the patio. The bars, both inside and outside, serve craft cocktails, beer, and wine. If you want to play, The Backyard, features 7 acres of fenced in fun!
November through March we have a winter wonderland, bonfire pits, and a game tent! Admission to the yard is $3 / person.
Hours
Wednesday - Saturday: 11am - 9pm
Sunday: 11am - 8pm
Outdoor Winter Dining at The Backyard of Kalamazoo
Our igloos are heated and available to rent: $20/hr on weekends & $10/hr on weekdays.
November through March we have a winter wonderland, bonfire pits, and a game tent! Admission to the yard is $3 / person.
Hours
Wednesday - Saturday: 11am - 9pm
Sunday: 11am - 8pm
Outdoor Winter Dining at The Backyard of Kalamazoo
Our igloos are heated and available to rent: $20/hr on weekends & $10/hr on weekdays.
The Modern Well is a locally-owned coffee shop in Lawton, offering a variety of espresso and coffee drinks. Be sure to try their coffee flights!
Coloring books are available for younger visitors.
Outdoor Winter Dining at The Modern Well
The igloo is up for the season! Seating is first come, first serve. You're welcome to call to inquire about availability.
Coloring books are available for younger visitors.
Outdoor Winter Dining at The Modern Well
The igloo is up for the season! Seating is first come, first serve. You're welcome to call to inquire about availability.
Opened in June 2018, Three Blondes Brewing is run by three (blonde) sisters who grew up in South Haven.
Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday - Wednesday: 11:30am-8pm
Thursday - Saturday: 11:30am-9pm
Sunday: 11:30am-8pm
Outdoor Winter Dining at Three Blondes Brewing
The Blondomes are back!
Our Blondomes are geodesic domes (aka “igloos”) located on the patio at Three Blondes Brewing and are the best way to experience 3BB beer and food “outside” in the fall and winter!
These magical domes will protect you and your classy group of friends (max of 8 people) from the wind, snow, and rain. When the sun’s out, the Blondomes get nice and toasty. When it’s cloudy or the sun is down, a small heater helps keep the Blondomes a few degrees warmer. Body heat also helps.
The Blondomes are first come, first served (no charge) unless reserved for a fee.
Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday - Wednesday: 11:30am-8pm
Thursday - Saturday: 11:30am-9pm
Sunday: 11:30am-8pm
Outdoor Winter Dining at Three Blondes Brewing
The Blondomes are back!
Our Blondomes are geodesic domes (aka “igloos”) located on the patio at Three Blondes Brewing and are the best way to experience 3BB beer and food “outside” in the fall and winter!
These magical domes will protect you and your classy group of friends (max of 8 people) from the wind, snow, and rain. When the sun’s out, the Blondomes get nice and toasty. When it’s cloudy or the sun is down, a small heater helps keep the Blondomes a few degrees warmer. Body heat also helps.
The Blondomes are first come, first served (no charge) unless reserved for a fee.
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