Igloos, and Yurts, and Greenhouses

 9 (COVID Friendly of Course) Places to Elevate your Outdoor Dining Game

Oh My!?

I don’t know about you, but sometimes a girl gets tired of her own cooking; or even ordering in. I miss getting excited to get dressed and try out a new restaurant with my girls. Of course COVID has drastically changed what that looks like. I’ve browsed a bit and come across quite a few places that have some pretty creative ways to safely (and warmly) offer outdoor dining- from igloos to yurts (I know right, what in the world is a yurt). You know I’ve got all the deets for you. Just call me your fairy Godmother (I’m a godmother IRL too- so you know I’m legit lol!). I give to you 9 Ways to Elevate Your Outdoor Dining Game.

First Up...Relax Under a Cabana

Hook Hall: Viking Village

As a Last Kingdom fan (Netflix-thank me later!), I love a good Viking theme.  Hook Hall nailed it with themed cabanas (both partial and fully enclosed) and fire pits for rent.  Cabana reservations start at $125 for groups up to 6 people and $250 for larger groups.  If you aren’t booking with your squad, you can rent a fire pit for $15 dollars.  FYI: Your turkey legs and mead (aka your food and drinks) are not included in the reservation free, but a bottle of Champagne is (for the cabanas, anyway).  Get your clique and head on over to “The Vil”.

Wundergarten

The NoMa Beer Garden also has outdoor cabanas open for reservation.  For more information on cost and availability, check their site.

The Greenhouse Effect

 Belga Cafe

Dine in a heated Greenhouse in this Belgian cafe.  Belga is participating in 2021 Winter Restaurant Week which makes trying this out even more enticing (see below for details on my experience. When reserving a Greenhouse, weekday minimums are $150 and weekend minimums are $200. A meal for two during Restaurant Week could easily get you to the minimum with their 3-Course Pre-fixe menu starting at $55.  They’re also offering a Lunch promotion starting at $35. To make a reservation for indoor, outdoor, or greenhouse dining, visit.

The Inn at Perry Cabin   

If you’re looking for a more romantic take on greenhouse dining, then views of the Chesapeake at sunset at the Inn’s Star restaurant is all you need!  With tons of other amenities, why not make a weekend of it.  Get a room,catch a massage, or sail the Eastern Shore!  If done right, this could be a beautiful winter weekend getaway.  The very best part about it.. you don’t have to go very far.  St. Michael’s, Maryland is only about an hour and a half away from the city.  To reserve all of the above check out the website.   

Burrr it’s Cold Ig Here

Watergate

Enjoy a truly iconic experience at this DC hotel landmark with a Winter Igloo at the Watergate Hotel.  The heated igloos are on the patio of The Next Whisky Bar and accommodate up to six people.  Unlike some other places with igloos, you can walk-in and get one if there’s availability.  Reservations are required on weekends.  Rental fees range from $150 to $300 (and up on weekends).  Food and beverage is not included in the rental fee and must meet a $50- $75 minimum depending on the day or holiday.  One of the biggest perks to this igloo option is that you don’t have to pay a fee to reserve.  You can cancel until 3p two days prior without incurring a cancellation fee.   For more information, or to reserve an igloo head to their site.

Del Mar

Although currently closed, Del Mar will reopen on February 10th.  Don’t wait to book your igloo (seats up to 6 for 2 hours), because availability is freezing up fast.  Rentals fees vary based on time and day.  Igloo rental for brunch is $200 and rental for dinner is $250.  For more information on igloos, rentals, and reservations head over to their website. 

King & Rye

Similarly King and Rye’s Winter Wonderland igloos are available for rent for $50 with a $100 food and beverage minimum. Igloos are heated, seat up to 8, and even come with your own Bluetooth speakers to set your own mood.  Reservations can only be made via email.  Late cancellations after 48 hours advance notice will incur a $50 fee. For more information and menus, check their website.

What the Yurt!?

Fiola

What the Yurt!? You learn something new everyday they say. APparently a yurt is a portable, round tent covered with skins or felt used by nomadic groups in Central Asia.  Who knew!?  Fiola’s Yurt Village in partnership with AmEx (you need one to make a reservation) is your high end go to for the outdoor tent experience.  In Yurt Village you can enjoy a 4-course meal for $145 per person for 4-6 guests.  Reservations can be made on their website.

Potomac Point Winery

There’s nothing like a nice day at a winery.  At Potomac Point Winery, you can reserve a wine tent for up to 8 people (two of them have fire pits in them) for $150 dollars (food and drink minimums apply depending on day and time) for 2 hrs and 45 minutes.  Reservations can only be made 2 weeks in advance so keep your grapes peeled for your desired availability. The best part, you can order a wine soaked cake!  WTF!?? Sold!  For more information and reservations stomp on over to their site.