If you’re looking to enjoy the coziness of the snow and winter weather without having to endure the bitter breeze, or you’re just looking for a unique foodie experience, check out one of these outdoor igloo dining options around metro Detroit.
Blake’s Tasting Room
Between the restaurant, the brewery, the gift shop, the café, the petting farm, the tasting room, and more, it’s easy to turn a trip to Blake’s into a full day getaway. Now, you can include igloo dining in that experience. Blake’s igloos, complete with blankets and décor, seat up to 10 guests and can reserved online, though walk-ins are welcome. The igloo dining experience has a maximum of two hours and requires a $100 minimum during the week and a $250 minimum Friday-Sunday. Once you’re snug in your globe, you can order from Blake’s Tasting Room menu, which offers hard cider, craft beer, and food. Blake’s igloos are open through March. Blake’s Tasting Room, 17985 Armada Center Rd., Armada; 586-784-9463. Blake’s Backyard Taproom, 5600 Van Dyke, Almont; 810-798-3251; blakeshardcider.com.
Honcho
Each igloo at Honcho’s has a different seating set-up, the largest catering to up to eight people. There’s no party minimum, spending minimum, or time limit at in the Honcho globes, making it accessible to all types of guests. Igloo dining is a unique experience, and Honcho has the menu to match, serving Latin street food with an Asian flair. Order a house cocktail or a drink from the restaurant’s extensive draft beer menu to pair with your funky fare, such as a Korean pulled pork taco, a Sweet Potato Enchiladas, or a Mojo Moroccan Carne Asada. Honcho, 3 E. Church St., Clarkston; 248-707-3793; eathoncho.com.
Lumen
Lumen first opened in April 2018, and after steady success, its igloos opened the following winter. Lumen’s illustrious igloos, now chalets, accommodate up to 10 guests and have a minimum of $35 per person, plus 20% gratuity on all reservations. Dining options include snacks like crab cakes and calamari as well as full plates such as honey bourbon salmon, shrimp Florentine, squash campanile, and much more. The chalets are cozy, but if you want to get some fresh air, there are nearby firepits to keep you warm outside. Check out the activities at Beacon Park while you’re there. Lumen, 1903 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-626-5005; lumendetroit.com.
Camp Ticonderoga
Camp Ticonderoga’s outdoor igloos are equally as charming as the rest of the restaurant, which has been serving up homestyle food since 1996. With only two igloos, Camp Ticonderoga’s take on the outdoor dining experience is in high demand. Reservations must be made online, and includes a $5 non-refundable booking fee. There’s a $250 minimum, plus 20% gratuity. The globes can hold up to a party of 10, are carpeted, and guests can play playlists from their personal music selection. You can snack on Sichuan shrimp or venison chili, or go straight for the entrees, like jerk chicken pasta, buffaloes, St. Ignace salmon, or a classic 12 oz. ribeye. Camp Ticonderoga closes its igloos down on Feb. 28. Camp Ticonderoga, 5725 Rochester Road, Troy; 248-828-2825; campticonderoga.com.
Detroit Fleat
Though Detroit Fleat’s food trucks have gone home for the winter, you can still have an outdoor dining experience at this metro Detroit favorite year-round. The restaurant’s four igloos can be reserved for up to 8 people. The book fast, but you can take your chances on a first-come, first-serve basis. All igloos feature board games and fun decor, along with a space heater — though you are welcome to bring your own blankets. On the booze side, Fleat offers wine, and cocktails including expresso martinis, seasonal margaritas, mules, and more. On the dining side, Fleat’s house menu is extensive, offering a variety of flavors and fusions, like chicken drumsticks, fish tacos, the whiskey bacon burger, and loaded chili fries. In addition to the regular menu, Fleat offers s’mores kits, a hot cocoa bar, and group cocktails as add-ons to your igloo dining experience. Detroit Fleat, 1820 Nine Mile Road, Ferndale; 248-607-7611; detroitfleat.com.
This post was originally published in 2020 and is updated regularly.
