The end of summer usually means the end of patio season in Cleveland. But thanks to you-know-what in 2020, many local restaurants decided to extend the outdoor dining season with heaters, fire pits, and even cozy private igloos.
And guess what? It stuck! Igloo dining and heated patios look as though they are here to stay, and Clevelanders are definitely here for it.
So while we already have an extensive list of our favorite patios in Cleveland, we also decided to round up some outdoor spots that you can visit in the fall, winter, and early spring months, too.
If you’re looking for our summer patio list, find it here. But if you’re looking for the best heated patios and igloos in Cleveland, keep reading!
PLEASE NOTE: We try to keep this list as updated as possible in regards to who has what open, but we always recommend visiting each restaurant’s website or calling ahead to double check on all the details. List last updated November 14, 2023.
The best heated patios and igloos in Cleveland
This list includes Cleveland patios heated with space heaters and fire pits, as well as local spots that have installed heated igloos, greenhouses, and other small structures that you can reserve for dining throughout the fall and winter.
Igloo dining in Cleveland
Even before the pandemic, some local restaurants added transparent geodesic domes (i.e. “igloos”) to their patios for atmospheric winter dining. But in fall 2020, these private dining options exploded in popularity around Cleveland – and many restaurants have brought them back every winter since.
Most Cleveland restaurants with igloos kit out their igloos with tables, couches, heaters, lights, and other decorations, making booking one a whole dining experience.
Local spots offering igloos in Cleveland include:
1. Georgetown Restaurant / Vosh
18515 Detroit Rd, Lakewood | For: Meals, drinks, or special occasions
The cozy igloos at the Georgetown in Lakewood are not new – but they certainly are extra popular now!
The Georgetown has 5 heated “Arctic Igloos” that can each seat up to 8 people on their large outdoor patio. The igloos are furnished in a cozy contemporary way that differs slightly depending on upcoming holidays, and I probably don’t have to tell you that they are always a hot commodity.
Igloos are reservable in 2-hour time slots, and you definitely need to book in advance. They offer two different seating configurations – either a more dinner-friendly setting with a table and chairs, or a more casual setup with a couch and coffee table.
These igloos do usually book up fast, but they also keep them out usually until April.
Booking info: Book online here; seating times are 5-7 p.m. and 7:30-9:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 3-5 p.m., 5:30-7:30 p.m. and 8-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday. There’s a $20-$45 rental fee per booking, and a minimum spend per igloo of either $125 or $250 depending on which night you book.
Pro tip: Follow the Georgetown on social media (especially Instagram Stories) to learn about any last-minute cancelations.
2. The South Side
2207 W 11th St, Cleveland | For: Meals, including brunch
The South Side in Tremont has one of our favorite patios in normal times, and now they add igloos once temperatures drop to keep the patio vibes going all winter long!
Each igloo can hold up to 8 people, and you can order off the regular South Side menu, plus get extras like beer buckets. They have different igloo configurations, including a lounge igloo with lounge patio furniture.
Booking info: Igloos are reservable in 2-hour time slots. There are no rental fees or minimums Monday-Thursday. Friday-Sunday, there’s a $50 deposit required (which will go toward your final bill) and a minimum spend of $200. A 25% gratuity is added to each igloo bill. You can learn more about booking an igloo on their website, or by calling 216-937-2288.
3. The Fairmount
2448 Fairmount Blvd, Cleveland (Cleveland Heights) | For: Cocktails, small plates
We love the Fairmount’s patio for great drinks and their special patio menu, and the fact that they always add standing heaters around the bar during the fall. But this year they’ll be bringing back their heated igloos, too!
These decorated igloos are up on the Fairmount’s patio usually by late November, to go along with their fall/winter drink specials.
Booking info: There’s no booking fee for the igloos, but you do need a minimum of 4 people to book one. Call 216-229-9463 to book.
4. Merwin’s Wharf
1785 Merwin Ave, Cleveland (Irishtown Bend) | For: Bar food and a beer garden feel
Merwin’s Wharf will once again offer igloo dining this winter. The full-service igloos at Merwin’s Wharf are fully furnished and heated, overlooking the Cuyahoga River. They can hold anywhere from 2-8 people, and can be reserved for two-hour time slots.
Booking info: There’s a $50 booking fee per igloo, and an automatic 20% gratuity added to your bill. They are available starting on November 1, 2023 and running through the end of February 2024. You definitely should book in advance, and can book here.
5. The Rustic Grill at StoneWater
1 Club Dr, Cleveland (Highland Heights) | For: Meals
The Rustic Grill at the StoneWater Golf Club has 3 heated igloos this year, each of which can hold up to 8 people. The igloos are located on the restaurant’s covered back patio, and are outfitted with tables, rugs, lights, and a heater. This winter there are two dining igloos and one lounge igloo, and they’ll be available through March 2024.
You can reserve these igloos for lunch, dinner, and even brunch, with seatings bookable in 2 hour blocks.
Booking info: Reservations are required, and can be made from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., and from 5-8 p.m. There’s a $100 minimum spend on Friday and Saturday nights, and a 22% gratuity is added to all igloos.
6. Lakewood Truck Park
16900 Detroit Ave, Lakewood | For: Food trucks, drinks, game day
This food truck park in Lakewood is almost entirely patio (with one large indoor bar, too). The patio has several large fire pits, and sets up igloos outside once the temperatures start to drop.
Each igloo has seating for up to 7 people, decorations, and a space heater and blankets to help you stay cozy.
Booking info: Igloos need to be booked in advance online, and are available Wednesday-Sunday. There’s a $25 deposit required (which you’ll get back as a gift card), and a minimum bar spend of $100 Friday-Saturday and $50 on Sunday. (Money spent at food trucks does not apply towards minimum spend.)
7. Rocky River Wine Bar
1313 Linda St, Rocky River | For: Cocktails, wine, and bites
While not offering igloos, Rocky River Wine Bar is offering something unique: the chance to dine inside a ski gondola!
This is a super cute dining option that can seat 2-4 people at a small table. Gondolas are available nightly at 4 p.m., 6 p.m., and 8 p.m., and you can order from the regular Wine Bar menu. The gondolas are heated, but they recommend you dress warmly.
Booking info: Reservations can be made by calling (440) 799-4300. There’s no reservation fee, but there is a minimum spend of $200 for your whole group. More info here.
Other spots near Cleveland with igloos
Not opposed to driving a little further for a private igloo? Here are some other options to check out not far from Cleveland:
- Don’s Pomeroy House – Strongsville, OH – These seasonal igloos are set up for 8 people to enjoy full-service dining. There are two seating times per evening. Find more info on times and minimum spends here.
- Carso Rosso Winery – Strongsville, OH – Enjoy a “Wine Globe” at Carso Rosso this winter. Each igloo can hold up to 8 people, and comes furnished with a couch, table, and chairs. Find more info and book here.
- 9er’s Diner & Pub – Brunswick, OH – They’ve got full-service igloos to seat 4-8 people. Rentals are for 2 hours, and require a $50 deposit and $125 minimum spend. Available from 4-6 p.m. November 25-December 30, 2023.
- Blue Heron Brewpub – Medina, OH – Blue Heron has igloos again this year. Each igloo has two heaters inside and can accommodate up to 8 guests. Rental rates and minimum spends vary; find more info and book here.
- Nauti Vine Winery – Akron, OH – Nauti Vine has “Wine Bubbles” available to rent through the winter. Each heated bubble can hold up to 8 people, and reservations are for 3 hours. There’s a $25 rental fee, and minimum spends apply. Learn more and book here.
- Twin Oast Brewing – Port Clinton, OH – If you’re heading up to Catawba Island this winter, don’t miss the fairy-light-covered igloo village at Twin Oast Brewing. Each igloo can accommodate up to 8 guests. Rental rates and minimum spends vary; find more info and book here.
Cleveland patios with heaters
The following Cleveland patios have space heaters (and in some cases space heaters AND fire pits) dotted around in order to keep things cozy. Also noted are whether the patios have added cover to protect against rain (or, let’s be honest, snow).
Not all of these will stay open through the winter, though, so it’s always a good idea to message or call ahead to make sure the patio is still open!
1. Market Garden Brewpub
1947 W 25th St, Cleveland (Ohio City) | For: Beer, food, watching a game
Market Garden has always referred to its beer garden as being “four-season,” with its ginormous outdoor fireplace and long, fixed high-top tables with big space heaters hanging above them.
The beer garden is not covered, though, so this isn’t an ideal spot if it’s raining or snowing. But it IS one of the most atmospheric patios in Cleveland!
(This one does eventually close for the winter.)
2. All Saints Public House
1261 W 76th St, Cleveland (Battery Park) | For: Craft cocktails and full meals
All Saints has become a local favorite for those looking for a cool bar space with a beautiful patio. Last fall, All Saints invested in a bunch of standing heaters to keep its patio going through the fall and winter.
And while this patio is fall-friendly, it won’t stay open through the winter; they’ll likely only keep it open while the weather is still mild. If your heart is set on patio dining here, I recommend calling ahead on the day you want to visit to see if the patio is open.
3. Jukebox
1404 W 29th St, Cleveland (Hingetown) | For: Drinks, pierogi, game day
This neighborhood tavern was extra cautious during the pandemic, only offering seating on its patio throughout the fall and winter of 2020. Jukebox added a tent and standing heaters to its outdoor space to help keep out the chill, and now offers 800 square feet of covered patio space.
Jukebox has some cozy fall cocktails to enjoy, too, and does outdoor watch parties for Browns games, with multiple TVs on the patio for viewing.
We’ve tried to make this list as inclusive as possible, but if we’ve missed any heated patios or igloo options, please let us know so we can get info and add them.
It seems like we could be in for another long winter here in Cleveland, but hopefully these heated patio options will make it possible for you to still get out and support local businesses.
READ NEXT: Top Things to Do in Cleveland in Winter
Will you be visiting any heated patios in Cleveland this fall/winter?
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Amanda was born and raised in northeast Ohio, and has always been a fangirl of her home state. Now, she’ sharing her love of the Cleveland area with the world, highlighting all the best things to do, see, and eat in the CLE. She’s been running Cleveland Traveler since January 2019.
Flour has turned their front walk way into a heated patio.
Good to know! I know lots of local spots have tried to keep their patios open this year, and I’m sure I’ve missed some of them!
Thank you for this. It’s the beginning of March 2021 and we’re looking for when patios will open to see humans again! Appreciate the research!
It likely won’t be long! I’m sure most restaurants with patios will open as soon as the weather allows! Until then, these are all good options.
I love this article! But where is the map that was mentioned at the beginning of the post?
Sorry, I had the map made last year (2020) when there were a lot more igloo/patio options! I haven’t made one for this year. Sorry for the confusion.
With the continued high rates of respiratory infections in October 2023, it would be helpful to know there are restuarants offering options for dining outdoors even as temperatures start to fall. Many would love to dine out on Cleveland restaurant patios while avoiding illness indoors. Heaters seem like such a small expense to offer guests. In 2020 and 2021 many restaurants welcomed outdoor diners by offering patios with heaters and igloos. Your website posted these outdoor winter dining locations. Immunocompromised residents in northeast Ohio who seek to avoid infections frequent Cleveland restaurants in good weather. They spend money on fine dining just the same as those willing to risk infection, but they continue to need enhanced safeguards in 2023. Will you be posting locations that continue to offer cold weather patio dining options such as heaters or igloos in 2023?
I will, Theresa, but restaurants do not announce this info very far in advance, so I have to wait until the weather truly starts to get cold to see which restaurants will once again offer igloos/outdoor heaters. I would expect the 2023 list to be similar to 2022, though.