Traditionally, New Jersey restaurants would’ve retired their outdoor dining set-ups already. Instead, during what are now the coldest months of 2022 and the toughest of times for business owners, patrons are taking shelter in geometric bubbles that seem to keep popping up on every patio in the state. From igloos adorned with fairy lights to greenhouses outfitted with lush furnishings, our beloved NJ bars, eateries and breweries have gotten quite inventive with their outdoor dining solutions—albeit out of necessity.
For more outdoor dining options in New Jersey beyond igloos, check out our roundup of restaurants with the best outdoor dining spaces.
These Instagrammable experiences include amenities ranging from fire-pits and space heaters to personal Bluetooth speakers and servers. Some also require rental fees, spending minimums and reservations. If you’re brave enough to face the NJ cold, or at least want to give your followers FOMO, here’s our running list of NJ restaurants with heated outdoor dining igloos and greenhouses.
1. AC Hotel – Bridgewater
This upscale, lifestyle hotel first opened in Central Jersey in January 2020, and this winter, goers can find igloo enclosures set up on their patio space. Each igloo is decorated with LED lights and complemented by cozy furnishings and an adjustable space heater. You can also order craft cocktails and small plates at the lounge bar to bring inside, in addition to wine, specialty liquors and beer. Reservations are for two-hour time slots and include a $200 minimum. Igloos can seat up to six guests.
Igloo dining on the AC Hotel Bridgewater patio l Photo via @achotelbridgewaternj
2. Asbury Ale House – Asbury Park
On Cookman Avenue, you’ll find a row of Winter Wonderland greenhouses exclusively for Asbury Ale House. Their open-street, heated dining area contains spacious greenhouses that can accommodate four to eight people per enclosure. They also come with private Bluetooth speakers in addition to a personal server. You can book your outdoor seating reservation online—just note there’s also a two-hour dining limit.
3. Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten – Asbury Park
The folks at Asbury Biergarten were the pioneers of igloo dining before the pandemic even began. They’ve been setting up igloos on their Jersey Shore rooftop since 2017, typically open to diners during the fall and winter seasons. These bubbles can be booked by calling ahead and making a reservation. Parties must include a minimum of four guests, who are all at least 21 years of age or older.
gloo dining on the rooftop of Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten in Asbury Park, NJ l Photo via @apbiergarten
4. Bistro 46 – Morristown
A Morristown favorite, Bistro 46 is best known for its Italian dishes but this winter, it’ll be your new go-to for outdoor dining in NJ. The setup here, from what we’ve gathered, includes igloos that are outfitted with space heaters, string lights, white tablecloths and seating for at least two guests.
5. Bloom – Verona
The bubbles at Bloom in Verona, NJ look like they’ve been plucked straight from a fairytale. Seriously, it’s like Cinderella’s carriage found its way to North Jersey. Decorated with string lights and greenery floating whimsically overhead, this French-Korean eatery is doing it right from the outdoor seating to their eclectic menu—whether you’re stopping by for brunch or dinner. Think bulgogi crepes and Korean street toast to bouillabaisse and coq au vin.
6. Bloomfield Steakhouse – Bloomfield
“Tent City” is back for another season on Bloomfield Steakhouse’s outdoor patio. According to the restaurant’s Instagram, the igloos are more spacious this year and can accommodate two to four or five to size people. The bubbles are fully heated and have entry points on two sides.
Outdoor dining igloos at Bloomfield Steakhouse in Bloomfield, NJ l Photo via @bloomfieldsteakhouse
7. Calandra’s Mediterranean Grill – Fairfield
This long-standing, family-owned establishment is perhaps better known for its bakery headquarters in Newark, NJ. Calandra’s Mediterranean Grill in Fairfield, however, is known for its homemade pasta, seafood, wood-burning pizza and for the first time ever, igloo outdoor dining. Their enclosures feature space heaters both inside and outside the bubbles and accommodate large parties, up to 10 people. Please call ahead for reservations.
8. Donatella Ristorante – Harrington Park
Outdoor dining doesn’t get more intimate than this singular igloo at Donatella Ristorante in Harrington Park, NJ. They pride themselves on serving classic Italian dishes made with only the freshest ingredients including hand-cut pasta made with free-range eggs and flour that’s been milled on-site, in addition to locally-caught sustainable seafood. Their outdoor igloo seats up to four people and includes nearby heat lamps for warmth.
9. Fig & Lily Garden – Morristown
Perhaps one of the most popular igloo dining destinations, Fig & Lily Garden in Morristown is one of few other NJ restaurants to install heated outdoor enclosures pre-pandemic. What makes these plastic bubbles unique, however, is that they are able to withstand all kinds of inclement weather since each igloo has its own independent flooring and are designed with two windows and a door for increased air ventilation. Igloos can accommodate up to eight guests, however, smaller parties are welcome. In terms of the menu, Fig & Lily offers a prix fixe menu only for igloo dining. Reservations can be made from November until May.
The outdoor igloo village at Fig & Lily Garden in Morristown, NJ l Photo via @morristown.nj
10. Fresco Da Franco- Montclair
Among the many dining options dotting the bustling Church St., passersby always seem to flock to Fresco Da Franco. Out front of this Montclair restaurant are individual dining bubbles so that you can enjoy brunch, launcher or dinner even in inclement weather. Each igloo is set up with white tablecloths and bright blue chairs—enough to accommodate five guests.
11. Hamilton Inn – Jersey City
If you’re in the mood to get nostalgic, this Jersey City restaurant has currently set up their own version of summer (winter?) camp. Guests can opt to enjoy CAMP Hamilton al fresco on the patio with space heaters and fire pits or from individual heated “cabins.” These enclosures are more like mini tents, outfitted with curtains all around for privacy. Guests can order right from the airstream that’s parked in the patio.
12. Il Tavolo di Palmisano – Hoboken
This Hoboken, NJ favorite focuses its menu on Italian cuisine with a modern twist. Think eggplant parm “casserole” and carbonara topped with a fried egg. Last year, Il Tavolo assembled a row of Covid-friendly bubbles for safe outdoor dining lining Clinton St. Each bubble is fitted with its own space heater and is sanitized with an industrial fogger in between uses.
Sidewalk igloos at Il Tavolo di Palmisano in Hoboken, NJ l Photo via @il_tavolo_di_palmisano
13. Iron Monkey – Jersey City
In addition to an extensive selection of craft beers, you’ll find little domes on both the rooftop and street-level patio of Jersey City’s Iron Monkey. You can reserve your personal heated igloo by calling the restaurant and enjoy the laid back vibes and yummy pub fare of this 22-year-old establishment. When igloo dining, know that there’s a 90-minute dining maximum in addition to an $100 minimum for food and drink purchases. Parities who wish to book a bubble must have between three and eight people.
14. It’s Greek to Me – Ridgewood
Gyros in a greenhouse? That’s exactly what you’ll find if you head over to It’s Greek to Me in Ridgewood, NJ. Owner Paul Vagianos pivoted his outdoor dining strategy during COVID by building these chic, frosted greenhouses that include heating, air ventilation and a weighted base (for high winds). Each metal and plastic enclosure can seat up to four people and should be reserved in advance. Please call the restaurant to book your table.
Outdoor greenhouses at It’s Greek to Me in Ridgewood, NJ l Photo via @itsgreektomeridgewood
15. Josie Kelly’s Public House – Somers Point
The Winter Garden at Josie Kelly’s Public House recently introduced a “SunBubble village.” These heated igloos can seat between two and eight people with no cost to reserve. However, there is a $75 minimum and a maximum dining limit of one hour and 45 minutes. Don’t fret, that should be plenty of time to scarf down some traditional Irish dishes and at least a whiskey or two.
16. Kitchen Step – Jersey CIty
This year, we were thrilled to hear that Chef Ryan DePersio brought back the fully-heated greenhouses at The Kitchen Step in Jersey City, NJ. These enclosures undoubtedly make indulging in his modern-American menu and seasonal cocktails all the more enjoyable—while ensuring guest safety, first and foremost. You can reserve these through their website or over the phone for brunch or dinner, just make sure you order the crispy zucchini fries and the always perfect ricotta gnocchi.
Outdoor dining greenhouses at Kitchen Step in Jersey City, NJ l Photo via @kitchenstepjc
17. ManaFirkin Brewing Company – Manahawkin
You can actually drink beer inside an igloo at this New Jersey brewery. Back for another year, ManaFirkin Brewing Company has installed the “Firkin Wonderland,” where guests can grab a couple of cold ones inside these heated domes. Reservations here are a must, and igloos come with a $50 rental fee and either a $50 or $100 tab minimum depending on the time and day of the week you visit. Each enclosure can hold up to eight guests and is sanitized by hand (in addition to a sanitizer gun) between each seating.
The last day for igloo dining here is February 27, 2022.
18. Man Skirt Brewing – Hackettstown
For the winter, Man Skirt Brewing transformed their Biergarten into an “Eisgarten.” Their igloos don’t require a reservation, deposit or food and drink minimum. Enclosures can accommodate up to eight guests and there’s a two-hour seating limit on a first come, first served basis. There is a great beer menu to order from but no food on-site. That being said, you’re welcome to BYOF or order takeout right to the brewery.
19. Marcus at NoHu Rooftop – Weehawken
EnVue Hotel upped its star power when Chef Marcus Samuelsson joined the team. Today, Marcus at NoHu Rooftop is known for its live Latin music and of course, amazing cuisine curated by the celebrity chef himself. They also debuted rooftop igloos for the second year in a row, which are all fully heated and can be reserved here. We recommend taking in the panoramic skyline views from the comfort of these intimate igloos while enjoying weekend brunch or late-night bites.
Rooftop igloos at NoHu Rooftop in Weehawken, NJ l Photo via @marcusatnohurooftop
20. Northern Soul – Hoboken
A neighborhood favorite for vegans and healthy-eaters alike, Northern Soul’s comfort food vibe just got a whole lot cozier with their “Soul Shacks.” Each of these well-decorated greenhouses has built-in infrared heating, LED lights and USB outlets. The smaller ones can hold two to four guests with a $100 spending minmum. Larger shacks accommodate five to eight people with a $200 minimum. Booking can be done online and reservations are for two hours.
21. Ramen Azuma – Englewood
Looking for some of the best ramen in all of North Jersey? Ramen Azuma is on our radar, and should be on yours too. Their lunch deals are a must try and don’t skip the pork gyoza either. If warming up with a hot bowl of noods wasn’t enough, this spot has also leveled up their outdoor dining with individual heated bubbles.
22. Red Rock Tap and Grill – Red Bank
Sunday Funday just got more…fun? At Red Rock Tap and Grill, you can grab a seat at their outdoor bar, watch the games and snack on a Bavarian pretzel but here’s the kicker—from the comfort of your own private igloo. These bubbles are available on a first come, first served basis. From what we gathered, each seat groups of at least four or more.
23. Renault Winery – Egg Harbor City
Aside from being one of the oldest operating vineyards in the country, Renault Winery is earning more street cred this year with their “Vintner Wonderland.” The seasonal festival includes everything from ice skating to fire pits and a super special Champagne Bubble-Igloo Experience. The latter includes a private igloo for up to six guests for a two-hour reservation. Food and beverages are available for guests during their time slot. It’s $150 to reserve.
Igloo experience at Vintner Wonderland in Egg Harbor City, NJ l Photo via @renaultwineryresort
24. Saku – Hoboken
This might be the most aesthetic enclosure on our list. Hoboken hotspot, Saku, puts a unique spin on sushi and consistently cranks out top-notch cocktails. But this year, you can snag an outdoor greenhouse too if you’re lucky. These greenhouses are heated and decorated to perfection—think string lights and cherry trees overhead. Reservations here are highly encouraged, as is ordering some hot sake.
25. Yankee Doodle Tap Room – Princeton
Did you know that Yankee Doodle Tap Room is home to Norman Rockwell’s oldest and largest mural? This legendary NJ gastropub just earned even more street cred with their outdoor dining igloos. (They also have an award-winning burger and 22 beers on tap.) They have two options that can accommodate parties between two and five or six and eight. The first requires a $150 food and beverage minimum and a time limit of one hour and 45 minutes. The latter includes a $250 minimum and a limit of two hours and 15 minutes. Either option requires a reservation.
The igloo dining scene at Yankee Doodle Tap Room in Princeton, NJ l Photo via @yankeedoodletaproom
Know of any other NJ restaurants with igloos set up for outdoor dining? Let us know in the comments below.
About the Author/s
Abby is The Digest's Managing Editor. She spends her time looking at dogs on Instagram and eating her way around Jersey City.
2 comments
The Claremont Tavern in Bernardsville has bubbles as well as The Stirling Hotel in Stirling and Grillestone Restaurant in Scotch Plains.
Also outside Igloos at B2 on Hooper Ave, Toms River, across from the O C. Mall.