5 Spots in Rhode Island to Dine in an Outdoor Igloo
Bring your own blanket and cozy on up while dining outside in an igloo during the winter months.
Igloos at the Reef in Newport. (Photo courtesy of The Reef)
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated from a previous version posted in 2022.
One positive thing the pandemic did for restaurants is to inspire and encourage all-season outdoor dining experiences just like in Scandinavian countries. There are several restaurants in Rhode Island that have brought back igloo dining for yet another winter season. Bring your own blanket and cozy on up while dining al fresco in a cozy igloo in Newport, Providence, Cranston, East Greenwich, Smithfield and more. The igloos are lit up, most are heated, and all are sanitized after each use for guests to enjoy.
Mare Rooftop
Stay cozy in one of Mare Rooftop’s winter igloos featuring view of the Providence skyline. The igloos seat up to six guests and can be reserved for dinner Tuesday through Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m.
How to reserve: Reserve your igloo by calling the restaurant at 401-336-6273. There is a required minimum spend of $65 per person, and 20 percent gratuity will be added to the final bill.
The details: 229 Waterman St., Providence, 401-336-6273, marerooftop.com
Los Andes
Experience Peruvian and Bolivian cuisine while dining in your own personal igloo on the decked-out patio at Los Andes. Each igloo comfortably seats six to eight guests.
How to reserve: Call the restaurant at 401-649-4911 to make a reservation and for more information on fees.
The details: 903 Chalkstone Ave., Providence, 401-649-4911, losandesri.com
Terrazza
This Mediterranean restaurant offers delicious meals and has igloos set up for outdoor brunch and dinner service for up to six guests during the colder months.
How to reserve: Make your reservations by calling the restaurant directly at 401-233-3223. There is no additional fee to use the igloo, but there is a $100 spending minimum during dinner service Sunday–Thursday and brunch, and a $200 spending minimum during dinner service Friday and Saturday.
The details: 645 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, 401-233-3223, terrazzari.com
The Reef
Make an afternoon or evening reservation for private, heated igloo dining for two to eight people overlooking Newport Harbor. The Reef’s dinner menu will be offered, with a full cocktail and wine menu. The unique igloo offerings are a collaboration between the Reef and Exquisite Events and include four different themes: Winter Wonderland, Rainforest, Botanical Garden and Citrus Grove.
How to reserve: Reservations can be made online. There is a $100 rental fee per igloo as well as spending minimums. Call for pricing.
Details: 10 Howard Wharf, Newport, 401-324-5852, thereefnewport.com
Coast Guard House
The Coast Guard House welcomes guests to dine by the sea in one of its designer-decorated snowglobes (a.k.a. igloos). The heated igloos can accommodate two to eight guests at a time.
How to reserve: Reservations can be made online or by calling the restaurant directly. There is a $100 igloo rental charge for three hours (reservations time may be shorter during holiday weekends) in addition to a $25 per guest minimum spend.
Details: 40 Ocean Rd., Narragansett, 401-789-0700, thecoastguardhouse.com
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