As states prepare for winter surges of COVID-19 during the emergence of the omicron variant, restaurant-goers will face an all too familiar dilemma again this cold season.
Is it safe to dine or drink indoors?
Luckily, many restaurants, breweries and bars have become seasoned at adjusting to the pandemic and providing adequate resources for individuals to safely dine outdoors during winter.
Many restaurants have added igloos to outdoor patios, implemented heaters and fireplaces, and set up makeshift tents with air ventilation.
If you're looking to dine this winter but want to ensure you're heading to a venue with precautions in place, here is a list of some places that will offer an outdoor dining experience in Greater Cincinnati.
AC Upper Deck at The Banks
Skyline views of Downtown and Northern Kentucky are still possible during the winter at AC's Upper Deck, which offers igloos, firepits and heaters. The restaurant's igloo dining operates from Tuesday to Saturday and can host up to eight people in each space. A non-refundable deposit of $31.05 is required in advance and a minimum food and beverage purchase total of $125 is required from Tuesday to Thursday while spending a total of at least $250 is required on Fridays and Saturdays. A reservation can be booked at acupperdeck.com/igloos.
135 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown.
Arnold's Bar & Grill
Cincinnati's oldest tavern covers its outdoor patio during the cold months and adds heaters to keep its back patio warm.
210 E. Eighth St., Downtown.
Blind Pig
This "modern-day speakeasy" keeps its front garage door closed during the cold months and has a tent over parts of its patio with firepits available.
24 W. Third St., Downtown.
Igloobar at Braxton Brewing
Heated igloos. Cushioned seating. Bluetooth speakers. The Igloobar atop Braxton Brewing Co.'s Covington rooftop can accommodate up to eight people for outdoor dining during cold months. Reservations include a two-hour time slot in which guests can dine and drink. A $30 reservation fee is required and refundable up until 48 hours before a reservation is made. To reserve an igloo, visit braxtonbrewing.com.
27 W. Seventh St., Covington.
BridgeView Box Park at Newport on the Levee
The BridgeView Box Park is bringing back its "Winterized" tent and heaters this season. The entertainment space hosts a number of different food, drink and shopping vendors.
1 Levee Way, Newport.
Catch-A-Fire Pizza
New in 2021, Catch-A-Fire is offering its guests three small igloos the restaurant says is "perfect for couples." The pizza restaurant will also bring back three larger igloos that can house up to six guests. The igloos are decorated in winter décor and feature Bluetooth speakers. Igloos are cleaned between reservations. Reservations include a two-hour time slot. A $20 non-refundable booking fee is required for small igloos, while large igloos require a $35 fee. To book a reservation, visit catchafirepizza.com/igloos.
9290 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash.
Comfort Station
Firepits are back this year at the Comfort Station, a bar hidden inside a former public restroom that still displays the men's and women's entrance signs. Four big firepits are available to keep guests warm in the winter.
793 E. McMillan St., Walnut Hills.
Covington Yard
With covered spaces and heaters scattered throughout its outdoor setting, guests can enjoy Korean barbecue, beers and cocktails outside this winter season.
401 Greenup St, Covington.
DeSha's American Tavern
Patio igloos are now open at DeSha's offering a "unique, private, full-service dining experience." Included in the igloo are a heated fireplace, an air purifier, festive string lights, lanterns and plants. Rental fees for the patio igloos are: $25 for daily lunch, $40 on Sunday through Thursdays at dinner, $50 on Fridays and Saturdays. Igloos can accommodate up to six guests and reservations are for two-hour periods. To reserve, call 513-247-9933.
11320 Montgomery Road, Symmes Township.
Fifty West Brewing Co.
Fifty West's burger and beer garden will have an ice rink again this season with heated tents and firepits as part of its "Winter Wonderland" initiative.
7668 Wooster Pike, Columbia Township.
Kon-Tiki at Newport on the Levee
Kon-Tiki's Fire Lounge Igloo Experience features four igloos that fit up to eight guests and include: Bluetooth speakers, board games and heaters. A $50 reservation deposit is required and includes a minimum spending amount of $100 for four to eight guests. To make a reservation, visit kontikionthelevee.com.
1 Levee Way Suite 21377, Newport.
MadTree Brewing Company
MadTree has heaters active over certain tables and tents around its outdoor area during the cold months.
3301 Madison Road, Oakley.
Nomad KY
Nomad offers heaters and a bonfire to keep guests warm in the winter months. The restaurant offers a wide variety of food and drinks on its patio.
225 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue.
PearlStar Oyster Camp + Bar
PearlStar's Courtyard Cabana features a large outdoor tented area with heaters situated in the middle of the patio.
1220 Vine St, Over-The-Rhine.
The Porch at Washington Park
The Porch offers Coca-Cola products, wine, beer and seltzer from local brands like Taft's, Rhinegeist and Fifty West Brewing, and offers seating next to heaters. Check The Porch's Facebook page for opening times and information on closings.
1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine.
Samuel Adams Taproom
Samuel Adams' Over-The-Rhine brewery has a patio set up with heaters and a firepit during the cold months.
1727 Logan St., Over-the-Rhine.
The View at Shires Garden
Panoramic stadium and riverfront views accompany the Garden Igloo and Terrace Greenhouse experiences at The View at Shires Garden. Igloo rentals at Shires Garden come with a minimum spending agreement of: $100 for two persons, $150 for four, $200 for four to eight guests, and $300 for four to eight guests on weekend nights. The igloos are heated and equipped with Bluetooth speakers and are available from November to March. A $50 deposit is required upon reservation. To make a reservation, visit theviewatshiresgarden.com.
309 Vine St.,10th Floor, Downtown.
Vista at Lytle Park
The rooftop patio that sits above the Lytle Park Hotel offers a fireplace to keep dining guests warm in the winter.
311 Pike St., Downtown.
Did we miss something? Let us know! Email the author at bsutherland@enquirer.com.
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