Best Outdoor Dining on Long Island: Igloos, Greenhouses, and More Winter Restaurants

Enjoy oceanside dining inside a heated igloo at Gurney's Resort in Montauk.
Enjoy oceanside dining inside a heated igloo at Gurney's Resort in Montauk.
2/2/24 - By Jaime Sumersille

Outdoor dining on Long Island is still viable in the dead of winter, with family-friendly local eateries offering options like igloos, mini-greenhouses, and heaters. 

While these outdoor dining options come with perks like fairy lights, Bluetooth speakers, plush seating, and more, they also often come at a hefty price tag, and they might be best saved for a special occasion. Reservations are generally required and the spaces often sell out, so plan in advance.

Find more family-friendly eateries in our Family-Friendly Long Island Restaurant Guide, plus plenty of seasonal fun in our Winter Fun Guide.

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Where to Enjoy Outdoor Dining in Nassau County

1. Pietro's of East Meadow – East Meadow

Newly updated private igloos positioned under a canopy of umbrellas adorn this Nassau County restaurant can hold up to 10 guests. Infrared heaters are in each igloo. Reservations are required and can be made through OpenTable.

RELATEDWinter Fun List for Long Island Kids

Smuggler Jack's
The igloos at Smuggler Jack's in Massapequa are nestled canal-side and feature heating and lighting.

2. Smuggler Jack's – Massapequa

Several heated igloos are nestled canal-side at this South Shore eatery and boast a dedicated server during your 2-hour reservation. Suitable for up to eight people, igloos can be rented for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. Call for reservations. 

3. Coach Meeting House – Oyster Bay

This Oyster Bay restaurant offers private igloos with indoor and outdoor space featuring firepits, televisions, couches, and Adirondack chairs. Igloos seat six-10 people and there's a guaranteed minimum spend of $200. Reservations can be made online

4. Nunzi's – Farmingdale

Located just steps from Farmingdale's LIRR station, this modern Italian spot has two curbside igloos that can each seat up to 12 guests. Connect to the igloo's Bluetooth system and play your tunes. There's no additional fee to dine in the igloos Monday through Thursday, but it costs $25 per person plus a $300 minimum spending amount from Thursday to Sunday. 

La Estacion
The heated igloos at La Estacion are sure to keep diners warm.

Where to Enjoy Outdoor Dining in Suffolk County

6. La Estacion — Brentwood

Choose from Hispanic, Pakistani, and American cuisines as you dine outdoors in an igloo at La Estacion. Three heated igloos can seat seven-nine guests and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis for a $10 fee. 

7. The Oar – Patchogue

Get cozy along the Patchogue River, where six heated igloos share the deck at The Oar. Diners are encouraged to bring their blankets as well. Igloos seat two-six people and cost $50 for 2 hours Tuesday through Thursday and $75 for Friday through Sunday. More info here

8. The Better Man Distilling Co. – Patchogue

Five heated igloos line this Patchogue brewery's grassy area. Each igloo is equipped with a Bluetooth speaker, couches/ chairs/bean bags, board games, and more. Up to eight guests can fit inside for a 3-hour rental at $25. Must book in advance. More info here

9. Rhum – Patchogue

Patchogue's only rooftop dining experience lets you take in starry nights while dining on Caribbean food in an igloo. Tap into the Bluetooth speakers and listen to the music of your liking. Each igloo can accommodate up to six guests and incurs booking fees of $40-60. 

10. Gurney's Resort – Montauk

Through March 31, take in ocean views at this luxury East End resort as you dine under the stars in a heated igloo. With seating for up to six guests, these igloos have a 2-hour time limit. A $50 reservation fee will be donated to a local charity and there is a $100 minimum spending amount.

Photos courtesy of the restaurants

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