Dining in a winter wonderland: The coolest heated patios in Charlotte

It’s chilly in the Carolinas — but that doesn’t mean patio season is over in Charlotte.

Every year, local restaurants and rooftop bars put out heaters for guests to stay cozy and warm outside over dinner and drinks. But some are going above and beyond with their outdoor set ups this season to make you feel like you’re in a winter wonderland.

From igloos to illuminated tents, here are the coolest spots to grab a bite to eat or drink this winter in Charlotte:

Aura Rooftop

Location: 600 S. College St., Charlotte, NC 28202

Menu

Cuisine: Small plates

Aura Rooftop, at the top of JW Marriott Charlotte, has transformed its rooftop space with decorative lights for Winter in the Queen’s Garden. Take in the views of the Queen City with decorated heated tents, fire pits, seasonal food and drinks, plus “snow” falling every evening through February.

Camp North End

Location: 300 Camp Rd, Charlotte, NC 28206

Multiple restaurants

Cuisine: Latin, vegan and everything in between

For the winter season, Camp North End has officially become Camp North Pole for the holiday season with festive seating, an open-air ice rink, seasonal bites and more. Warm up in an igloo, by a fire pit or at The Ford Factory, which is decorated as a cozy chalet named “The Lodge.”

[RELATED: Find festive holiday events, light displays and other seasonal fun in the Charlotte area]

The Goodyear House

Location: 3032 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205

Menu

Cuisine: American

The Goodyear House is known for having one of the best patio spaces around town. Now that it’s chilly, you can still enjoy the beautiful ambience in the local NoDa restaurant at Goodyear Winterfest in a festive tent or igloo through February. Bookings start at $25.

State of Confusion

Location: 3500 Dewitt Ln, Charlotte, NC 28217

Menu

Cuisine: Peruvian, American, New Orleans

State of Confusion is another local spot where you can chill out in a warm igloo this winter. Enjoy a seasonal cocktail, food or dessert over on the heated patios all season long. The igloos are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

This story was originally published December 18, 2023 at 5:00 AM.

Chyna Blackmon

The Charlotte Observer

Chyna Blackmon was a service journalism reporter for The Charlotte Observer. A native of the Carolinas, she grew up in Columbia, SC, and graduated from Queens University of Charlotte. She’s also worked in local television news in Charlotte, NC, and Richmond, VA. Support my work with a digital subscription