Downtown Eau Claire’s Dive (aka the bar in The Lismore Hotel) wasn’t about to let its swanky patio overlooking Barstow Street sit unused this winter. Seizing an opportunity to help patrons enjoy Wisconsin’s chillier months, the bar has set up a pair of “igloos” where patrons can enjoy some drinks in a unique environment. Each igloo has a small space heater along with blankets, fuzzy pillows, and candles to warm up the space.

Dive manager Andrew Gehrke tells us, “[We’re] hoping to have our guests embrace winter and find the beauty in the season. There are warm drinks on our winter menu including buttered rum, hot toddies, and mulled wine which you can purchase by the glass or in a large thermos to enjoy with friends.” 

Gehrke says he had wanted to add the igloos last winter, but was held back by record-breaking snowfall. Instead, they started planning last autumn, installing the cozy, biodome-esque pods in mid-November. If you’re interested, the igloos are first come, first serve starting at 4pm, Tuesday through Friday, and 2pm on Saturdays. They’ll likely stay through March, depending on the weather.

Gehrke plans to make the igloos an annual affair, adding, “They’re a great place to snap a few photos and send them to friends or family, and they’re especially magical during a snowfall.”

The Lismore Hotel is located at 333 Gibson Street. More info online at www.thedive.bar

More Cool Igloo Shots