The igloos lit up at night at the Lookout Rooftop Bar at The Envoy Hotel in Boston.
Imagine sipping a craft cocktail and watching the sun set over the Boston skyline while sitting in a heated igloo at a trendy rooftop bar in the middle of February.
Sound too good to be true? Well, this was my experience last week at the Lookout Rooftop Bar at The Envoy Hotel in Boston’s Seaport District.
I’ll admit, when I first heard about the pop-up igloo bar, it sounded a little gimmicky. But my sister, who lives in Vermont (and runs Travel Like a Local: VT), saw a photo of the igloos on Instagram and wanted to go. So despite the fact that it was in the low 20’s the weekend she visited, we bundled up and headed to the Seaport.
The Experience
We arrived at The Envoy around 4:30pm on a Friday. Given that most people were probably still wrapping up their workday, we did not have to wait in line. In the hotel lobby, we were greeted by two gentlemen who checked our IDs and our bags and gave us each a stamp. Then we got in the elevator to head up to the rooftop.
It was still daylight when we arrived, so we had plenty of time to scope out the amazing views of the harbor and the Boston skyline before it got dark. While the full effect of the neon LED lighting in the igloos is best felt at night, it was a pretty awesome spot to watch the sun set.
In addition to the igloos, the bar offers chairs and couches clustered around large outdoor heat lamps placed throughout the roof deck. While it was a little chilly to sit outside the night we were there, I would happily choose the outdoor seating on a milder night, as it’s fun to be surrounded by the igloos while staring out at the city lights dotting the skyline.
The Igloos
So, what about the igloos themselves? Made of clear, weather-proof plastic, the igloos contain colorful neon LED lighting in shades of blue, green, red and orange. They also contain individual adjustable heaters to keep the space warm. Our heater was set to 85 degrees, and it was quite comfortable inside. There were also fleece blankets available to up the coziness factor.
We had a dedicated cocktail server who came by to check on us several times. And each igloo is also equipped with a light that you can illuminate to signal for service.
Six of the igloos are large enough to fit groups of 8-10 people, and another three contain high top tables and chairs for smaller parties of 2-4.
The group igloos can be reserved for groups larger than 6 people for 2-hour increments. Reservations are available from 4-6pm, 6:30-8:30pm, and 9-11pm, and can be made via OpenTable or by calling the hotel directly. It’s worth noting that reservations require a $500 minimum spend (which is easily doable for a large group), and cancellations must be made 48 hours in advance (or else are subject to a $200 fee).
Walk-ins are also, of course, welcome and are served on a first-come, first-served basis. We had an igloo to ourselves the time we were there, though several had signs noting reservations starting later that evening.
The Drinks
The bar at Lookout Rooftop is currently drinks-only, though it’s been rumored that they will start offering light bites upstairs sometime this winter. Offering cocktails, wine and beer, there is something for everyone on the menu.
The cocktail list was curated by head bartender Brian McDougall, and currently offers three “hot” cocktails, along with a variety of chilled cocktails. All individual cocktails are priced at $15, and a few “large format” cocktails – including a fishbowl – are available for $105 for 4+ people to share.
I first ordered Rosemary’s Baby (rosemary-infused vodka, cranberry and lambrusco), which was herby and delicious. I also tried the Cider Sangria (rum, white wine, brandy, apple cider and cranberry), which was a bit sweeter and made for easy drinking. My sister sampled the Southie Shuffle (maple rum, amaro and cinnamon) and the Brian’s Barrel Aged (bourbon, port, vermouth, cointreau and bitters), both of which were quite hearty and strong – perfect to keep you warm.
The bar also offers a solid list of craft beers, including options from local breweries like Night Shift, Bent Water, Cisco and Lord Hobo, as well as Bud Light, Corona and other similar options. Beer prices range from $7 – $12. The wine list includes offerings both by the glass and by the bottle, and features a nice selection of sparkling, red, white and rose. Prices by the glass range from $12 – $20. A large selection of spirits are also available.
The Verdict
I really enjoyed my time at the Lookout Rooftop Bar, and plan to go back at least once or twice to enjoy the igloos before the season ends in April. In fact, I had several friends reply to my Instagram stories while I was there asking if we could plan a visit!
It’s a fun place to go for a couple drinks pre- or post-dinner, and the party-like atmosphere makes it a festive place to start your night. It would be a great spot for a birthday celebration or even an after work cocktail hour with colleagues, though I would definitely recommend making a reservation for a group. If you go, make sure to bundle up – and be sure to bring a camera for all the Insta-worthy photo ops you’re sure to find!
What to Know Before You Go:
- The igloo bar is open Wednesday-Saturday from 4-11pm and is strictly 21+ (no children are allowed up on the roof).
- Hotel patrons receive guaranteed access to the roof without waiting in line. If you’re staying at The Envoy, make sure to take advantage of this perk!
- Outside food and beverage is prohibited. Your bag will be checked before you head up to the roof, so make sure you leave any snacks at home.
- While you can reserve the larger igloos for groups larger than 6, unreserved igloos are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Get there early to avoid waiting in line.
- Bring a camera or make sure to have your smartphone handy and fully charged. There are Insta-worthy photo ops everywhere you look!
- The bar is drinks-only, so plan to eat before you go. Or make a reservation at one of the many restaurants in the Seaport for later in the evening to enjoy after cocktails.
- While it’s relatively warm inside the igloos and the heaters can be adjusted, you’ll still want to dress warmly. Long pants and a winter coat should do the trick.
- Have fun. With amazing panoramic views of Boston, yummy drinks and neon-lit igloos, what’s not to like? Enjoy yourself and have a great time!
Lookout Rooftop Bar
The Envoy Hotel
70 Sleeper Street
Boston, MA 02210
Phone Number: 617-530-1559
Website: https://outlookkitchenandbar.com/lookout-rooftop-and-bar/
Instagram: @lookoutrooftop
Categories: Activities, Boston, Food & Drink, The Seaport