BY JON O’CONNELL, STAFF WRITER
Snow gathered on glowing globes outside State Street Grill, 114 S. State St., Clarks Summit, where the Davis family finished their meal.
The foursome from Clarks Green emerged from one, leaving the warmth inside for the open air.
“It was our first time. It was so cool to see the snow falling as we were eating underneath the tent … it was cozy,” said Maggie Davis, who was checking out State Street’s newest attraction, the so-called “igloos” with her husband, Chris and sons, Paulie, 8, and Patrick, 5.
Restaurant owner Thomas Hill installed four temporary igloos, clear plastic geodesic domes to extend the patio season. Despite the cold, sloppy season, guests can still wine and dine in his trademark outdoor space.
“I can’t take credit for the idea, but for recognizing it,” he said, explaining how a New York City restaurant with rooftop dining inspired him.
He’s got one communal dome where guests can have stop for a drink or wait for a table on busy nights.
A cocktail igloo seats about a dozen with portable dinner trays and a low table in the center for drinks and appetizers. The two near the front seat up to eight guests who want to enjoy a full meal outdoors.
The four domes, at 144 square feet, cost about $1,400 apiece, Hill said, and he plans to keep them up as long as he can.
“They can handle any element and temperatures, I think, into the negatives,” he said. “We’ll run them all winter.”
They’re rated for winds up to 40 mph. They get downright balmy when the sun’s out. At night, he heats them with portable heaters that do a nice job controlling temperatures.
They’re decorated with ropes of color-changing LED lights. Each seat has a light blanket, neatly rolled, just in case.
You’re still definitely eating outside. Jackets are advised.
Parties of six or more can reserve one of the two dining igloos Monday through Thursday for a maximum of two hours.
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, they’re first-come, first-served.
Guests can makes reservations on State Street’s website, thestatestreetgrill.com, through the Open Table reservation link.
Contact the writer: joconnell@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9131; @jon_oc on Twitter
