Manahawkin Brewery To Bring Outdoor ‘Igloos’ Back This Winter

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — Even before the coronavirus pandemic hit, owner Todd Hunt envisioned adding weatherproof domes to ManaFirkin Brewing Company’s beer garden. When cold weather limited outdoor dining last year, the igloos quickly evolved from an idea into a solution.

Several domes were decorated and placed under string lights, an area that the brewery calls "Firkin Wonderland." Each one has a 12-foot diameter and can fit groups of eight.

The heated igloos provided extra seating when New Jersey restaurants, bars and breweries could only provide indoor dining at 25 percent capacity last year.

ManaFirkin Brewing Company has plans to bring their igloos back this winter, with reservations opening on Oct. 28.

“It turned out better than expected. We had the idea two years prior to COVID stuff,” Hunt told Patch. “Last year there wasn't really much to do and people who wanted to do stuff, this was an opportunity to get outside, go out and do something.”

ManaFirkin has already been receiving calls about when igloos will be ready for booking. Starting Oct. 28, people can reserve tables for late-November, December, January and February.

This year, reservations will be housed on Resy, where people can view all of the dates and time slots available.

“Igloos have to be reserved. There’s a possibility someone could walk in and it will be open, but we tell people to try and book in advance,” Hunt said.

For those who have never sat inside one, Hunt describes it as a cozy, heated space where people are shielded from the elements with a view comparable to being inside a snowglobe.

“Some days it snowed and there was frost on the sides or snow outside on the ground and you’re in this bubble that has some heat in it," Hunt said. "It’s a fun, cozy atmosphere.”

Keep up to date with what's happening in your community by subscribing to your local Patch newsletter here.