COVID-19 shutdowns have certainly put a damper on date nights and family outings. With cold weather and blustery evenings, it’s even harder to enjoy a meal out. Luckily, these restaurants and breweries offer heated and covered outdoor seating — some have even installed extra features to keep you drier and warmer than ever. From tabletop fires to propane heaters, it’s easy to support local while staying safe, warm, and dry. Pro tip: There’s no rule against bringing your own blanket, so grab your favorite blankie and get ready to keep it cozy.
Black Sheep
Keep it cozy with Black Sheep’s delicious tacos and everyone’s wintertime favorite: a hot toddy. The outdoor patio features propane heaters, along with a small fire heater at the center of every table. Seating is limited, so make sure to call ahead and reserve a spot. 211 W. Holly St., Bellingham, 360.526.2109, blacksheepbellingham.com
Carnal
This brand new barbecue restaurant in downtown Bellingham just had four high-powered infrared heaters installed under their already snazzy outdoor pergola. The area seats 24 guests at socially distanced tables, with additional outdoor seating in the garden patio, warmed by mushroom stand heaters. 1234 North State St., Bellingham, 360.306.3587
Kulshan Brewing Company
Kulshan recently expanded both their Sunnyland and Roosevelt beer gardens. Enjoy a pint under one of the large, heated tents, featuring plenty of seating for social distancing. You can also grab a warm meal from whatever food truck is on site, or bring your own food to enjoy. Multiple locations, kulshanbrewing.com
La Fiamma
You can always grab a to-go slice from Pye Hole, but if you’re wanting to make it a night, enjoy a delicious wood fired pizza on La Fiamma’s heated outdoor deck. Gas heaters provide warmth while a screen blocks the wind. Tables are first-come-first serve, so be sure to show up early. 200 E. Chestnut, Bellingham, 360.647.0060, lafiamma.com
Milano’s Italian Restaurant
Formerly located in Glacier, Milano’s has a new location in downtown Fairhaven, serving up Italian classics and the largest wine menu in Whatcom County. Their patio is recessed into the building, meaning you get an actual roof to protect from rain. Infrared heaters mean you won’t even need a coat. 1210 11th St., Bellingham, 360.599.2863, milanosrestaurantbar.com
Mount Bakery Cafe & Temple Bar
Jointly owned, downtown Bellingham’s Mount Bakery and Temple Bar now feature a semi-protected outdoor deck that serves the cafe during daytime hours and Temple Bar once cocktail hour begins. The main patio seating is also heated, so there’s plenty of space to spread out. 308 W. Champion St., Bellingham, 360.715.2195
Otherlands Beer
This new brewery in Sunnyland offers delicious beer and food inspired by European-style brewpubs. The menu features plenty of belly-warming fare, from latkes to perogies. Enjoy it all on their outdoor patio, which is semi-protected, pet-friendly, and has gas heaters. 2121 Humboldt St., Bellingham, 360.746.8118, otherlandsbeer.com
Stones Throw Brewery
Just a stone’s throw away from the core of downtown Fairhaven you’ll find this cozy neighborhood brewery. Sample their wide selection of beers, grab food from one of the regular food trucks, all while staying warm and dry under their heated, covered patio. 1009 Larrabee Ave., Bellingham, 360.362.5058, stonesthrowbrewco.com
Storia Cucina
Dig into some comforting Italian food outside Storia Cucina, winner of our annual Best of the Northwest contest for Best New Restaurant. Their tabletop gas fireplaces will keep you cozy while you enjoy traditionally inspired pasta, pizza, and cocktails. 109 Grand Ave., Bellingham, 360.734.1929, storiacucina.com
The Blue Abode Bar
This friendly neighborhood bar in Barkley Village wants you to feel at ease as you enjoy their enormous selection of specialty cocktails, beer, wine, and cider. Their outdoor patio is protected by an awning, umbrellas, and coverings to guard from the wind, while multiple heaters keep you warm. 2925 Newmarket St., Ste. 104, Bellingham, 360.656.5022, theblueabodebar.com
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