Scoop: Dine in an igloo on Merchant and Trade's rooftop
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We went on a misty night so our skyline views were slightly obstructed but it felt like we were in a real-life snow globe. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios
Merchant and Trade, one of Charlotte's most popular rooftop bars, has brought back its private igloo dining experience.
Why it matters: The seasonal igloos were first introduced during the pandemic as a safe way to social distance. Since then, they've become a sort of holiday tradition in Charlotte, selling out for birthdays, anniversaries and bachelorette parties.
The vibe: Merchant and Trade's heated igloo fits up to 10 people. It has its own Bluetooth speaker and menu with a special selection of drinks and bites.
- Right now, it's decorated for the holidays with blankets, poinsettias and an antler chandelier. After New Year's Day, it will be transformed again with new decor.
How it works: Each reservation includes a two-hour experience with a food and beverage minimum and a rental fee.
- Rental fees range between $150-$250, and the food and beverage minimum ranges between $500 and $2,000, depending on the time and day of the week.
- Reservations are available through mid-March and can be made by emailing [email protected].
Dig in: Executive chef Farid Ahmed created a menu specifically for the igloo dining experience, featuring a gourmet charcuterie board, Polanco Oscietra caviar from Uruguay and wagyu katsu sandwiches. You can order from the regular menu or the special igloo menu.
- The igloo also has a curated drink menu with holiday-themed cocktails, including a drink tower shaped like a Christmas tree.
My thought bubble: We checked out the Merchant and Trade igloo dining experience during a preview dinner and let me tell you, our mouths were agape. It's a high-end experience filled with champagne and caviar but if you're ballin' on a budget, we recommend making a reservation for one of their earlier appointments.
Zoom out: Earlier this year, Merchant and Trade completed a $1.5 million revamp of its rooftop bar in Uptown. Even if you're not dining inside the igloo, it's worth visiting if you haven't been recently.
- Try one of their espresso martinis on draft — $1 of every drink sold is donated to a nonprofit. Right now, funds are being donated to World Central Kitchen to help businesses in western North Carolina.
Stop by: Merchant and Trade is at 303 S. Church St., on the 19th floor of the Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel in Uptown.
- Open Tuesday-Friday 5pm-midnight, Saturdays 2pm-midnight and Sundays 2-10pm.