Nov 14, 2025 - Food and Drink

Merchant and Trade's popular rooftop igloo returns

Laura Barrero

Nighttime rooftop scene with a transparent geodesic dome containing cozy seating, pillows, and warm lighting, city skyscrapers and a colorful framed mural visible nearby. — 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: It's one of Charlotte's favorite holiday traditions left over from the pandemic. This year, it's significantly cheaper than in previous years.

The vibe: Up to 10 people can comfortably fit inside the igloo, which is currently decorated for fall. Inside, you'll find cozy blankets, a Bluetooth speaker and a heater.

Its theme will change three more times through March. Around Thanksgiving, it'll be decked out for the Holidays. After Christmas, the decor will switch to match Merchant and Trade's "All That Glitters" New Year's Eve party (more on that below).
After that, it'll be decorated in florals for spring.

Cozy interior of a glass geodesic dome lounge at night with wooden furniture, colorful fall-themed pillows, warm lighting, and city buildings visible through the triangular windows. — Ten of us fit comfortably inside. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios

How it works: Rental fees range between $100 — $150 for a two-hour experience.

Unlike years past, there isn't a food and beverage minimum.
You can order from the Merchant and Trade food and drink menu.
Reservations can be made two weeks in advance.

Dig in: Merchant and Trade chef de cuisine James Jeffries is releasing new menu items this week in honor of the igloo's debut, including a 3-oz Tomahawk steak with sides that feed up to six people.

"We're focusing on the food this year," director Chris Baliles tells Axios.

Pro tip: If you plan on ordering the Tomahawk, call ahead. It's so big that they need about an hour's notice to start cooking.

Here's everything we tried:

Eight small plastic spoons with black caviar on a black rectangular slate serving tray, placed on a light wooden table with a blurred background. — Bubbles & Bumps ($18 per person) — Chef- selected caviar paired with Veuve Clicquot yellow label Champagne. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios

Overhead view of a wooden table with plates of tacos topped with greens and pineapple, a black plate with colorful salad and mustard dots, two drinks including a creamy one with coffee beans, and a menu. — Pork belly tacos ($17) and the new sunset salad ($16). Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios

Black plate with colorful gourmet dish including slices of red meat, orange and yellow vegetables, green garnish, and creamy brown sauce on wooden table with drinks and plates in background. — Duck prosciutto ($18). Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios

Hand holding a sesame seed bun sandwich with fried chicken and purple coleslaw, next to two mini cheeseburgers with pickles on a black platter, set on a wooden table indoors. — Fried chicken sliders ($16) and Wagyu beef sliders ($19). Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios

Sliced medium rare grilled steak with bread slices, mustard dollops, and bowls of pasta and vegetables on a wooden board, with people standing in the background. — 3oz Tomahawk ribeye with lobster mac and cheese, Brussels, fries — $299 and feeds about 6 people. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios

Three slices of layered chocolate cake with cream topping and chocolate garnish on black plates, each accompanied by caramelized nuts, set on a wooden table with glassware in the background. — Chocolate peanut butter whiskey cake ($14). Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios

Six espresso martinis in coupe glasses arranged on a multi-level black metal stand on a wooden table inside a softly lit venue with glass walls. — Espresso martini tower — each is $19. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios

What's next: Tickets for its exclusive New Year's Eve party go on sale Nov. 28.

There will only be 200 spots available at $400 per person.
The all-inclusive ticket includes open bar and food for the entire evening, including their "bubbles and bumps" Champagne and caviar appetizer and the Tomahawk steak. Plus, post-ball drop snacks to help with the hangover.
The rooftop party will have multiple drink stations dedicated to smoked Old Fashioneds, espresso martinis and Veuve Clicquot champagne.
DJ Black Amigo from Atlanta will curate the vibes with a live saxophonist.

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Merchant and Trade's popular rooftop igloo returns

Here's everything we tried:

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