Stay Cool
'Famous' rooftop igloos return to Austin hot spot for the coolest experience this winter
One of the most recognizable holiday pop-ups around Austin also offers a more private, low-key experience.
UPDATE: The South Pole at Geraldine's dates have been extended through New Year's Eve. Two seatings each on Friday and Saturday — December 30 and 31 — will be available from 5:30-7:30 pm, and 8-10 pm. Friday reservations start at $100 per person, with a $200 food and beverage minimum, and Saturday reservations start at $200 per person, with a $400 minimum and complimentary glasses of sparkling wine to start. For those who'd like to stick around after their Saturday reservation (New Year's Eve), Jane Leo performs inside at 10 pm.
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There aren’t so many winter wonderlands in Austin during the holiday season, but things get colder at higher elevations. The Hotel Van Zandt fourth-floor rooftop may not be high enough to change the weather, but visitors throughout December are invited to hang out in its self-proclaimed "famous" all-weather igloos, snacking on bites from inside and themed cocktails after the sun goes down.
Each private, six-seat igloo at the “South Pole” contains a Christmas tree, board and card games, festive records, and other cozy holiday decorations. It’s as private as Austin dining gets without completely breaking the bank, but the poolside mini-village of transparent igloos creates a warm feeling of togetherness. And in case it actually does get cold (a Christmas miracle!), the vinyl globes are heated.
It's not just a fun gimmick — as cute as the igloos are, Geraldine's is a great foodie destination. Visitors can expect (strong) drinks like the “Dandy Andes,” a minty chocolate mix of Grey Goose vodka, crème de cacao, crème de menthe, and matcha tea. “Santa on a Beach” combines tropical flavors with cinnamon, and other drinks include unusual ingredients like Chartreuse whipped cream, pistachio, and chocolate mole bitters.
Geraldine’s menu focuses on classic Southern cuisine without getting weighed down by tradition; that means a roster of semi-adventurous gourmet comfort foods, like mole birria short ribs, smoked carrots, and salty Brussels sprouts with serranos and mint. Shareables are a good idea, since the igloos are intimate (read: not especially convenient unless you like balancing a dinner plate on the couch).
Two rounds of two-hour seating will be available every night, and reservations will go very fast. As of December 5, there are only a few dates left. Reservations ($100 upfront) entail a $200 minimum on food and beverage, plus a 20 percent service charge. Book on Eventbrite.
Could sit in this airy shop all day.Photo by Chad Wadsworth
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