While finding ways to prolong outdoor eating last year seemed to be a make or break for restaurants, many have kept those pandemic-inspired creative and cozy tactics or added new options for diners this year.

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Here is a list of local restaurants offering outdoor seating this winter.

Some things to keep in mind — this is not a comprehensive list. Places may change outdoor dining availability depending on weather, snow accumulation and, while most places listed provide heated options, it wouldn't hurt to dress warmly and bring a blanket.

If you don't see your favorite place but know they're offering outdoor seating during the winter, let me know! This list will be updated periodically online so please email me at mshown@sbtinfo.com with details.

Beer Church Brewing Co.

Where: 25 S. Whittaker St., New Buffalo Mich.

What: An ‘igloo village’

Details: Heated igloos available through reservation. Each igloo can seat up to 8 people, all who must be 21 or older, and can be used for 2 hours. There is a $100 reservation fee. Customers are encouraged to dress warmly and bring blankets as the igloos will only heat to about 50 degrees on cold days and evenings. Reservations can be made at www.beerchurchbrewing.com.

Hours: Igloos are available Friday and Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Regular hours for interior dining is Monday through Thursday from noon to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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Chicory Cafe in Mishawaka

Where: 114 E. 1st St., Mishawaka

What: Two heated igloos

Details: Each igloo can seat up to 8 guests. There is a $15 fee to use and reservations are highly recommended. You can call 574-204-2025 for any further questions or reservations.

Hours: Monday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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Crooked Ewe Brewery and Ale House

Where: 1047 Lincolnway East, South Bend

What: Infrared heaters and two fire pits

Details: Infrared heaters cover 25 bar seats overlooking the river. Two fire pits are also available to gather around. First-come, first-serve seating.

Hours: Sunday through Thursday from noon to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from noon to 11 p.m.

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Fiddler's Hearth

Where: 127 N. Main St., South Bend

What: Murphy’s beer garden and outdoor fire pit

Details: The beer garden is a heated, covered back patio that can seat about 25 people. A fire pit will also be installed in the front patio. Owner Terry Meehan said they opted against igloos this year saying they were “hard to maintain.”

Hours: Monday through Thursday from 4 to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 4 to 11 p.m.

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High Note Rooftop Bar at Hotel Elkhart

Where: 502 S. Main St., Elkhart

What: Blankets, fire pits and heaters

Details: Customers must be 21 and over to sit in the rooftop bar and food is currently not served. The space can also be reserved for private parties. More details and reservations can be obtained by calling 574-389-7900.

"As long as you can get alcohol, you can stay warm," said operator Kimberly Christner.

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 4 to 10 p.m.

► Photos: Eateries inside Hotel Elkhart

Howard Park Public House

Where: 602 E. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend

What: Over head heaters

Details: The heaters cover about 12 tables, including a large table that seats about 30. Reservations are not necessary.

Hours: Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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The Lauber

Where: 504 E. LaSalle Ave., South Bend

What: Enclosed heated patio and igloo

Details: Operators anticipate opening the enclosed heated patio within the next week, depending on when final materials come in. The igloo is also being repaired and operators plan to open that soon. In addition to being available to the general public, the patio can also accommodate private parties and larger groups and seats about 35 people. For more details, email support@lauber.com or call 574-234-2342.

Hours: Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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Lemon Creek Winery

Where: 533 E. Lemon Creek Rd., Berrien Springs

What: Four igloos, three fire pits, heated tents

Details: Igloos are not heated and can seat up to eight people. Picnic tables are placed around the fire pits and the heated tents can accommodate large parties. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Hours: Thursday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Starting January, open Saturday only from noon to 5 p.m. Hours will expand once springtime rolls back.

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Niles Outdoor Dining Experience (NODE)

Where: Second and Main St., Niles MI

What: Gas fire pit

Details: A block between Second and Main streets in downtown Niles has been blocked off where people can gather and sit around a large gas fire pit. It is animal friendly, but you are not allowed to bring outside heaters or glass containers. Alcoholic drinks purchased from MLCC Licensed Downtown Establishments may be consumed in this area and food from area restaurants can also be taken and eaten in the area. More details, such as participating restaurants, are online at www.uncoverniles.com/thenode

Hours: Seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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River Saint Joe

Where: 15475 Walton Rd., Buchanan

What: Seven heated tables with side coverings and five fire pits.

Details: Customers are encouraged to dress warmly and guests would need to inform employees that fire puts need to be turned on. There is also a River Rocks game, which owners describe as "shuffleboard meets curling" on three 50- x 8-foot ice lanes. Heated tables and fire pits are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The River Rocks game can be reserved online at www.riversaintjoe.com but walk-ins are also welcome.

Hours: Monday, Friday, Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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Round Barn Estate

Where: 10983 Hills Rd., Baroda MI

What: 24 igloos and 12 fire pits

Details: Igloos can seat up to eight people and are not heated. Both the igloos and firepits are available on a first-come, first-served basis and there is no fee. More information, as well as details about food and drink offerings, are online at roundbarn.com/estate.

Hours: Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 pm. Beginning in January through March, open Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Christmas is mere weeks away so I am compiling a list of what's open this holiday season, as well as carryout options. If you are a business owner or know of a restaurant open on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, please let me know at mshown@sbtinfo.com.

Contact Mary Shown at 574-235-6244 and mshown@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter: @maryshownSBT and @marketbasketSBT.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Market Basket: Outdoor eating in South Bend area during winter