Pickleball might not bring feelings of coziness to mind, but a San Antonio sports venue is flipping the script for the holidays. Guests at Chicken N Pickle will still be able to play pickleball this winter, but they can also retire into an après-pickle outdoor igloo with themed cocktails and other holiday specials, starting November 22.
The transparent plastic igloo tents are gaining popularity in nightlife, especially at restaurants, bars, and hotels. They give patrons a novel and cozy way to enjoy a "private" room on their night out, and the seasonality keeps it fresh and logistically manageable.
An unexpected fellow on the bandwagon is the College Station-founded chain Chicken N Pickle, which does have a sports bar and restaurant, but the main draw is indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, as well as other games like cornhole, ping pong, and bocce.
At Chicken N Pickle, guests must be at least 21 years old to reserve an igloo — or to jump in on a first-come, first-served basis.
The "Merry and Bright" tent has a more modern Christmas look.Photo courtesy of Chicken N Pickle
Photos from the venue show winter foliage and ornaments outside, creating a festive entry. Inside, there appears to be a small couch, additional seating, a coffee table, and knickknacks that make the space feel like a cozy living room. There are at least two different tent configurations to choose from, and both fit up to eight people.
Of course, sitting in an igloo is more fun with themed drinks, and there are 11 cocktails and martini flights to choose from via the bar's larger holiday pop-up, which also features its own extravagant decorations inside. (Among them: too many mini trees and branches to count.)
Those include creations like Wake Up Frosty with Ketel One, Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur, cold brew, real Madagascar vanilla, and espresso beans; or Northern Lights blueberry-infused Bombay Sapphire Gin, Giffard Blackberry Liqueur, real blackberry, lemon juice, egg whites, blackberries, and edible glitter. Folks less into wintery drinks can also order beer, wine and other drinks.
All the Chicken N Pickle locations have different holiday setups, but they're all full of festive stuff.Photo courtesy of Chicken N Pickle
Reservations in the Holiday Hideaway pop-up all include a charcuterie board and red pepper hummus dip.
Chicken N Pickle is located at 5215 UTSA Blvd. The Holiday Hideaway will be open until December 31, and the igloos will continue accepting guests through mid-February of 2025.
