This article was originally published on timesfreepress.com.

With nearly half of its space devoted to outdoor seating, the State of Confusion restaurant and bar on Chattanooga’s Southside was looking for a way to keep its patrons warm and dry during colder weather in the winter months.

As an eatery priding itself on being different,the owners of the State of Confusion at 301 E. Main Street decided to add three outdoor igloos to the restaurant’s patio — the first of their kind anywhere in the region.

“We try to offer people something unique, special and different and the igloos are great at offering a different experience and helping us continue to use our outdoor patio space during colder weather,” said Fletcher Thompson, general manager for the Southside restaurant which added the igloos this week.

Thompson said the igloos allow up to eight persons to gather for a meal or drink under clear domes which allow patrons to view the winter night sky in a comfortable heated space. Twinkling colored lights line the top of the igloo.

The igloos are popular in London and New York City.

Since its opening in August, State of Confusion has pecialized in bringing food and ideas from around the globe to Chattanooga, Thompson said. The restaurant is popular for its made-from-scratch, authentic mixture of Latin American, New Orleans and low-country food including ceviche, wood-fire grilled meats and vegetables and cocktails like the house-pressed sugarcane mojito.

“At State of Confusion, guests are guaranteed an innovative menu of authentic, fresh cuisine and a memorable dining experience you can’t find anywhere else,” Thompson said. “Dining outside in a heated igloo is a distinction that sets us apart in the South and the nation, and it extends our outdoor season for guests to hang out on our patio year round in the igloos or by the fire pit.”

State of Confusion is owned and operated by SquareOne Holdings, which also owns STIR in Chattanooga.

State of Confusion does accept reservations, which can be made online or over the phone. The three igloos are first come, first serve, but anyone with a special request is encouraged to call the restaurant to discuss arrangements.