Drink, Chill, Repeat: Why Illinois’ Arctic Winter Bar Is a Must-Visit

Do you ever feel like all the cool, (pun intended) seasonal pop-up bars disappear after Santa Claus has come to town? That's not the case for the Arctic Winter Bar at Broken Oar in Port Barrington, Illinois.

Favorite Illinois Bars

If you are headed out for an adult-only evening at a bar in Illinois, what type of bar do you prefer?

Do you always gravitate to your local watering hole? Do you prefer the dive-bar vibe or the classy-cocktail vibe? Do you like to check out new bars you've never been to before, or do you like a bar with a unique, festive ambiance?

Personally, I'm more of a dive-bar-vibe kind of girl, but I'm willing to make an exception for the Arctic Winter Bar at Broken Oar Marina & Grill in Port Barrington, Illinois.

Broken Oar's Arctic Winter Bar

For most people living in the Midwest, the winter season is the one they dread the most, but what if I told you there was an outdoor, enclosed, pop-up bar in Illinois that celebrates the beauty and fun of winter for a few months each year?

Say hello to the Arctic Winter Bar at Broken Oar:

All that sparkle, blue, and white aren't the only things the Arctic Bar has to offer, it also has live music and full menu of specialty, festive drinks!

An article from Patch.com says:

Guests can sip their way through the season with a festive drink menu featuring specialty craft cocktails including a Winter White Russian, Jingle Juice, and Jack Frost, mixed with blueberry vodka, blue curacao, and topped with Sprite; along with seasonal martinis like the SnowBall, Peppermintini, and the Clausmopolitan. Those looking to warm up can enjoy Winter Warmers like the Oar Cider or the Slippery Sled.

Doesn't this place sound fun?! The Arctic Winter Bar at Broken Oar kicks off the season on Friday, November 21, 2025, and will be open Thursday through Sunday until February 1, 2026.

Book a reservation now at arcticwinterbar.com!