OPENING THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH. Like so many eating and drinking establishments throughout Northern Michigan, Iron Fish Distillery knew they were going to have to get creative if they were going to continue to accomodate guests safely as the temperatures continue to drop.
“Our tasting room is very small, so reestablishing limited capacity indoor service wasn’t an option for us”, said Iron Fish Partner, Sarah Anderson. “ These past 9 months have been all about reinventing how we can have the best outdoor service for guests. Base Camp Iron Fish is our latest effort to do just that, and we think it is going to be an absolute blast.”
Base Camp Iron Fish is a village of individual heated, waterproof, breathable canvas tents where guests can be cozy while enjoying spirits, cocktails and farm fresh wood fired pizza and snacks. The tents are three sizes and can accommodate groups of 6-8 or 2-4 people. The tents will be available by reservation for a 90 minute timeframe, and the space will be fully refreshed and sanitized between each use.
“We love winter and playing outside in the snow”, said Anderson. “Being so close to Crystal Mountain, we have a lot of guests that feel that same way. We thought the tents kind of evoked the sense of a mountaineering base camp, so Base Camp Iron Fish was born.”
In addition to the heated tents, Iron Fish also offers seating on a heated, covered outdoor patio, and at picnic tables surrounding big bonfires. A heated outdoor spirit tasting and merchandise area will also be available. Outdoor, live music will continue throughout the winter, and a number of special events and guest chef pop ups are planned. #BaseCampIronFish
Check our website for expanded hours of operation.
Our IRON CLAD Promise
Our first and most important priority is the safety of our team and guests. Iron Clad is our commitment to take extra precautions, guided by the State of Michigan and adhering to the protocols of the Michigan Restaurant Promise to provide a safe, clean and healthy environment for guests and the Iron Fish Distillery team.
Each member of our team will maintain a daily health and exposure screening log monitored by our internal health promotion coordinator. All members of our team will adhere to strict guidelines of sanitation and health-check in before starting a shift. Our staff will wear masks and guests will be required to wear masks while visiting the distillery before and after being seated. Guest seating areas will be sanitized prior to seating. Restroom facilities and on-site facilities will also be sanitized according to a strict schedule through each day.
To re-open safely for both staff and guests, please review our guidelines before visiting. If you are not yet ready to venture out, please continue to use our contactless Curbside Pickup. Together we can make Base Camp Iron Fish safe and fun!
Masks required for staff and customers (when not seated inside your tent ).
Groups are limited to 6 people per outdoor picnic table or firepit and may remove masks when consuming food and beverages.
Only single family groups limited to 6 people may occupy a tent under the current guidelines.*
Please do not linger away from your tent or fire pit.
Please stay home and safe if you have flu-like symptoms. Our team will do the same.
Please maintain 6ft from our staff and other guests.
Tents will be aired out and sanitized between uses.
*Outdoor dining is permitted as long as guests are seated no more than 6 to a table and tables are spaced a minimum of 6 feet apart. Outdoor dining at food service establishments is permitted. Additionally, a single household may dine inside an igloo, hut, or other small, enclosed space without violating the order, provided that employees enter fleetingly or not at all. MDHHS Guidelines.
FAQ for Base Camp Iron Fish
Are reservations needed?
Starting Wednesday, November 25th, tents will be reservation only:
Please no parties over 6.
Are pets allowed and tents heated?
Pets are not allowed in the tents, however we will have tables outside of the tents by fire pits where pets are allowed on leash. Tents are heated and we also provide sanitized blankets.
How many in party per tent?
Tents have a minimum party size of 4 and a maximum party size of 6.
Are outside food and beverage allowed?
Food and beverage from outside vendors is not permitted. Bottles and TO-GO cocktails may NOT be opened while on the premises.
Is there a time limit?
There is a 90 minutes time limit for tents, no time limit for tables.
How do you order food and drinks?
All food and drink orders will be placed through an outdoor service window. After ordering, all items will be brought to your tent or table.
How do you purchase bottled spirits and merchandise?
Check out our new heated merch and tasting area! This will also be where you can make a take-home purchase. Store.IronFishDistillery.com
Will there be music?
Yes, music will be scheduled consistently throughout the winter, weather permitting. Please check our Facebook for specific event details.
