Step out of the cold and get comfortable
Not too long ago in our guide to fall, we recommended a handful of places to grab dinner, drinks, and a seat by the fire as the temps get chillier. Now that winter’s upon us, we wanted to expand our list and explain just why these places (and their fiery hearths) are so freakin’ awesome.
Whether you’re feeling like grabbing a book and channeling a poet from years ago, sipping speakeasy-style cocktails with vintage glamour, or just having good conversation at the local tavern, these places will keep you warm and cozy throughout the season.
Here are our picks for the best fireplaces in Chicago.
The Dawson
Photo Credit: Zagat
730 West Grand Avenue
This West Town restaurant with turn-of-the-last-century influences has a unique vibe and an attractive space. Have dinner with friends next to their chic fireplace and try one of their vintage-inspired cocktails.
Cocktail recommendation: He’s a Made Man (Wheeler’s Gin, Cardamero, sage, chai, lemon, shaken on rocks)
Hubbard Inn
Photo Credit: Hubbard Inn
110 West Hubbard Street
This River North hotspot boasts some pretty cozy corners inside, including private dining rooms and intimate library lounges. Snuggle up by the flames here for an old world-style experience.
Cocktail recommendation: Steep Escape (Belvedere Lemon Tea vodka, St. Germain, lemon, Bolivar bitters, Brut champagne)
North Pond
Photo Credit: Barry Breichesen for Eater Chicago
2610 North Cannon Drive
Overlooking a gorgeous Lincoln Park pond, this place easily has one of the most serene views in the city, and their corner fireplace is the cherry on top.
Cocktail recommendation: Whiskey, Apple (Journeyman’s Buggy Whip Wheat, Spiced Pear liqueur, apple cider, orange)
Owen & Engine
Photo Credit: Univision
2700 North Western Avenue
Inspired by the quintessential British gastropub, this Logan Square restaurant and bar is a great place to gather by the fire for hearty meals and satisfying drinks.
Cocktail recommendation: O&E G&T (Letherbee gin, Pimm’s No. 1 Cup, St. Elizabeth’s Allspice Dram, lime, Fentiman’s Tonic Water, house spice tincture, built, rocks)
The Violet Hour
Photo Credit: Joni Kat Anderson for The Violet Hour
1520 North Damen Avenue
A speakeasy-inspired lounge in Wicker Park is the perfect place to cozy up by a fire, and you’ll have some of the best cocktails in town. Make sure you abide by their House Rules to make it inside this ultra-swanky place.
Cocktail recommendation: Teacher’s Pet (Laird’s BIB Apple Brandy, lemon, Punt e Mes, Orgeat, cinnamon, orange bitters)
The Bedford
Photo Credit: The Bedford
1612 West Division Street
Treat yourself to a luxurious cocktail party experience in signature bank vault lounge that’s centered with an alluring electric fireplace. Music from renowned DJs will top off the mood.
Cocktail recommendation: Airmail (El Dorado 5 Yr Rum, honey, lime, sparkling wine)
Tortoise Supper Club
Photo Credit: The Real Chicago
350 North State Street
This warm, wooded, dimly-lit restaurant adorned with lush furniture near River North is known for its comfortable atmosphere and traditional American fare.
Cocktail recommendation: Hot Toddy (Spiced Pear liqueur, whiskey, honey syrup, lemon juice, bitters)
Uncommon Ground
Photo Credit: Road Trips for Families
3800 North Clark Street
This Lakeview establishment is dedicated to serving, fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients in their comfortable, contemporary setting. Grab a spot by their fire and you might catch some live music.
Cocktail recommendation: The Hayride (house infused spiced rum, house-made ginger syrup, local apple cider, served warm in a mug)
Scofflaw
Photo Credit: Redeye Chicago via Travel-42
3201 West Armitage Avenue
Specializing in gin-infused cocktails, you won’t be disappointed with a drink from this Logan Square restaurant and bar. Baroque-style furniture and fireplace juxtaposed with a hip and friendly staff make this place one of a kind.
Cocktail recommendation: Hot Buttered Rum (Banks 7 Golden Age Rum, Cruzan Blackstrap rum, brown sugar, butter, spices)
RL
Photo Credit: Chicago Five Stars
115 East Chicago Avenue
Next door to the Polo store in the Gold Coast is Ralph Lauren’s fashionable restaurant serving modern classics. Wall-to-wall portraits, towering bookshelves, and of course, their warm fireplace give it a metropolitan yet homey feel.
Wine recommendation: St Cosme Côte du Rhône ’14
Wilde Bar & Restaurant
Photo Credit: About Travel
3130 North Broadway
This Lakeview ode to the whimsical and witty writer, Oscar Wilde, is the perfect place to go if you’re feeling like a bookworm. Pop a squat in one of their plush leather seats by the fire as you read The Picture of Dorian Gray.
Cocktail recommendation: Sazerac (Bulleit Rye, Peychaud’s bitters, absinthe, lemon twist, up)
Pump Room
Photo Credit: Groupon
1301 North State Street
Glamour of the 30s and 40s, music, and delicious food and drinks come together at this supper club in the Public Hotel in the Gold Coast. A drink by their fire is perfect for sophisticated souls (or those who want to be for a night!)
Cocktail recommendation: Sour Cherry Old Fashioned
The Broken Shaker
Photo Credit: Freehand Chicago
19 East Ohio Street
Want to veer away from the typical sleek, modern hotel or restaurant? Escape to the earthy, free-spirited vibes of the Freehand Chicago’s restaurant that offers exotic and innovative ingredients and a fireplace draped with an Aztec rug.
Cocktail recommendation: Hippy Sh*t (Absolut Elyx vodka, rooibos-infused white port, pomegranate sage cordial, citrus)
Old Town Social
Photo Credit: The Kittchen
455 West North Avenue
Great crowds, great traditional bar-style food, and an even better atmosphere make this place an Old Town favorite. Not to mention, they’ve got private booths and 23 TVs to keep you entertained after you’ve relaxed by the fire.
Cocktail recommendation: Bootlegger’s Glory (Bombay Sapphire, pear puree, cardamom, lemon, prosecco)