With winter in full swing and the cold weather finally upon us, it’s time to hunker down in front of the fire. Luckily (for those of us who don’t have hearths at home), there are more than a few spots around town where you can enjoy an amazing meal by flickering firelight. Scroll down to peruse some nearby destinations for fireside dining (and drinking).
The Banks Fish House boasts fireplaces on two floors. Guests can eat ice cold, freshly-shucked by the floor-to-ceiling fireplace in the Three Sheets Bar on the first floor, or enjoy dinner and views of the city from a fireside perch on the second floor.
The Public Garden looks just as pretty—perhaps prettier—from the warmth of a fireside table. Ditch the nighttime strolls in the cold this season and take in the view from Bistro du Midi’s dining room, where the hearth is lit and the food’s a hit.
South Boston dwellers and diners don't have to venture too far to find a warm hearth when the cold weather hits. Capo's rustic, open-kitchen concept features a central stone fireplace that's an ideal spot by which to enjoy house-made pasta, wood-fired pizzas and classic Italian fare.
Catalyst
300 Technology Square Cambridge, MA 02139 617-576-3000
Don’t worry about running out of logs at Catalyst, where the electric fireplace comes to life at the flick of a switch. The lambent, linear installation lies adjacent to one of the tables whose lucky diners bask in its glow—play your cards right and you might be dining fireside.
Citizen
1310 Boylston Street Boston, MA 02215 617-450-9000
If Citizen’s spirits don’t keep you warm enough, perhaps the fire will. The Fenway spot turns up the heat this winter with a fireplace lodged in the corner—grab a table on either side for maximum warmth, or double up on the whiskey and enjoy the view from afar.
Five Horses Tavern – Somerville
400 Highland Avenue Somerville, MA 02155 617-764-1655
When the weather outside is frightful, find your way to Davis Square’s Five Horses Tavern where cozy booths, classic American comfort food and a roaring fire will make you want to hunker down until spring arrives.
Grafton Street Pub & Grill
59 John F. Kennedy Street Cambridge, MA 02138 617-714-5954
Surrounded by plush chairs, warm lighting and overall homey vibes, the fireplace at Grafton Street is an ideal spot to take refuge from the hustle and bustle of Harvard Square. Choose a seat in the parlor room to be close to the fire while you snack on comfort foods like spinach and artichoke dip or warm up with an Irish coffee.
Known as one of Boston's most beloved independent steakhouses, Grill 23 & Bar has been inviting patrons to dine by the fire for nearly four decades. Book a hearthside table at the venerable Back Bay fave to enjoy prime steaks and the freshest seafood with something from their award-winning wine list.
Harvest
44 Brattle Street Cambridge, MA 02138 617-868-2255
The color scheme of yellows and browns fits well with the beautiful fireplace in Harvest’s Brattle Room. Call ahead to make sure fireside dining is available—they seat the room for normal dinner service as long as there are no private events.
Hunter’s Kitchen & Bar
110 Dorchester Street South Boston, MA 02127 617-221-4200
Warm up with some Southern-inspired comfort food and a wintry cocktail by the fire at Hunter's. Plan a wintertime visit to the South Boston hang, where the decor is all hunting lodge chic, to enjoy live music (or catch the game on the TVs in the bar) while you bask in the cozy glow of the roaring fire.
The Lexington
100 North First Street Cambridge, MA 02141 617-945-1349
The Lexington at Cambridge Crossing, one of chef Will Gilson's three concepts at the East Cambridge development, features a cozy little fireplace lounge for guests to enjoy comfort food from Café Beatrice, Geppetto or The Lexington.
Menotomy Grill
25 Massachusetts Avenue Arlington, MA 02474 781-648-1775
Menotomy adds to the rustic tavern ambiance with the warmth of a roaring fireplace. Snag a table hearthside to enjoy a historic bite (and sip) of Arlington by the glow of the fire.
OAK Long Bar + Kitchen
138 St. James Avenue Boston, MA 02116 617-585-7222
Come winter, Copley Square is like an icy, windswept tundra. Shake the chill at Oak Long Bar where they’ve got a roaring fire and plenty of warming beverages that’ll bring the feeling back into your fingers and toes.
Oleana
134 Hampshire Street Cambridge, MA 02139 617-661-0505
Just because it’s known for its patio doesn’t mean Oleana is a summer-only destination. Give the Union Square spot a shot this winter—you might be lucky enough to score a banquette seat by its wood stove fireplace.
Pammy’s
928 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, MA 02139 617-945-1761
Pammy’s dual sided fireplace has all the warmth and coziness (double, even!) that you’d expect from a glowing hearth while the surrounding ceramic tile adds an extra dose of cool. Perched right between the dining room and bar, the flickering flames are visible from just about every vantage point for everyone to enjoy.
If you find yourself in Hingham this winter, stop by The Quarry for a comforting dining experience. Their rustic decor is charming and welcoming. Their fireplace is even more so, offering guests a chance to dine in what is no doubt a beautiful dining room that feels just like home.
Rail Stop Restaurant & Bar
Boston Landing, 96 Guest Street Boston, MA 02135 617-254-0044
It’s standing room only around the fire at Rail Stop Restaurant & Bar. You can request a table overlooking the decorative gas fireplace to enjoy the flickering glow while you enjoy a meal of classic American comfort food.
After you've strolled up and down the South End's picturesque streets and ducked into your fill of stylish little boutiques, pop in for a cozy, fireside meal at South End Buttery. Comfortable banquettes and a crackling fire (not to mention the stellar menu) combine to make the perfect perch for the chilly winter months.
Toro
1704 Washington Street Boston, MA 02118 617-536-4300
There are three reasons to go to Toro this winter. First, they have incredible paella. Second, they have an extensive and intriguing wine list to pair it with. Even more alluring is the large fireplace at the center of the room (in case the food and spirits haven’t warmed you up enough already).
Town Meeting Bistro
2027 Massachusetts Avenue Lexington, MA 02421 781-301-6655
Town Meting Bistro is keeping things simple and traditional this winter with a lively fireplace right at the heart of their small but cozy restaurant in Lexington, MA. Take in the history surrounding you from the comforts of a fireside seat.
Milling around the North End this winter? Duck into Tresca, where they've got two fireplaces. Choose between the one in the ground floor dining room or the one upstairs in the Tuscan Room for a flickering backdrop for an authentic Italian meal.
Waverly Kitchen & Bar
231 Bunker Hill Street Charlestown, MA 02129 617-380-6500
Whether you're an early bird or a night owl, make a beeline for The Waverly. The Charlestown newcomer is open for brunch and dinner Monday through Sunday so when the temps drop you can post up in their cozy dining room (maybe after a wintry stroll around the Monument) and enjoy your pancakes or your steak frites by the fire.
Woods Hill Table
24 Commonwealth Avenue Concord, MA 01742 978-254-1435
It’s only appropriate that the paragon of all-natural country fare boasts a real stone fireplace to match its backwoods-y menu. Woods Hill Table offers a winter warmer-upper so cozy you'll want to stay there all night.
Snag a table by the fireplace in the Library at Yvonne's where old timey elegance (styled bookshelves, herringbone wood floors and a hand-cut mahogany bar) and whimsical modern art (Charmaine Olivia's edgy, ethereal renditions of famous historical figures) combine to create a vibe that's classic, cozy and contemporary.