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 more than thirty destinations for fireside dining (and drinking).
Make Bastille Kitchen your winter go-to. The Fort Point spot has a warm rustic vibe balanced with elegant fare. Request a seat in the Chalet lounge to sink into cozy chairs clustered around a roaring fire - you'll want to sit tight pretty much right through until spring.
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.
The already romantic Bondir ups its game with an elevated brick fireplace that puts sensual ambience through the roof (literally, if you count the chimney). Linger over dinner for two until it’s just embers, if you’d like.
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.
Chopps American Bar & Grill
1 Burlington Mall Road Burlington, MA 01803 781-221-6643
Chopps heats up—their Great Room area showcases a sleek glass fireplace with a modern touch. Adjacent seating allows guests to settle in for communal dining or cocktails by the light of the fire.
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.
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.
L’Andana
86 Cambridge Street Burlington, MA 01803 781-270-0100
Hosting an event this season? Look no further, as L’andana not only has traditional Tuscan cuisine to warm your insides, but also a sleek fireplace overlooking guests in their private dining area. So raise your wine glass and cheers to toasty evenings with good company.
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.
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.