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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
