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).
To claim your perch in front of the fire, you'll have to venture outside the Bar Boulud dining room and into the elegant lobby at the Mandarin Oriental. Once you've snagged one of the coveted fireside tables you can order a little something from the a la carte offerings or seasonal tea menu.
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.
There’s a reason Bristol Restaurant and Bar at Four Seasons Hotel Boston is considered a home away from home for Boston’s movers and shakers: the roaring fireplace, along with both table and couch seating, creates the cozy, relaxed ambiance for this uber classy—yet comfy—Back Bay hot spot.
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.
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.
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.
Technically, the fireplace at the Lenox Hotel is in the lobby so you can’t exactly dine fireside but, that being said, you’re welcome to grab a drink at the bar at City Table and snag a hearthside seat.
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.
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.
