There's nothing quite like a warm meal and a drink or two in front of a roaring fire to make these short, chilly days feel a little cozier. Falling snow ups the ambiance even more. Here's a list of restaurants with fireplaces to chase away the winter gloom.
McGillin’s Olde Ale House - Philadelphia’s oldest continuously operating tavern has a big working fireplace that makes it one of the coziest places in the city for lunch, dinner or drinks. Grab a seat by the fire and a warm winter cocktail like Fireside (Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, Hot Apple Cider, Cinnamon); Snow Shoes (Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey, Butterscotch Liquor and Hot Chocolate) or Irish Coffee. Located in Midtown Village.
Vedge - While this restaurant is nationally-acclaimed for its vegan cuisine, its ambiance is equally magical. It is housed in a Frank Furness-designed brownstone with two fireplaces. In Washington West.
The Mulberry - A new upscale pub at 19th & Arch in Center City that offers premium bar food and craft drinks in an inviting atmosphere with a fireplace.
Dandelion - The seats in front of the working fireplace near the hostess stand at Starr Restaurant’s English pub are the perfect place for a drink and snack. There's another non-working fireplace upstairs and plenty of heated outside dining available at this restaurant in Rittenhouse.
Cantina Feliz - Both locations of this contemporary Mexican restaurant have fireplaces. In Fairmount the fireplace is in the main dining room, surrounded by colorful Day of the Dead murals. That restaurant has a partially-covered streetery with space heaters in front and a heated tent in the courtyard. In Fort Washington, there's a tiled fireplace in the small dining room, which can also be used for small private parties.
Plough & Stars - Enjoy a hot toddy, hot cider, Irish coffee or Guinness in front of a roaring fire at this Irish pub in Old City.
aMuse - The fireplace at this chic brasserie in Le Méridien Philadelphia in Center City is a comfortable spot for a drink when the temperature dips.
Nineteen - Nineteen on the 19th floor of The Bellevue Hotel is known for its elegance and its beautiful views of the city skyline. The lounge may be one of the city's most romantic spots with its rich mahogany and leather furnishings and inviting fireplace.
Library Bar -- The Rittenhouse Hotel’s Library Bar is warm and comfortable, especially the outer area of the bar, which has big limestone fireplace and walls lined with books. If this is your destination, call first because the bar (which can only be accessed through the hotel lobby) sometimes closes if there's a wedding reception in the lobby.
Devil's Den - There's a double-sided, wood-burning fireplace in this South Philly gastropub that specializes in American comfort food and spirits.
Wm Mulherin’s Sons - This sexy Italian restaurant, known for its pizza, pasta and vibrant bar, has a large fireplace in its main dining room. The Fishtown-based restaurant also has outside seating available.
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The Gables at Chadds Ford - Located in a renovated dairy barn that dates back to the 1800s, The Gables is simple, yet elegant. The menu offers a contemporary twist on traditional American cuisine, with French and Southern influences. The restaurant has fireplaces inside and fire pits outdoors.
General Wayne - This 18th-century country inn serves American-Continental cuisine with a contemporary flair. There’s a working fireplace in each of its dining rooms and heated outdoor dining space too. The historic inn is located inside a boutique hotel in Malvern.
Four Dogs Tavern - This fun, dog-friendly tavern is located in the Marshalton Inn in the historic village of Marshalton in West Chester. It serves upscale American cuisine and spirits in a traditional setting including fireplaces. Inside and outside seating is available.
Rosalie Italian Soul Food - The restaurant, which is inside the historic Wayne Hotel, creates an authentic Italian dining experience in a setting that combines rustic comfort and design.
Autograph Brasserie - There are fireplaces in the club room and the bar at this modern American brasserie located at the Shops of Eagle Village in Wayne. Featured throughout the restaurant are more than 1,000 celebrity autographs, photos and albums covers that are a nod to people who have impacted popular American culture.
White Dog Cafe -- There's a fireplace in the White Dog Cafe's new location in the Shoppes at Brinton Lake in Glen Mills. The restaurant serves local, seasonal food that is sustainably raised.
Blue Bell Inn - This modern American restaurant in Blue Bell is set in a historic building from circa-1743. It has a working gas fireplace in the bar and fire pits in the outside dining area.
Panache Woodfire Grill - Just across Skippack Pike is this Italian/American restaurant with two bars and outside space. Grab a seat at one of the high tops near the fireplace in the upper bar or sit in the outside area where there are heat lamps, fire pits, a contemporary outside fireplace and a tent to keep you warm.
Dettera Restaurant and Wine Bar -- This eatery in downtown Ambler is a go-to location for wine lovers. Dettera is known for serving 50+ wines by the glass and 200 more by the bottle. Dettera is housed in a beautifully-restored historic building with a brick fireplace on its outside deck.
The Whip Tavern - This building that houses this rustic tavern dates back to the early 1900s. It has a big working fireplaces indoors, as well as outdoor seating with space heaters. The tavern, which is located in Coatesville, serves British cuisine.
River House At Odette’s -- This new, luxury hotel in New Hope is home to Odette's restaurant as well as a Piano Lounge in its two-story lofted lobby. The vibrant lounge has a stunning stone fireplace.
Rocco’s at the Brick -- This Newtown restaurant offers steak and seafood in a warm, upscale atmosphere. Rocco’s has a fireplace inside plus a heated tent for outdoor seating.
The Plumsteadville Inn -- This charming inn in Pipersville has a variety of dining options including the Tavern, a lively space with a beautiful stone fireplace and a refurbished 1894 Steinway grand piano. There’s another fireplace in the lounge behind the bar which was part of the original cottage dating back to 1716. The Inn has several more dining rooms including one dedicated to the Phillies, as well as outdoor dining space.
The Salt House - The charming gastropub is in New Hope in a stone building with a big fireplace. The building dates back to 1751.
Stella - This contemporary restaurant in New Hope's Ghost Light Inn is named after a rescued, one-eared Pit Bull. The cuisine is inspired by local ingredients. It has a huge fireplace, stunning riverfront views and outside dining.
Washington Crossing Inn - Enjoy traditional American fare in a faithfully-preserved 1817 house in Washington Crossing, just steps from the spot where George Washington led his troops on a daring midnight mission across the Delaware River. It has multiple fireplaces and a lush secret garden.
Jasper’s Backyard - This popular Conshohocken restaurant has live music, a fireplace inside and an outdoor area too. Plus, its dog-friendly.
Whether you're in Center City or the suburbs there are lots of restaurants and bars where you can cozy up by the fire for a drink or meal. Or both.
Note: If you’re headed to a restaurant or bar in Philadelphia, take your vaccine card and ID. The city has mandated that they’ll be needed for inside dining. Until January 17, proof of a negative Covid19 test within 24 hours can also be used for entry.
by Irene Levy Baker, author, 100 Things To Do In Philadelphia and Unique Eats & Eateries of Philadelphia. Looking for things to do this winter? Want the scoop on what's new in Philadelphia? Visit www.100ThingsToDoInPhiladelphia.com for signed books. For free shipping, use promo code TheCityPulse.
Click here for more blog postings by Irene Levy Baker including a list of restaurants with heated outside dining, restaurants offering bonus gift cards, only-in-Philadelphia exhibits and more.
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