Winter can be tough when you’re stuck inside the entire time. Last week, we showed you a few places where you could grab your skates and hit the ice. This week, we’re looking for something a little warmer. Nothing quite hits the spot in the winter like cozying up to a great fireplace. As luck would have it, DC has some great bars and restaurants with an open flame perfect for this time of year. So without further adieu, here are our favorite spots:
The Tombs – Georgetown
You may remember The Tombs as “St. Elmo’s Bar” in the 1985 classic, St. Elmo’s Fire. But the real thing is somewhat of a Georgetown institution. Located just off the University campus, the Tombs features a great fireplace and walls covered in neighborhood nostalgia. And snag yourself a $3 craft beer during happy hour which is Monday through Thursday from 4pm-6pm. Or $3 Mimosas at Saturday Brunch! Just be careful leaving, the Tombs is only a block away from the famous stair case from the 1973 movie, The Exorcist.
The Tombs is located at 1226 36th Street NW.
Barcelona Wine Bar – Logan Circle
Perhaps the newest spot on our list, Barcelona just opened on the burgeoning Logan Circle strip just a month ago and is currently proud owner of the restaurant that all your DC friends want you to go to. Their beautiful outdoor patio features heat lamps, a cock tail cart, cozy blankets, and of course a big outdoor fireplace. And their happy hour lasts from 4p-6p with great deals on wine, sazarac and even $2 tapas!
Barcelona Wine Bar is located at 1622 14th Street NW
Irish Whiskey Public House – Dupont Circle
With dueling fireplaces on the first and third floors of this Dupont Circle area bar, as well as an outdoor fire pit just outside the front door, Irish Whiskey Public House makes a run coziest bar of the winter. The fact that they offer free cocoa and s’mores from 6pm-9pm only brings the cozy factor up to a whole other level.
Irish Whiskey Public House is located at 1207 19th St NW
Iron Gate – Dupont Circle
Our pick for the best date spot with a fireplace is easy. Its the new Iron Gate Restaurant in Dupont Circle. They have their beautiful brick fireplace in the main dining room (below) is original from when the building was erected in 1874. They also have a great courtyard with fire pits and heat lamps sure to keep you warm as you enjoy their incredible food. Chef Anthony Chittum’s four and six course tasting menus only bring Iron Gate to the top of the list of new restaurants in DC.
Iron Gate is located at 1734 N Street NW
Oya – Penn Quarter
Oya is hope to perhaps the coolest looking fireplaces in the city. The one pictured below is paired with its twin just behind the bar, give this Penn Quarter hotspot the modern flair to match its Asian fusion inspired menu. What does that mean? It means you can pair your Kobe Beef Burger with some of the finest sushi in DC and wash it down with some of their signature cocktails.
Oya is located at 777 9th Street NW
Hungry (or Thirsty) for more?
These are just our favorites, but there are plenty other cozy spots in DC to warm up near the fire with a great meal or a great drink. Head on over to the DCist for their Top 10, or to Zagat for their best NEW fireplace restaurants in DC, or DC Eater for their best drink deals near a fireplace. Stay warm!
