There’s nothing like a crackling fireplace to set the mood for a great winter meal. Whether you’re in search of a romantic venue for a dinner for two, or just looking for a spot to warm up with friends, here are the restaurants with the coziest fireplaces in town.
Ananda: This Maple Lawn gem features beautiful fireplaces to enhance its signature Indian farm-to-table dining experience. Whether you’re seated indoors, or outside on the terrace, the space features marble fireplaces around every corner. 7421 Maple Lawn Blvd. Fulton. 301-725-4800
The Ambassador Dining Room: Often considered one of the most romantic restaurants in town, this spot features majestic fireplaces and nattily dressed waiters serving everything from samosas to lamb vindaloo. 3811 Canterbury Rd. 410-366-1484
The Bluebird Cocktail Room: The fireplace at this dimly lit, literary-inspired Hampden hangout contributes to its overall cozy vibe. Snag an evening table to sip sophisticated drinks and fill up on snacks—like mushroom toast and frites with truffle aioli—while soaking up the dreamy ambiance. 3600 Hickory Ave.
The Brewer’s Art: Retreat from the cold with a pint and a warm meal inside this storied Mt. Vernon brewpub—whose upstairs dining room boasts a classic wood-burning fireplace. Stare into the embers while savoring the famous mac and cheese or an order of rosemary garlic fries, served with a side of mayo. 1106 N Charles St. 410-547-6925
Cindy Lou’s Fish House: Sleek, oversized fireplaces—paired with the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Inner Harbor—make this Harbor Point restaurant an ideal spot to retreat from the cold. The Foreman Wolf establishment pairs its cozy ambiance with Southern-inspired dishes such as chicken-fried steak and a fried chicken platter with buttermilk biscuits. 1215 Wills St. 443-960-8670
Leinenkugel’s Beer Garden: The best-kept secret of this lively beer garden is its outdoor fireplace. Grab a drink, pull up an Adirondack chair, and unwind with friends at this warm spot in Power Plant Live. 4 Market Pl. 410-908-0650
The Milton Inn: Warm up with a gourmet meal in one of the many dining rooms of this historic house, featuring gas fireplaces. If you’re really looking to kick up the heat, ask to be seated in the Hearth Room and get toasty around the flickering flames. 14833 York Rd. Sparks. 410-771-4366
The Oregon Grille: This charming 19th-century farmhouse—recently reopened by Atlas Restaurant Group—has a fireplace around every corner. Whether you’re looking for a place to grab drinks with friends, or just in search of a romantic spot for a date night, the Cockeysville fixture is full of cozy character. 1201 Shawan Road. Hunt Valley. 410-771-0505
Petit Louis Bistro: From its marble accents and brick archways to its sophisticated French fare and fully stocked wine cellar, everything about this Roland Park mainstay exudes an old-school European bistro feel. Cozy up by the wood-burning fireplace to enjoy classics like French onion soup, fried eggplant Napolean, and rainbow trout amandine. 4800 Roland Ave. 410-366-9393
Poets Modern Cocktails and Eats: Complete with funky chandeliers, comfy high-back chairs, and vintage artwork, this trendy bar and lounge inside The Hotel Indigo in Mt. Vernon is a go-to spot to sip cocktails. In keeping with its literary theme, the space features built-in bookshelves surrounding its massive wood-burning fireplace. 24 W. Franklin St. 443-961-3400
Pub Dog Pizza & Drafthouse: The food and beverage scene in Federal Hill has seen some stark changes throughout the years, but this East Cross Street pizza palace remains a stalwart. A loaded pie (the menu lists more than 20 varieties) and a house-brewed pint near the exposed-brick fireplace seems like the perfect winter weekend activity to us. 20 E. Cross St. 410-727-6077
R. House: Grab some grub from this Remington food hall—whose stalls offer everything from pizza and chicken sandwiches to rice bowls and sushi burritos—and create your own campfire around the gas fireplace outside. (Dessert vendor Taharka Bros. even offers its signature honey graham flavor, if you really want to get into the s’mores spirit.) 301 W. 29th St. 443-347-3570
Tark’s Grill + Bar: Famous for its traditional American fare, this upscale restaurant embraces the spirit of the city with vintage photography and modern décor. The spot’s signature outdoor courtyard boasts an artsy fireplace surrounded by a flowing fountain. 2360 W. Joppa Rd. Lutherville. 410-583-8275
The Valley Inn: The glow of two working gas fireplaces fills the dining room and oyster-themed “O” Bar of this 1800s Greenspring Valley roadhouse. Its menu features classic comfort foods, such as crab cake platters and hearty seafood gumbo, which serve as a perfect main event to any winter meal. 10501 Falls Rd., Lutherville. 410-828-0002