30 Chicago bars and restaurants with fireplaces
Hot cocktails alone won't abate the wind chill—snuggle up next to one of these cozy fireplaces

If surviving long, brutal winters was an Olympic sport, Chicagoans would score gold year after year. Lucky for us, the best bars in Chicago transform into cozy hideouts to accommodate us. The best of the bunch even have warm, roaring fireplaces to really help us thaw from the frigid temps outside. From all-season rooftop bars to Michelin star restaurants in Chicago and beloved dives, these local hotspots have the best fireplaces in town. Grab a table near the flames, order a round of drinks and cozy up for the night.
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Bars and restaurants with fireplaces
Elske
There's an impressive outdoor fireplace in the alcove just outside the entrance to David and Anna Posey's West Loop eatery. After the couple feeds you, take a breather next to the calming flames.
Cindy's
Outfitted with firepits and flannel blankets to keep you warm, the sprawling terrace at Cindy's invites guests to curl up with a glass of wine or a hot cocktail and enjoy one of the best views in the city.
The Darling
Decked out in 1900s manor decor, hundreds of vintage books and two fireplaces, the first-floor Library at the Darling makes an ideal backdrop for a cold winter night. Tabletop board games and live entertainment keep the party going into the wee hours of the morning.
The Dawson
The Dawson boasts two roaring fireplaces: Cozy up outdoors by the massive stone mantle, or take it inside and snuggle next to the modern fireplace upstairs.
Scofflaw
The folks at Scofflaw offer two things that make winter feel a bit more manageable: lots of gin-laced cocktails and a flickering fireplace, located in the main lounge.
Z Bar
The Peninsula's stunning rooftop lounge has it all: sweeping city views, wordly cocktails, a roster of shareable snacks and two modern fireplaces that beckon you outside.
The Moonlighter
This Logan Square watering hole is outfitted with a partially enclosed indoor fireplace that feels like its own private space. The first-come, first-served area makes an impressive backdrop for date night.
Drumbar
Situated atop the Raffaello Hotel in the Gold Coast, Drumbar is the kind of cocktail lounge that makes it easy to go into hibernation, with a beautiful fireplace inside and cozy fire pits outside on the rooftop terrace.
Frontier
Frontier boasts several fireplaces, but we're drawn to the imposing stone hearth in the beer garden. Order a round of charbroiled oysters for the table and stay a while.
Fireside
Ravenswood locals flock to this bar for its namesake’s warmth and coziness—and heavy pours of Scotch. Grab a seat on the all-weather patio or vie for a spot near the action in the main dining room.
Park & Field
Though its kitchen and bar are housed in a former auto repair garage, Park & Field's main draw is its gigantic patio, which is dotted with fire pits. Secure a seat, order a basket of s'mores and tell winter to shove it.
Tied House
Sandwiched between Schubas Tavern and Tied House sits a grand outdoor fireplace. Grab a seat outside and warm your hands in front of the hearth, or enjoy the flames at a distance from a table inside.
Aba
Come for the grilled kebabs and hummus, but stay for the beckoning outdoor fire pits. When the weather outside is too frightful, a lush indoor dining room makes an excellent backup option.
The Violet Hour
With dim lights and well-made cocktails, the Violet Hour is already a top choice for winter drinking. Add in a fireplace, and you've got one of the best seasonal destinations in the city.
Upstairs at The Gwen
Feeling competitive? Head to this River North hotel and check out the seasonal outdoor curling rink. Retreat to the posh fire pits to warm up between matches.
Ella Elli
As soon as you walk into this stunning Lakeview restaurant, you're greeted by velvet furniture and a massive tile-lined fireplace—a fitting introduction to an exquisite experience.
Hopleaf
There are few better ways to spend a winter evening than drinking Belgian beers and slurping mussels at this Andersonville haunt. The fire keeps things extra toasty.
The Drawing Room
In the Drawing Room on the second floor of Chicago Athletic Association, three fireplaces add a warm feel to the library-like lobby. Commandeer some couches and settle in for a round of drinks.
Simon’s Tavern
When the temperature dips and the snow starts to fall in Chicago, locals know to head to Simon's for a glass of soul-soothing glögg (or mulled wine for the uninitiated) next to the red-brick fireplace.
Table, Donkey and Stick
This Logan Square darling feels like a rustic après-ski chalet, and the back patio's fire kettle only adds to the charm. Warm up with chartreuse-laced hot chocolate.
The Broken Shaker
Tucked into the back corner of the Freehand Hotel lobby are two fireplaces ideal for warming up in winter. The funky lobby has a cabin vibe and dark lighting, plus board games like backgammon for whiling away cold nights over tropical cocktails.
The Heavy Feather
Big leather chairs and throwback cocktails make this place homey already, but grab a chair next to the fireplace for some extra comfort—especially when you've gotta take a break from all the dancing you've been doing downstairs at Slippery Slope.
Apogee
You're here for the imaginative, large-format cocktails, but the trendy outdoor fire pits are a huge bonus for those chilly summer nights.
The Grafton
Head to the back room at this Irish pub for one of the city's best burgers, served next to a welcoming stone fireplace. And since the Old Town School of Folk Music is next door, you might even catch an impromptu performance while you dine.
IO Lounge
The upscale rooftop of the Godfrey Hotel has an expansive outdoor lounge with fire pits. Curl up with a hot cocktail, toast a marshmallow over the flames and enjoy the view.
Fountainhead
With more than 200 beer selections (and plenty of whiskey) to choose from, the gastropub will make you want to stay all winter—especially if you manage to score seats next to the fire.
Sheffield’s
Armed with four bars and two fireplaces, it's not hard to feel right at home at Sheffield's Beer & Wine Garden. Toss in one of the city's best beer lists, and this might just become your winter hideaway.
ROOF on theWit
The ROOF on theWit isn't just for summer—come winter, there's a fireplace to snuggle up next to and a retractable roof to keep out the chill.
Vines on Clark
Head to this Wrigleyville bar and restaurant and catch a Blackhawks game while you warm up at one of the tables near the fire.
Stella Barra Pizzeria
Take a load off on Stella Barra's all-season patio, equipped with a modern, wall-mounted fireplace to keep pizza lovers warm all winter long.
Find more places to cozy up to the bar
Cocktails in Chicago
Whether you're looking for your next stop for a drink or want to try to make one yourself, we've got you covered with our guide to cocktails in Chicago.