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Customers sit by the fireplace in Le Bar à Vin at Chez Billy Sud in Georgetown.
Customers sit by the fireplace in Le Bar à Vin at Chez Billy Sud in Georgetown.
J. Lawler Duggan/For The Washington Post via Getty Images

18 Top Fireside Dining Destinations Around D.C.

Where to warm up this season over a stiff drink

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Customers sit by the fireplace in Le Bar à Vin at Chez Billy Sud in Georgetown.
|J. Lawler Duggan/For The Washington Post via Getty Images

When the temperatures go from a little chilly to full-on frigid, it’s tempting to go into hibernation mode. But this seasonal shift doesn’t mean D.C. diners have to spend the wintertime cooped up at home. Plenty of restaurants thrive when it’s cold out — especially when they’ve got a crackling fireplace, cozy decor, and piping hot beverages to comfort customers when the weather won’t cooperate.

Between classic eateries like Tabard Inn and Iron Gate to Michelin-rated splurges like Masseria and Maydan, here are 18 dining destinations to warm up with fireside food and drinks.

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L'Auberge Chez Francois

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For a culinary getaway that’s not too far from the city, check out this longtime family-owned establishment set against a picturesque farmhouse and two outdoor gardens in Great Falls, Va. Indulge in classic French fare, including foie gras and escargots, while sitting fireside and enjoying live music — keep an eye on itsspecial events calendarfor dates and details.

Hook Hall

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This Park View tavern and event space is ideal for large groups. During the winter months, the expansive outdoor area boasts blankets, fire pits, and plenty of picnic table seating. And starting December 1, guests can reserve a space for its ‘80s-themedChalet at Hook Hall. Prices for a neon-soaked table or private tent range from $25 to $350, depending on the day of the week and number of guests under the reservation.

Maydan

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A copper wood-burning oven is the focal point of both the menu andaward-winning designat Michelin-rated Maydan. It’s here where from-the-fire entrees, such as the grilled autumn squash and turmeric roasted sea bass, are cooked.

Two-story Maydan is anchored by a giant wood-burning oven.
Rey Lopez/Eater DC

盧波佛得角客棧柵欄

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On the third floor of this Italian eatery, diners get all the warmth thanks to a 16-seat private dining room complete with a fireplace and TV. This room can also be reserved for a family-style “Sunday Supper” spread on Sundays. The menu boasts multiple wood-fired pizzas and homemade pastas.

盧波佛得角客棧柵欄
盧波佛得角客棧柵欄/official photo

Ivy City Smokehouse

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Head to the roof of Ivy City’s seafood standard-bearer and gather around its huge gas-powered fire pit to order smoked fish and game day grub.

Masseria

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Chef Nicholas Stefanelli’s coastal Italian tasting menu at this Michelin-starred spot near Union Market may be a splurge, but the Puglian-inspired lineup rarely disappoints. Prior to partaking in the prix fixe offerings, settle in next to walled-in patio fire pits. Here, warm up and sip cocktails, like its new Taranto Sour, made with Woodinville straight rye whiskey, Hennessy V.S.O.P, lemon, mission fig, and burrata water. The libation is crafted tableside with a pour of Primitivo, a classic Puglian red wine. AtOfficina, Stefanelli’s sibling project on the Wharf, there’s a massive outdoor terrace with scenic Potomac River views and numerous fire pits (no reservations required).

Masseria
Masseria
R. Lopez/Eater DC

Tabard Inn

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The living room-style lobby at the boutique hotel hideaway is ideal for date night because of its comfortable couches and dim lighting. Enjoy conversation, company, and a glass of wine by the homey fireplace, and be sure to bookmark itsevents pagefor information on upcoming live music performances.

The lived-in vibes at Tabard Inn.
Tabard Inn/official photo

Iron Gate

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The brick-lined fireplace is the dining room’s focal point at this romantic Dupont Circle mainstay that once operated as a carriage house. Now, you’ll find Mediterranean cooking that references Italy and Greece, like oak grilled duck leg, charred octopus, and roasted mushroom “carbonara.” Its charming brick patio is also outfitted with rows of fire pits.

Iron Gate DC fireplace
A roaring fire at Iron Gate.
Iron Gate

Diners need to book early if they want a seat next to the fireplace during colder months in the John Carroll Room. The 150-seat dining room in the historic Georgetown restaurant also features old maps of the city and Currier and Ives prints. Head downstairs to the basement bar, the Tombs, for a more casual atmosphere with stone-lined fireplaces.

The Greenhouse

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Located inside the celebrated Jefferson hotel, the restaurant’s fireplace enhances the coziness of this historic gem that’s adorned with chandeliers and crown molding.

La Chaumière

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有很多喜歡喬治敦的La Chaumière, but its stone fireplaces and exposed wood beams make this French restaurant one of the most charming spots in the District. Enjoy hearty entrees, like roasted rack of lamb and fish stew, alongside the soothing sounds of a crackling fire.

The cozy dining room at La Chaumiere.
La Chaumiere/official photo

Bar a Vin

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This 50-seat wine bar sits next to sister spot Chez Billy Sud, the well-known French favorite of former First Lady Michelle Obama. Patrons rush to grab their favorite seats, since the velvet-covered walls and roaring fireplace make for a prime setting for Instagram and TikTok-worthy moments.

The Living Room at the Ritz-Carlton Georgetown

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Cozy up with a martini at the swanky Living Room at the Ritz-Carlton in Georgetown, which welcomes guests with plush leather seats parked by a dramatic wood-burning fireplace spanning 130 feet.

The luxe lobby area at the Ritz-Carlton in Georgetown.
Ritz-Carlton/official photo

This hip basement bar has a working electric fireplace in the main dining room, where diners can enjoy Balkan small plates and creative cocktails, like “Time To Spare,” made with espresso, coconut milk, cinnamon, and orange essence. Be wary of timing, though, as the relaxed bar is currently open only on Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 to 11 p.m.

Baba is modeled after a hip grandma’s house.
Baba/official photo

Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar

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Capitol Hill has no shortage of food and drink options, but the burning fireplaces located in Sonoma’s upstairs seating room make it a particularly comforting option. Start with charcuterie boards and follow up with red wine risotto and a chocolate fudge brownie cake.

Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar
Sonoma/Eater

Camp Wharf at the Firepit

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Got a s’mores craving that needs to be satisfied? Head to the Wharf, where a vintage Airstream trailer in the middle of the boardwalk serves all the s’mores essentials: marshmallows, chocolate, graham crackers, roasting sticks, and — of course — a wood-burning fire. S’mores are $4.50 each, or four for $16, and hot apple cider is $4.50. Camp Wharf is open Thursday through Sunday evenings and closed Monday to Wednesday. The wintertime setup with Washington Gas benefits the Washington Area Fuel Fund.

2941 Restaurant

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Guests are treated to picturesque views of koi ponds and waterfalls at this soaring glass-enclosed hideaway in Falls Church. Inside, two roaring fireplaces in the main dining room help set the scene for upscale business lunches and intimate date nights alike.

2941’s dramatic fireplace.
2941/official photo

Trummer's

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Located in picturesque Clifton, this restaurant is worth the 25-mile detour outside of the city. It has three working fireplaces — one on the bar and two in the mid-level loft dining room. Order the squash soup, branzino, and rotisserie potatoes for a memorable meal this season. Finish with peach crisp for dessert, which is topped off with sea salt caramel and vanilla ice cream.

Trummer’s got a modern makeover last year.
Jennifer Chase/Jennifer Chase Photography

L'Auberge Chez Francois

For a culinary getaway that’s not too far from the city, check out this longtime family-owned establishment set against a picturesque farmhouse and two outdoor gardens in Great Falls, Va. Indulge in classic French fare, including foie gras and escargots, while sitting fireside and enjoying live music — keep an eye on itsspecial events calendarfor dates and details.

Hook Hall

This Park View tavern and event space is ideal for large groups. During the winter months, the expansive outdoor area boasts blankets, fire pits, and plenty of picnic table seating. And starting December 1, guests can reserve a space for its ‘80s-themedChalet at Hook Hall. Prices for a neon-soaked table or private tent range from $25 to $350, depending on the day of the week and number of guests under the reservation.

Maydan

A copper wood-burning oven is the focal point of both the menu andaward-winning designat Michelin-rated Maydan. It’s here where from-the-fire entrees, such as the grilled autumn squash and turmeric roasted sea bass, are cooked.

Two-story Maydan is anchored by a giant wood-burning oven.
Rey Lopez/Eater DC

盧波佛得角客棧柵欄

On the third floor of this Italian eatery, diners get all the warmth thanks to a 16-seat private dining room complete with a fireplace and TV. This room can also be reserved for a family-style “Sunday Supper” spread on Sundays. The menu boasts multiple wood-fired pizzas and homemade pastas.

盧波佛得角客棧柵欄
盧波佛得角客棧柵欄/official photo

Ivy City Smokehouse

Head to the roof of Ivy City’s seafood standard-bearer and gather around its huge gas-powered fire pit to order smoked fish and game day grub.

Masseria

Chef Nicholas Stefanelli’s coastal Italian tasting menu at this Michelin-starred spot near Union Market may be a splurge, but the Puglian-inspired lineup rarely disappoints. Prior to partaking in the prix fixe offerings, settle in next to walled-in patio fire pits. Here, warm up and sip cocktails, like its new Taranto Sour, made with Woodinville straight rye whiskey, Hennessy V.S.O.P, lemon, mission fig, and burrata water. The libation is crafted tableside with a pour of Primitivo, a classic Puglian red wine. AtOfficina, Stefanelli’s sibling project on the Wharf, there’s a massive outdoor terrace with scenic Potomac River views and numerous fire pits (no reservations required).

Masseria
Masseria
R. Lopez/Eater DC

Tabard Inn

The living room-style lobby at the boutique hotel hideaway is ideal for date night because of its comfortable couches and dim lighting. Enjoy conversation, company, and a glass of wine by the homey fireplace, and be sure to bookmark itsevents pagefor information on upcoming live music performances.

The lived-in vibes at Tabard Inn.
Tabard Inn/official photo

Iron Gate

The brick-lined fireplace is the dining room’s focal point at this romantic Dupont Circle mainstay that once operated as a carriage house. Now, you’ll find Mediterranean cooking that references Italy and Greece, like oak grilled duck leg, charred octopus, and roasted mushroom “carbonara.” Its charming brick patio is also outfitted with rows of fire pits.

Iron Gate DC fireplace
A roaring fire at Iron Gate.
Iron Gate

1789

Diners need to book early if they want a seat next to the fireplace during colder months in the John Carroll Room. The 150-seat dining room in the historic Georgetown restaurant also features old maps of the city and Currier and Ives prints. Head downstairs to the basement bar, the Tombs, for a more casual atmosphere with stone-lined fireplaces.

The Greenhouse

Located inside the celebrated Jefferson hotel, the restaurant’s fireplace enhances the coziness of this historic gem that’s adorned with chandeliers and crown molding.

La Chaumière

有很多喜歡喬治敦的La Chaumière, but its stone fireplaces and exposed wood beams make this French restaurant one of the most charming spots in the District. Enjoy hearty entrees, like roasted rack of lamb and fish stew, alongside the soothing sounds of a crackling fire.

The cozy dining room at La Chaumiere.
La Chaumiere/official photo

Bar a Vin

This 50-seat wine bar sits next to sister spot Chez Billy Sud, the well-known French favorite of former First Lady Michelle Obama. Patrons rush to grab their favorite seats, since the velvet-covered walls and roaring fireplace make for a prime setting for Instagram and TikTok-worthy moments.

The Living Room at the Ritz-Carlton Georgetown

Cozy up with a martini at the swanky Living Room at the Ritz-Carlton in Georgetown, which welcomes guests with plush leather seats parked by a dramatic wood-burning fireplace spanning 130 feet.

The luxe lobby area at the Ritz-Carlton in Georgetown.
Ritz-Carlton/official photo

Baba

This hip basement bar has a working electric fireplace in the main dining room, where diners can enjoy Balkan small plates and creative cocktails, like “Time To Spare,” made with espresso, coconut milk, cinnamon, and orange essence. Be wary of timing, though, as the relaxed bar is currently open only on Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 to 11 p.m.

Baba is modeled after a hip grandma’s house.
Baba/official photo

Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar

Capitol Hill has no shortage of food and drink options, but the burning fireplaces located in Sonoma’s upstairs seating room make it a particularly comforting option. Start with charcuterie boards and follow up with red wine risotto and a chocolate fudge brownie cake.

Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar
Sonoma/Eater

Related Maps

Camp Wharf at the Firepit

Got a s’mores craving that needs to be satisfied? Head to the Wharf, where a vintage Airstream trailer in the middle of the boardwalk serves all the s’mores essentials: marshmallows, chocolate, graham crackers, roasting sticks, and — of course — a wood-burning fire. S’mores are $4.50 each, or four for $16, and hot apple cider is $4.50. Camp Wharf is open Thursday through Sunday evenings and closed Monday to Wednesday. The wintertime setup with Washington Gas benefits the Washington Area Fuel Fund.

2941 Restaurant

Guests are treated to picturesque views of koi ponds and waterfalls at this soaring glass-enclosed hideaway in Falls Church. Inside, two roaring fireplaces in the main dining room help set the scene for upscale business lunches and intimate date nights alike.

2941’s dramatic fireplace.
2941/official photo

Trummer's

Located in picturesque Clifton, this restaurant is worth the 25-mile detour outside of the city. It has three working fireplaces — one on the bar and two in the mid-level loft dining room. Order the squash soup, branzino, and rotisserie potatoes for a memorable meal this season. Finish with peach crisp for dessert, which is topped off with sea salt caramel and vanilla ice cream.

Trummer’s got a modern makeover last year.
Jennifer Chase/Jennifer Chase Photography

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