This post was updated on December 5, 2024.
Nothing beats relaxing by a fire in winter—except maybe that hot cocktail you’ll be sipping. Here are our favorite indoor hearths (all wood-burning) and winter patio destinations.
Cozy up indoors
Bar à Vin
1035 31st St., NW
This wood-paneled, romantic Georgetown wine bar is one of our favorite places to curl up with a glass of vin rouge by a fire. Sister restaurant Chez Billy Sud next door provides excellent cheese and charcuterie.
Cedar Knoll
9030 Lucia Ln., Alexandria
Thanks to a reader for tipping us off to this gem. Cedar Knoll’s huge wood-burning hearth is the kind you can curl up next to in a tufted leather chair. Sweater weather calls for “Grandpa’s Cardigan,” a Scotch and bourbon cocktail with maple syrup. There’s some fun trivia, too—the land the French/American restaurant sits on overlooking the Potomac River once belonged to George Washington.
Iron Gate
1734 N St., NW
One of DC’s most romantic restaurants gets its charm from a fireplace in the dining room, plus fire pits warming the lovely courtyard patio. The Dupont Circle kitchen also benefits from wood fuel in its smoke-kissed dishes.
The Living Room at Ritz-Carlton Georgetown
3100 South St., NW
The 130-foot-tall hearth in this warm-toned lobby lounge makes this the biggest blaze we know of in DC. Order up a martini and you’ll feel like you’re fireside in Aspen.
Murphys Grand Irish Pub
713 King St., Alexandria
Warm up with a Guinness at this Old Town pub, which boasts fireplaces on both floors.
600 T
600 T St., NW
With only 25 seats in this cabin-like Shaw cocktail bar, almost everyone is close to the fireplace.
Tabard Inn
1739 N St., NW
The historic Dupont Circle hotel is one of DC’s classic destinations for fireside drinks. A cold day may call for a Manhattan or Old Fashioned, but there’s also a good selection of low- and no-alcohol drinks.
Bundle up on a winter patio (or rooftop)
Barca
2 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria
Sip stone-fruit sangria and snack on croquetas at this indoor/outdoor Spanish spot right on the Potomac River. On the well-heated dock, some tables are inlaid with fire pits. Bonus: it’s dog-friendly.
Barcelona
1622 14th St., NW
Watch the 14th Street foot traffic from the Spanish restaurant’s front patio while warming your hands by the large fireplace. Blankets and heat lamps help keep things toasty. Get there early on warmer days—space fills up fast.
Calico
50 Blagden Alley, NW
Shaw’s “urban backyard” is leaning into its reputation this winter with cozy campfire vibes and a specialty cocktail menu featuring drinks made with Campstock whiskey. From 4 PM to closing time every Sunday through Thursday, groups of two to four can reserve a spot with a tabletop firepit. Reservations cost $25 per person and are capped at two hours—they include two build-your-own s’mores kits and a choice of Campstock cocktail for each guest.
“Snowglow”at Hi-Lawn
1309 Fifth St., NE
Starting December 13, Union Market’s massive rooftop bar/restaurant will be covered with a 50 foot heated dome, with a wintery immersive experience called “Snowglow.” Instead of fire pits, you’ll get 360-degree projections of crackling embers, Alpine villages, the Northern Lights, and more. Grab photos by the faux ski-lift, and warm up with fondue, smorrebrod, and boozy hot chocolate.
Lone Oak Farm Brewing Co.
5000 Olney Laytonsville Rd., Olney
This farm and brewery in Olney is a great destination for a group. In addition to glamping tents, heat-seekers can book pits with seating for up to six around the wood-burning blaze (note: there’s a fee of $90 per reservation). Expect seasonal brews and beer-friendly fare like pretzels and pizza.
Upstairs at the Morrow
222 M St., NE
The rooftop bar atop this NoMa hotel offers fire pits, postcard-worthy views, and hearty snacks like duck reuben sliders. Happy hour runs weekdays from 4 to 7 PM.
Head for a Winery
Bluemont Vineyard
18755 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont
On a mountain in Loudoun County near the border with West Virginia, this winery offers an expansive deck with picturesque views of the countryside. Secure a fire table—for up to four—and pour a glass of mulled wine for maximum coziness.
Williams Gap Vineyard
35521 Sexton Farm Ln., Round Hill
There are a few different spots around this Loudoun County winery where you can nurse a glass of wine near a fire. Sink into a leather chair by the stone hearth in the tasting room or venture outside to the pavilion for fire towers and a wood-burning fireplace. For your own personal flame, reserve a fire table for up to four people.
Zephaniah Farm Vineyard
19381 Dunlop Mill Rd., Leesburg
Wood-fueled fire pits dot the outdoor seating area and meadow by the vineyard at this low-key winery. Reserve a fire pit while booking a tasting of four wines and you can bring a picnic to pair with the juice.
Anna Spiegel covers the dining and drinking scene in her native DC. Prior to joining Washingtonian in 2010, she attended the French Culinary Institute and Columbia University’s MFA program in New York, and held various cooking and writing positions in NYC and in St. John, US Virgin Islands.
Daniella Byck joined Washingtonian in 2022. She was previously with Outside Magazine and lives in Northeast DC.
Ann Limpert joined Washingtonian in late 2003. She was previously an editorial assistant at Entertainment Weekly and a cook in New York restaurant kitchens, and she is a graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education. She lives in Petworth.
