Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibilitySkip to main content
Download the AppGet your news faster with our mobile experience

Five bars and restaurants to visit this winter for cocktails and coziness


The bar area at The Dandelion in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Courtesy of The Dandelion)

It can be difficult to stay positive (and warm) during the dead of winter, but these five cozy bars and restaurants make it a little easier. With crackling fireplaces, comfort food, and cocktails worth lingering over, these spots know how to chase away the chill.

The Dandelion (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

Serving fresh, seasonal renditions of traditional U.K. fare, The Dandelion blends sophistication and elegance with the dim, moody warmth of a quintessential British pub. Just steps from Philadelphia’s historic Rittenhouse Square, The Dandelion’s doors beckon to busy shoppers, tourists, and wanderers, welcoming them to pop in for a break from the cold. Settle into a cozy leather booth or perch on a plaid-upholstered barstool and tuck into some rabbit pie, bangers & mash or the famous Dandy Burger. Sip a perfectly-poured pint from an extensive craft beer selection or enjoy an espresso martini and a sweet treat — ideally, by the fireplace.

Address: 124 S. 18th St., Philadelphia, PA 19103

Click here for operating hours and more information about The Dandelion.

Fireside espresso martini and sweet treats at The Dandelion in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Courtesy of The Dandelion){p}{/p}
Fireside espresso martini and sweet treats at The Dandelion in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Courtesy of The Dandelion)

Multnomah Whisky Library (Portland, Oregon)

Nestle into a tufted leather armchair or couch near the fireplace and look on as ladders move across wooden floors to reach any of the 2,000+ bottles occupying the shelves behind the bar. Warm up with a hot cup of tea or a snifter of brandy while basking in the “ever-evolving celebration of the art of distillation,” as Multnomah describes itself. For those not in love with whiskey, don’t fret: The diverse spirit collection includes a wide array of cognacs, tequilas, mezcals, rums, and liqueurs, and the beautiful space welcomes drinkers (and non-drinkers) of all kinds.

Address: 1124 SW Alder St., Portland, OR 97205

Click here for more information.

Armchairs and couches gathered around the fireplace and bar area at Multnomah Whisk{e}y Library in Portland, Oregon. (Courtesy of Multnomah Whisk{e}y Library){br}
Armchairs and couches gathered around the fireplace and bar area at Multnomah Whisky Library in Portland, Oregon. (Courtesy of Multnomah Whisky Library)

Frannie & The Fox (Charleston, South Carolina)

Adjacent to the lobby of Hotel Emeline, Frannie & The Fox serves wood-fired pizzas and other shareable Italian classics (the meatballs are a must-try) in a comfy, warm setting. A towering brick fireplace is the star of the outdoor patio, where seating is coveted, so reservations are recommended. Just a stone’s throw from the Charleston City Market, the patio is the perfect place to pause and enjoy the mild Charleston winter weather while sipping a cocktail or coffee by the fire. The indoor dining area is great, too: chic yet welcoming, with a seat at the bar also being a fantastic option.

Address: 181 Church Street, Charleston, SC 29401

Click here for more information.

A roaring fireplace at dusk on the patio at Frannie & The Fox in Charleston, South Carolina. (Courtesy of Frannie & The Fox){p}{/p}
A roaring fireplace at dusk on the patio at Frannie & The Fox in Charleston, South Carolina. (Courtesy of Frannie & The Fox)

Scofflaw (Chicago, Illinois)

A bar that serves freshly baked cookies at midnight? Sold. A self-proclaimed “rebellious mix of the baroque and affordable,” Scofflaw is a gin-centric cocktail bar nestled in the hip Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago. When temperatures rise, the outdoor patio is a popular brunch destination, but during frigid Windy City winters, folks flock to the Victorian-style saloon and bar area to warm up with an artfully made cocktail, a craft beer and some small plates — and, perhaps, some warm cookies.

Address: 3201 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Click here for more information.

An Irish Coffee in front of the fire at Scofflaw in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo: @scofflaw on Instagram){br}
An Irish Coffee in front of the fire at Scofflaw in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo: @scofflaw on Instagram)

The Red Fox Inn & Tavern (Middleburg, Virginia)

For a snug, candlelit hideaway in the heart of Virginia’s wine country, head to the Night Fox Pub at The Red Fox Inn & Tavern. It’s the kind of place where a pre-dinner drink turns into a full evening, thanks to a menu of elevated comfort-food classics. The “Foxtails” cocktail list changes with the seasons and often showcases local craft beverages. Additionally, there’s the Tavern restaurant, which has been welcoming visitors since 1728 and boasts a crackling fireplace that perfectly complements the historic, intimate ambience.

Address: 2 East Washington St., Middleburg, VA 20117

Click here for more information.

As the snow falls and cold winds blow, these inviting oases prove that hibernation can still be a social affair. Pull up a stool, snag a fireside seat and say “cheers” to the simple pleasure of good drinks, good food and cozy vibes.

For more amazing stories, click here to subscribe to Amazing America TV on YouTube and follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.