Now throw in a crackling fireplace, hearty comfort food and a drink to warm you from the inside out. This whole winter thing isn't sounding so bad, huh?
THE BEST FIREPLACES IN TOWN
Image Via Facebook / RemedyBarChicago
1910 N. Milwaukee Ave. - Bucktown
Remedy’s exterior may be unassuming at first but step through its doors and you’ll find a charming interior. They’re open until 4 a.m. (5 a.m. on Saturdays), so this is the perfect spot to cozy up with a late night date.
Image Via Facebook / scofflawchicago
3201 W. Armitage Ave. - Logan Square
By combining a classic fireplace, fresh cookies served at midnight and hipster-friendly gin cocktails, Logan Square's Scofflaw is a no-brainer for this list.
Image Via CAA
12 S. Michigan Ave. - Loop
Cindy's fireplace pulls in the crowds at the already popular Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. The Game Room downstairs is quite the cozy hangout as well.
Image Via Facebook / TheMoonlighterChi
3204 W. Armitage Ave. - Logan Square
With winter comes the closing of Moonlighter’s spectacular outdoor patio. However, that’s no issue since inside you’ll find an equally spectacular, and warmer, interior thanks to a couple of fireplaces.
Image Via Facebook / FrontierChicago
1072 N. Milwaukee Ave. - Noble Square
Frontier's heated, covered beer garden with a fireplace that you can snuggle right up next to is a great place to laugh in the face of winter. And if you consider game meats like bison and rabbit to be "comfort food," you're in luck in that department, too.
Image via Cody's Public House
1658 W Barry Ave - Lake View
Guests can cozy up to two year-round fire pit (weather permitting) in the expansive outdoor beer garden at Cody’s Public House in West Lakeview. Cody’s cocktail menu pays homage to the building’s storied past, offering timeless classics alongside a stellar selection of 16 draft beers, featuring local favorites and a rotating lineup of seasonal brews. Cody’s is dog-friendly inside and out, and the beer garden features dart boards that are situated under a roof to protect from the elements. Guests can also order in from local restaurants that will waive the delivery fee to Cody’s.
Image via The Getaway
4530 N Lincoln Ave - Ravenswood
Chicagoans searching for a winter warmup can hunker down in The Getaway in the heart of Lincoln Square. The cozy back lounge features a limestone fireplace with intimate seating and tables perfect for a low-key evening.
The Getaway serves Happy Hour every Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Guests can pair their drinks with a Cheese Board crafted by Chicago’s own specialty cheese shop, Beautiful Rind.
Image via Uvae
5553 N Clark St - Andersonville
Uvae Kitchen & Wine Bar features a stylish vintage fireplace bordered by a mantel that was discovered in the restaurant’s basement giving off an “Old World meets New World” vibe. Accentuated by decorative matching corbels, the backdrop to the fireplace is modern teal wallpaper from Flavor Paper. Guests can cozy up to a table adjacent to the fireplace while they enjoy Uvae’s New American cuisine paired with a curated wine list and signature house cocktails.
WARM DRINKS AND HOT DATES
Image Via Facebook / Throughtherecordshop
1939 W. North Ave. - Wicker Park
Brought to you by the same folks behind Saved by the Max, Dorian’s brings a unique jazz club vibe to Wicker Park. Taking over the same location as the aforementioned pop-up, this new, permanent venture features a record store, specialty cocktails and funky tunes played over a fancy Italian sound system.
Image Via Facebook / EZInnChicago
921 N. Western Ave. - Ukranian Village
It’s not just the vintage atmosphere at EZ Inn that makes it a cozy spot. It’s the fact that you’re treated like family the second you walk through the door. So grab a $3 Old Style, throw some tunes on the jukebox and kick back with some buddies.
1850 N. Damen Ave. - Wicker Park
Need a place in Wicker Park to meet your Tinder match where you can actually hear each other talk? Lemming's Tavern, a low-key bar from the owners of The Green Eye, Blind Robin, and Underbar, is an oasis in a neighborhood full of jam-packed clubs and raucous bars.
Photo courtesy of Empty Bottle
1035 N. Western Ave. - Ukrainian Village
Empty Bottle stands out as one of Chicago's coziest venues both for its charming "don't ever change" attitude and the way it packs in the warm, music-loving bodies on chilly nights.
3931 N. Ashland Ave. - Lakeview
Filled with a jumble of mismatched patio furniture and kitschy lamps, Ten Cat is an under-the-radar spot to shoot pool and play pinball.
Image Via Queen Mary
2125 W. Division St. - Wicker Park
Get real cozy with your neighbor at Queen Mary's double-sided bar or snuggle into the horseshoe booths for extra cuddles while sipping craft cocktails inspired by the sea.
Image Via Guthrie's Tavern
1300 W. Addison St. - Lakeview
It may be a short walk from Wrigley Field, but Guthrie's Tavern feels miles away. If you don't want to interrupt your Scrabble game to grab dinner (and the Tamale Guy doesn't make one of his frequent appearances) they'll even let you order in food from 40+ neighborhood restaurants.
Image Via facebook
1548 N. Damen Ave. - Wicker Park
Sometimes you need a break from the cold in between getting off the train at Damen and walking to your final destination. That's what the martinis at Blue Line Lounge are for.
Image Via Facebook / BrokenShakerChicago
19 E. Ohio St. - The Loop
The delicately crafted cocktails at Broken Shaker are sure to help warm you up during the cold months. Stop by for a drink but stay for one of the many vibrant dance parties!
Photo via Kibbitznest
2212 N. Clybourn Ave. - Lincoln Park
Whether you’re kicking back with a book and brew in a snug armchair or challenging some friends to a board game, there’s no shortage of things to get into at Kibbitznest.
photo via Lady Gregory's
5260 N Clark St - Andersonville
Escape the cold with the comforts of Irish cuisine at Lady Gregory's. A fireplace in the back illuminates the space, setting up a perfect environment for friendly chatter or cute date nights.
COMFORT FOOD
Image Via Facebook / KopicafeChicago
5317 N. Clark St. - Andersonville
Kopi Cafe is one of those places where true conversations take place and real connections are made. Whether it’s over a cup of coffee, a delicious pastry or a brew, one thing’s for certain, you won’t forget your time at Kopi.
Image Via Facebook / chiefoneills
3471 N. Elston Ave. - Avondale
Echoing Chief O’Neill’s’–the pub's namesake–love for Irish music, you’ll hear some of the best traditional Irish music at Chief O'Neill's. The perfect compliment to a tall pint and some fish and chips.
Did we miss your favorite spot? Send us a note at [email protected]!
