This month we decided to take a different approach to our monthly dining out column. Instead of writing about one of the fine dining establishments in our area, I thought that I would mention the restaurants that have fireplaces either in their dining areas or the bar. February can be a very cold month and a nice fireside dinner or fireside drink can be a pleasant experience. It is also the month we celebrate Valentine’s Day and a nice fireplace is very romantic. Room only allows so many restaurants for this article, so if we missed you I am sorry.

We will start our list down by the waterfront at Chadwicks. A very popular and casual dining experience, Chadwicks offers a cozy gas-burning fireplace located at the end of the bar. If you get there early you can grab the two high tops and enjoy drinks or food with a few friends

Two blocks north you find the Chart House – which is built out on the Potomac River – with views of Washington, D.C. and National Harbor. This gas-burning fireplace in the round offers a 270-degree view up and down the river. Besides the seating around the fireplace there are also tables, which line the glass turret room.

In the 100 block of King Street you can find O’Connell’s Irish Restaurant and Bar. You will find three large gas-burning fireplaces in this establishment. The one on the main floor has high-tops right in front and a couple more around the floor. The other two are located on the second floor with one being in the front bar and the other in the private dining room. The food here is quite good and they offer a great wine list. Check the schedule and come see one of the Six Nations Ruby matches that run from February to mid-March (see their ad in this issue).

A couple of miles up the parkway you can find Indigo Landing, which is located at the Washington Sailing Marina. This restaurant is built next to the Potomac River with beautiful views and a gas-burning fireplace next to the bar area. There are a number of tables here for dining or winter cocktails. Enjoy the fireplace while you take in the sailboats surviving the winter in their slips.

Going south on the GW Parkway you will come to Mt. Vernon, home of George Washington and the quaint Mt. Vernon Inn. The inn has two dining rooms with wood-burning fireplaces. As you would expect, the rooms are decorated in the period with beautifully set tables for dining. On a cold February night, these fireplaces are sure to warm your spirits.

In the 600 block of King Street you will find Murphy’s – A Grand Irish Pub. Murphy’s boasts a wood-burning, 4-sided fireplace located toward the back of the lower dining room and bar. There are tables all around the fireplace and they keep the fire stoked. The food is hearty and the prices very reasonable. They also have Irish music here seven nights a week.

At the north end of Old Town you can find T.J. Stones restaurant and the third wood-burning fireplace. There is one table directly in front of the fireplace, with more scattered around with a good view of the fire. It is a large fireplace that can really warm the room. The food is American with libations from around the world. They also offer a large selection of craft beers.

West of Old Town you can find the new City Kitchen in the Trade Center at South Pickett Street (see their ad on our back cover). This is a well laid out restaurant with a gas-burning fireplace built into the wall at the back of the restaurant. There is ample free parking and the restaurant is inspired by food and beverage found in cities across America with a toast to their craft brews, wines and spirits.

Two blocks north of King Street you can find Bilbo Baggins Restaurant and Bar on Queen Street. Bilbo’s has a beautiful gas-burning fireplace as you enter the bar. With chairs and a nice collection of magazines, this is a nice place to grab a drink and stay warm on a cold February day.

Located on Pitt Street between King and Prince you will find Restaurant Eve. In the large bar area you will find two gas-burning fireplaces that resemble warm embers and very comfortable seating for friends and conversation.

Back on the 600 block of King Street you will find Geranio Ristorante with a large gas-burning fireplace that greets you as you enter the dining room. After a wonderful meal this is great spot to enjoy a dessert, cup of coffee and a nice after dinner drink and watch the folks walk up and down King Street in their coats and gloves.

In the 800 block of King Street you will find Taverna Cretekou serving great Greek food and sporting two elevated fireplaces with electric fire displays casting a yellow glow into the room.   Food here is very fresh and on Thursday nights you can join the fun tradition of smashing plates by the fireplaces.

Enjoy one of these fine restaurants this winter and stay warm. For addresses and phone numbers check our restaurant guide in this issue.

Written by: Bob Tagert