Curbside’s Hot Spots (no pun intended) for Food and Drink by the Fire
It’s the time of year where nothing beats a tasty cocktail by the fire! Here are my favorite restaurants and bars where you can enjoy some of the best food and drink that Washington D.C. has to offer while snuggling up by a romantic fire.
1734 N Street, NW
You can’t get better than the romantic ambience offered at one of the most unique restaurants in all of D.C. The original carriageway of this historic landmark houses the bar and dining space while the courtyard, sheltered with a natural awning of century old wisteria and hanging grapevines, provides an outdoor dining space used all year round.
Their drinks, you ask? Perfection. And even more perfectly enjoyed in front of their beautiful fireplace!
The Jefferson Hotel
1200 16th st., NW
Plume was recently named the only 5 star restaurant in Washington D.C. by Forbes Travel Guide …Need I say more?
The menu, inspired by the harvest from Thomas Jefferson’s kitchen gardens at Monticello, was designed by a most impressive culinary team and is just as 5 star as the ambience. Plume somehow manages to be upscale and elegant while being romantic and private all at the same time.
1226 36th st. NW
1789 is another unique, historical and must-try spot. Located in a federal period house, it’s six dining rooms have an extensive history and are completely decorated with American antiques and historical prints, making it an unforgettable ambience that I’d recommend every D.C. Native try at least once. It’s rustic but elegant ambience paired with the toasty fire and long wine list makes this a fun winter date night or an interesting spot to bring your tourist friends.
Capitol Hill; 15 E. Street, NW
Current, modern and sophisticated, Bistro Bis is where everybody who’s anybody wants to dine. Having dinner here makes it very likely that you’ll be rubbing shoulders with Washington D.C.’s elite while cocktail-ing it by the fire. The menu, which is focused on modern interpretations of French cuisine, is top notch every time. Open breakfast, lunch and dinner — this is one of those spots to put on the bucket list whether you’re able to snag a table by the fire or not!
3234 11th St., NW
Their food and drink selection is small but mighty! Every option is interesting and very different from the next, making this a spot where you just can’t go wrong. Everything about this place is hip and cool, and yet cozy and warm. And yes, there’s a fireplace, of course.
Ya see? You just can’t go wrong.
3000 K Street, NW
A total winner, especially if you have kids. Aside from the fact that this place operates as a certified green restaurant and the cool, hip and casual ambience actually makes you feel like you’re dining at a farm; you can enjoy cocktails by the fire pit as you watch your kids ice skate at the rink located out front. 2 birds…1 stone.
Harth (patio)
Hilton McLean Tysons Corner
7920 Jones Branch Drive
Being in a hotel, this spot has the added advantage of not only being a nighttime spot to celebrate or hangout with friends, but a day time spot where you can have a wi-fi connection!! Yep…not too shabby. So whether work is stressing you out and a cocktail by the fire is just what you need to get the job done, or you’re looking for a cozy spot to have a seasonal honey inspired drink — oh ya, I forgot to mention that Harth has it’s own rooftop beehive where it produces 200 pounds of honey a year!! — this is the spot for you.
Get Buzzed happy hour (get it? because of the bee hive?…cute) includes specials on honey-themed cocktails and made to order flatbreads. And just FYI: Cigars are now available for purchase.
3815 Georgia Ave., NW
The original French bistro, recently joined by a very chic sister eatery in Georgetown. A large hearth warms the rustic dining room and bar and perfectly compliments their heartier french dishes on their menu, such as the delicious boeuf bourguignon and French onion soup.
Tuesday – Saturday from 5:30 – 7:30, enjoy 5$ stellas, glasses of wine and a seasonal cocktail. Specials also run 5:30 – close on Sunday nights.
Bourbon Steak (winter lounge)
2800 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Cuddle up by the fire under faux fur blankets on their red-brick walled patio, decorated charmingly with twinkle lights. Duane Sylvestre’s hot cocktails include spiked hot cocoa and steamy buttered rum…The food here is pretty tremendous, too.
OH…Did I mention that you can reserve a spot by the fire in advance? … !!!
3100 South St., NW
This swanky lobby is lit by a huge fireplace where you can enjoy specialty cocktails (as well as wine and beer) from the dimly lit, Degrees bar, and complimentary Valrhona chocolate treats nightly as well as free s’mores nightly from 6:30 – 7!
332 Springvale Rd., Great Falls
So, yes, you do have to order a meal to sit near the hearth in L’Auberge’s formal dining room, but anyone can drop by the more casual Jacques’ Brasserie and have a hot drink by the outdoor fire pit (weather permitting). Their seasonal menu includes champagne cocktails as well as a number of hot options such as mulled wine and spiked cider.
Happy Hour is Tuesday – Friday, 5 to 6:30 and 3 to 4:30 on Sunday. The menu offers a variety of French dishes (don’t miss their onion soup or their mushroom crepe) as well as creative and deliciously tasting drinks.
2813 M Street, NW
This rustic and romantic restaurant in Georgetown is a can’t miss, especially if you love French cuisine. Patrick Orange’s food avoids the fusion tendencies of the United States and offers an experience as close to country side France as you’re going to get! With it’s central stone fireplace and extensive wine list, this is another must-try for the holidays.
713 King St., Alexandria
So, a fireplace at an Irish Pub isn’t necessarily the craziest concept but — it’s pretty darn cool when said Irish pub fuels their said fireplace with actual wood! At Murphy’s, you’ll not only enjoy a toasty toast but trivia nights, live musicians and 9$ brunch deals.
Weekday happy hour runs from 4 to 7 and includes half-price drafts, appetizers, Jameson and additional daily specials.
Poste (winter lounge)
555 Eighth St., NW
Comfy couches, heating lamps, comfortable blankets, fire pits and mind blowing cocktails make this a top pick. How can you say no to a cozy ambience with salted caramel rum cider and bourbon toddies as well as tasty nibbles!? You can’t. But wait, I’m not done. Free DIY s’mores with home-made (yes…home-made) marshmallows offered daily. #CountMeIn
The lounge is open at 42 degrees or above, Thursday through Saturday, 4 to close.
Happy Holidays!
May a cocktail by the fire be in your near future.
Curbside in DC 