Take heed, friends: the first official day of winter is fast approaching, and while it may bring with it frigid temps, it also provides us with an entire season to participate in the coziest of drinking scenarios.
While the idea of winter drinking conjures up visions of warm whiskey cocktails, worn leather seats and a burning cigar, the coziest accompaniment of all is a roaring fireplace. Hence why we took the liberty of putting together this list of our favorite bars in the District where you can cozy up next to one.
Dram and Grain
Adams Morgan
Located below The Imperial, Dram & Grain is the new candlelit basement bar from Bill Thomas (of Jack Rose Dining Saloon). The inviting, dimly lit 24-seat room is outfitted with an inviting fireplace ideal for getting out of the cold weather and into some meticulously crafted cocktails. Hungry? You’re also able to order a portion of The Imperial’s dinner menu in the fireplace room, and it’s also available for private events.
Le Bar à Vin by Chez Billy Sud (Picture at top)
Georgetown
If you’re in the mood for some vino, look no further than the rustic Le Bar à Vin — Chez Billy Sud’s wine bar. Candlelit tables and seats in front of a roaring fireplace make it the perfect setting for a wintery date night. The wine list is exclusively French, allowing for you and your beaux to delve into some bold Burgundies or celebratory Champagne.
Irongate
Downtown
Keeping with the theme of romance, you can’t leave out Irongate, with its fireplace-warmed dining room and fire pits to keep you warm on their wisteria-covered patio. Perhaps lending to Irongate’s cozy factor is the fact that it’s located in an old carriage house, first opened back in 1923 as an inn. It was actually DC’s oldest continually operating restaurant until it closed in 2000, opening again in 2013 under the direction chef Anthony Chittum to serve Italian and Greek small plates as well as a tasting menu.
600 T
Shaw
Don’t be deterred by the name of this low-key bar … or the actual lack of one. The secretive “speakeasy” is a supremely comforting watering hole complete with a fireplace, candlelit tables and industrial Edison bulbs hanging from the ceiling, but it’s all table service. With an uncomplicated cocktail list made with small batch spirits, fresh juices and herbs, it makes for an equally uncomplicated decision when it comes time to decide where to duck into on a cold Friday night.
Kinship
District Wharf
Looking for a more private option? The Michelin-starred Kinship has you covered with their modern Fireplace Lounge. It’s available to book for standing receptions of up to 12 guests — perfect for an intimate holiday party with drinks and hors d’oeuvres. The space was designed by the acclaimed Darryl Carter, featuring nook-style cozy bench seats, open shelving filled with books that give it an updated library vibe, and of course the star of the show: a sleek, toasty fireplace.
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