Chicago bars and restaurants with a fireplace recommended for a winter warmup

18.02.2025 17:27

Chicago Sun-Times

Even as part of a short list of people who love and appreciate winter, I have a hard time coming up with perks of the season — at least things that don't involve sweatpants, long naps and warm blankets.

But that's the thing about the bitter cold; it elevates settings of warmth and comfort, such as sitting near a fire while catching up with friends and family over drinks. So, for those yearning to get out of the house and want to make facing the unforgiving wind chills worth it, I've compiled a list of popular Chicago bars and restaurants with a fireplace, based on overall positive experiences and intriguing suggestions.

Before you go, here are some things to consider.

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If you are looking for an atmosphere where you can comfortably hold a conversation, get there early — sometime between 5 and 9 p.m. Not only will you have a better chance of securing good seats, you can also take advantage of happy hour specials.

Once the fire dies down, the DJ sets up and the strobe lights come out, don't hold the mood shift against the bar owners. They need to make money and appeal to late-night crowds looking for a different type of comfort. If you're curious about the specific mood for each bar, you can always call and ask.

Now, while I've been to a good number of these locations, I will only detail the places where I have actually experienced the fireplace on purpose. They range from laid-back to more cocktail-hour bars and restaurants. The selections that follow still came highly recommended by friends and colleagues.

The Hi-Lo

1110 N. California Ave.

This Humboldt Park bar with a semi-outdoor area and ample space has become a go-to celebration spot, where my friends and I can comfortably mingle and not feel suffocated by walls or big crowds. I had a late birthday celebration here in January, where another birthday boy took over the other half of the room. He had a cake, and I didn't, so the night was officially his. Nevertheless, it's definitely birthday-approved.

The outdoor area is closed around midnight, I'm guessing to respect neighbors with noise control, which I appreciate. While there's limited indoor seating, it's beautiful and pretty chill.

People sit in front of the fireplace at The Hi-Lo.

Provided

The Drawing Room

12 S. Michigan Ave.

The Chicago Athletic Association building has many rooms; this one is my favorite. I've been here after a night at the ballet, when surrounding bars and restaurants were getting ready to close. I've also been here during the day, after walking around downtown. Martinis have been my go-to drink, no matter the time of day.

The crowds were calm at night and, while people still order alcoholic drinks, it's peaceful enough for patrons to pull out a laptop or a book during the day.

The Getaway

4530 N. Lincoln Ave.

From the time I came in sober, to when I was three drinks in, I kept telling my friends, "I love the wallpaper." This bar in the middle of Lincoln Square was so cozy, and the position of the fireplace made me feel like I was in a warm cabin at a ranch.

During my last visit, the strobe lights came out around 10 p.m., but it was still nice enough for my friends and me to stick around until midnight.

The fireplace at The Getaway.

Provided

Ella Elli

1349 W. Cornelia Ave.

Whenever someone brings this restaurant up, I always follow up with, "I love Ella Elli!" However, you won't see me there every Saturday. While the food is delicious, it can get pricey. But there's regulars who go specifically for cocktails.

I save it for special occasions such as my 30th birthday dinner or when I want to take out-of-town friends somewhere nice that isn't downtown.

The fireplace at Ella Elli.

Provided

Here are more suggestions from friends and colleagues: