Photo courtesy of 1789

While the weather outside is frightful, dining by the fire is so delightful. Once the cold sets in, there is nothing more comforting than dining and enjoying a glass of wine or cocktail beside the warmth of a roaring fire. There are many restaurants in the nation's capital and beyond that offer an opportunity to enjoy an exquisite meal while listening to the crackle of flames.

In Washington, DC

A visit to the nation’s capital around the holidays isn’t complete with a visit to Georgetown, especially if you’re shopping and dining. Immerse yourself in the history and landmark splendor of Georgetown, which was formally established in 1751 on 60 acres of land belonging to George Beall and George Gordon. George Town was named in honor of King George II.

Named after the year that the original site was purchased by Archbishop John Carroll, the founding father of Georgetown University, 1789 Restaurant (1226 36th St., NW) is the perfect spot to dine during the cold winter months with its festive holiday décor and elegant historic fireplace. Request table number 14, for the best view and coziest spot in the main dining room. Situated in an elegant two-story Federal townhouse, the walls are adorned with prints from George Washington’s early years, historic maps of the city, and American antique furniture. New Executive Chef Anthony Lombardo’s contemporary seasonal menu blends the flavors of fresh regional ingredients into unique and delicious autumn dishes. Winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, their wine list is quite extensive. To end the perfect meal, astry Chef Mallory Staley offers a modern twist on classic desserts. Open daily for dinner.

Situated in the 150 year-old restored Canal Square Building located just steps from the charming C & O Canal, Seacatch Restaurant & Raw Bar (1054 31st St., NW) offers fresh seasonal seafood in a dimly-lit cozy dining room warmed by two historic stone fireplaces. Enjoy fresh oysters on the half shell from their raw bar. Don’t miss their popular $1 oyster happy hour. Dinner at Seacatch usually runs a little pricey unless you opt for the $35 3-Course Dinner offered Monday thru Thursday 5-7 p.m. (exclusive of tax and gratuity). Enjoy fresh oysters on the half shell from their raw bar. Don’t miss their popular $1 oyster happy hour.

Come from the cold and warm up at the Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, (3100 South St., NW) a restored turn-of-the-century brick factory, featuring a blazing lobby fireplace and a towering 130-foot smokestack, offering a cozy respite from the cold brisk DC air. If the fire doesn't warm you up sufficiently, enjoy complimentary s’mores every evening from 6:30-7 p.m. in front of the wood burning fireplace or create your own customized s’more at the outdoor fire pit Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Don't worry! This is not your childhood s’more with rich melted Valrhona chocolate and homemade marshmallows sandwiched between two slices of French baguette bread prepared French-toast style. Inside the hotel, Degrees Bistro is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and features a contemporary American menu with a French influence. Enjoy with classics such as French Onion Soup with Gruyere Cheese and Steak Frites with Béarnaise Sauce.

Piccolo Main Dining room.

The blazing fireplaces throughout Ristorante Piccolo (1068 31st St., NW), an Italian trattoria sets the mood and makes it an especially romantic spot to get cozy. Enjoy fresh and seasonal rustic fare, including hand-rolled pastas. Their sunset three-course prix-fixe menu is a steal for just $18 offered Monday through Friday (4:30-6:30 p.m). A strolling violinist sets the mood on Friday and Saturday evenings. Sleep in on Saturday and Sunday and enjoy a late brunch with two courses and up to three glasses of champagne, Bloody Marys or mimosas for just $19 (11:30 am – 3:00 pm). Don't miss their house-made Grapa.

The list of fireside dining in Georgetown continues. Stepping into La Chaumière (2813 M St. NW) instantly transports you to the charming thatched roof French country inn with a cozy central stone fireplace, wood beams and stucco walls. Escape city life and allow the award winning Chef Patrick Orange romance your senses with traditional French dishes and seasonal specials created according to the availability of fresh local meats and produce. Enjoy unpretentious and attentive service by knowledgeable seasoned staff for reasonable prices.

Moving from Georgetown and into the bustling artsy neighborhood of Dupont Circle, the iconic Tabard Inn (1739 N St. NW), an old-English style hotel that opened in 1922 offers turn-of-the-century charm with a fireplace-lit lounge and cozy atmosphere, the perfect remedy for an evening chill. Relax near the flames with a glass of wine in the cocktail lounge or dine in the homely black-and-white tiled dining room. Appreciate knowledgeable and friendly staff while enjoying Chef Pelt’s consistent imaginative cooking and all for a reasonable price.  Save room for dessert. The warm doughnuts with vanilla-scented whipped cream or banana cream pie tinted with milk chocolate are to die for. Brunch is considered one of the best in the city.

DC’s Foggy Bottom neighborhood, named after the misty marshes that once lined the Potomac riverfront in the 1800s, is home to Hotel Lombardy, a small boutique hotel with classic 1920s décor and rich interior design. Inside the hotel bistro, Café Lombardy’s (2019 Pennsylvania Ave.) warm and inviting Venetian Room offers a cozy lounge with a fireplace that welcomes guests for a subdued happy hour.

The dining room at Plume. Photo courtesy of the Jefferson Hotel.

Plume, located in the Jefferson Hotel (1200 16th St., NW) known as one of the finest restaurants in the capital, offers an elegant backdrop with cozy nooks and warm and inviting fireplace. Executive Chef, Chris Jakubiec draws on both traditional and modern techniques to create seasonal restaurant menus that are inspired by the harvest of Thomas Jefferson's kitchen gardens at Monticello. Steal a chance to try their 3-Course dinner menu (with two choices) for just $55 offered limited hours between 5:30-5:45 p.m. only, Tuesday through Friday.  Presided over by Sommelier Michael Scaffidi, formerly of French Laundry, Plume’s wine list spans more than a dozen nationalities and dates back to 1780. Among the more than 50 vintages are those Jefferson himself enjoyed in his time as well as newer wines he might select were he alive today.

Just three blocks from Dupont Circle, 15 Ria offers a warm and inviting environment with the expansive dark-wood bar, cozy fireplace,  and floor-to-ceiling silk draperies. This award-winning restaurant offers a chic, sultry ambience with unpretentious prices. Bringing years of culinary expertise to this inviting DC restaurant, Executive Chef Janis Mclean presents luscious market-fresh cuisine.

Circle Bistro located in the One Washington Circle Hotel (1 Washington Cir., NW) offers classic bistro fare with innovative seasonal flavors and quality ingredients. With a fire in the hearth, the soothing orange-papered walls, honey-colored tables, and orange couches give the lounge a warm glow. Perfect for visitors headed to the Kennedy Center, the $35 3-course pre-theatre (5-7 p.m.) dinner menu is a fantastic bargain. On weeknights between 5-7 pm with half-price cocktails and $5 martinis, Circle Bistro has a vibrant happy hour scene.

Downtown at Equinox Restaurant (818 Connecticut Ave., NW) dine like the Obamas (see October-November issue) just steps away from the White House where Executive Chef Todd Gray has prepared the best seasonal dishes using locally sourced ingredients. He has been supporting local farms and purveyors for over a decade. Gray offers the best contemporary American fare in the city. Newly renovated, Equinox’s atrium has a naturalistic eco-friendly fireplace with textured glass perfect for nourishing cold souls beside the smoldering fire. Make sure to call in advance for a seat near the fireplace.

Tuscana West fireplace Tuscany room

Located downtown in McPherson Square, Tuscana West (1350 I St., NW), offers an incredible "Sunset Special" offering, a 3-Course Dinner Menu with your choice of four appetizers and seven entrees (4:30-6:30 p.m.) Monday-Friday for only $19.95!  You can't be that deal anywhere! Come in from the cold and warm up next to the fireplace. Relax and enjoy a delicious hearty meal by the warm glow of the fire while sipping a glass of wine or cocktail. If you work nearby, enjoy a 2-Course Express Lunch for just $12.95 (available at the bar) and a 3-Course Regional Lunch Menu for only $19.95.

Oya's Fireplace.

In Penn Quarter, OYA (777 9th Street, NW) offers an Asian-fusion innovative menu in a contemporary backdrop showcasing a 12 foot-long fireplace in the main dining room. The hipster red crocodile bar and white marble fireplace in the lounge with ultra-comfortable high-backed white banquettes provides an ideal setting for romance. Sparks are sure to fly in this trendy hot spot. Enjoy their sumptuous 3-course prix fixe menu available nightly for $35 per person (does not include beverages). Warm up with hearty appetizers such as the Beef Short Rib Wellington and the Grilled Beef Sirloin Daily for your main course. Or for sushi lovers, you may choose any Sushi Roll & Chef's Selection Nigiri from the menu! If you're around for lunch, don't miss their 3-course lunch prix-fixe menu for just $20. The Ribeye Sandwich is to die for!

Nearby, Cure Bar & Bistro (1000 H St. NW; 202-637-4906), the three-tiered lounge inside the Grand Hyatt Washington is a great place to nourish cold souls against the backdrop of the upper level's smoldering fire. Choose from a great selection of specialty beers, wines, cheeses, meats, and main courses. Service starts at 4pm. Enjoy Chef Kevin Villalovos' seasonal "farm to table" dinner menu featured each month for just $35, which includes a starter, entrée, and dessert. Relax near the flames with a glass of wine in this swanky lounge.

On Capitol Hill, Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar (223 Pennsylvania Ave., SE) is sleek yet inviting with their low, white-gray couches and comfortable black chairs — the perfect place to settle in on a cold evening. With a warm fire in the hearth and tea lights on the bar and tables, the flicker will help create an intimate atmosphere to set the mood for romance. Sonoma offers Italian-influenced seasonal Mid-Atlantic cuisine with an emphasis on local, sustainable, and artisanal ingredients. Try their 3-course Pre-theater menu, offered daily from 5-7:30 p.m. for just $35.00 and includes a complimentary taste of a select craft beer or wine. Pick a California or Italian wine and venture upstairs to the semi-private Avenue Lounge with fireplace — surely to warm you from the inside and out.

In Northern, VA

With two modern yet cozy fireplaces in their dining room, you can take a trip around the world, without having to brave the cold weather or needing your passport. Now through Friday, December 9th, Executive Chef Bertrand Chemel at 2941 (2941 Fairview Park Dr.) will offer a special dinner series, "Global Flavors at 2941" serving menus featuring his take on popular cuisines from around the world.  Priced at $42 per person, not including tax and gratuity, the three-course menu will highlight a new country every two weeks (Russia - Nov 4, Nov 7-11; India - Nov 14-18, 21-25; Egypt - Nov 28-Dec 2, Dec 5-9.) Only Available Weeknight Dinner, Monday through Friday.

Restaurant 3 Fireplace. Photo courtesy of Restaurant 3.

Venture out to Restaurant 3 (2950 Clarendon Blvd) just steps away from the Clarendon metro, to enjoy a soul-warming menu chock full o’down home southern cookin’ with an imaginative twist. Enjoy mouth-watering Fried Chicken & Waffles beside the warm glow of a roaring fire —  the best place to hibernate 'til spring. Nearby, Harry's Tap Room (2800 Clarendon Blvd.) is elegant yet casual with a focus on food and wine. Their bar, warmed by a stunning fireplace is a top after-work meeting place to unwind by the light of a fire.

Inside the elegant Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City, Fyve Restaurant and Lounge which offers modern American cuisine, prepared by Chef Frederic Chartier, is offered in an atmosphere with dazzling hues of red and orange that introduce an upbeat and contemporary décor. Settees in front of the lounge’s glowing fireplace create an enticing and relaxing atmosphere. Enjoy delectable light fare consisting of various items for only $5 each.  Then compliment your taste buds with a musical treat for your ears! Especially featuring live music from Christopher Linman’s band in the lounge every Friday and Saturday nights!

In Old Town Alexandria, known as one of the top restaurants in the country, Restaurant Eve (110 S. Pitt St.) with a cobblestone path leading to the restaurant’s entrance is lined with candles that set the tone of what is to come. Situated in a historic 1800's warehouse, this quaint yet sophisticated restaurant actually has one of the coziest bar and lounges in the DC area.  Tucked away from the main dining rooms, it's plush with cushioned bar-stools and big leather chairs, and of course, a rustic fireplace. Dublin native, chef Cathal Armstrong's  menus feature seasonal, house-made products—which include 7-9 various breads baked daily and artisanal cheeses. Don't miss the chance to enjoy one of the best lunch deals around ($13.50 for any two items on the bar menu) and make sure that you get the birthday cake for your dessert (even if it's not your birthday). The dessert is cause enough for celebration.

Also in Old Town, known for its picturesque views of the Potomac River, Indigo Landing is an all-season sanctuary unlike any in the area. Enjoy the tranquility of a natural setting while viewing the monuments of Washington, DC. With incredible water views and fireplace lounge, you’ll be immersed in beautiful surroundings while enjoying a roaring fire.

The American Tap Room with locations in Reston and Clarendon also offers fireside dining. Enjoy their classic grill menu that offers something for everyone. Also in Reston, the Lakeside Inn restaurant and pub, enjoy casual dining next to their fireplace for comfort, overlooking Reston's beautiful Lake Thoreau.  Lakeside Inn offers American Fare, featuring Ribs, Steaks, Seafood, Sandwiches, and Salads.

Trummer’s on Main located in Clinton, VA

Located in Clifton, VA, a historic town born out of the Civil War, Trummer’s on Main (7134 Main St.) is a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Formerly the Hermitage Inn, guests relax beside the fire, while enjoying an awe-inspiring meal from a star-studded culinary team. Join the Trummer's every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings for their three course prix-fixe "Rush Hour Menu" at just $38. Now available all night! Call and request the Rush Hour menu.