Fireside Fare: Cozy Dining in Baltimore
The cold temperatures are no match for these charming Baltimore hot spots that’ll keep you warm inside and out.
Cooler temperatures shouldn’t stop you from indulging in all of the delicious food and drinks Baltimore has to offer. Restaurants are turning up the heat—both inside and outside—with fireplaces and electric heaters of all styles that are sure to keep you coming back for more.
Ambassador Dining Room
Diners will feast on authentic Indian dishes like vegetable samosas and homemade naan, all while encompassed by a homey atmosphere at Ambassador Dining Room—a consistent Best of Baltimore winner. In addition to indoor tables draped in white tablecloths, the back patio is open on cool nights, warmed by a large stone fireplace.
Apropoe’s
In Harbor East at the Marriott Waterfront Hotel, Apropoe’s serves seafood and classic American cuisine with a contemporary twist. You’ll be invited by the open-floor concept, romantic setting and even a comfortable lounge area where you can stay warm from the built-in electric fireplace on the adjacent wall.
Apropoe’s is the perfect date night spot, offering seafood and drinks on the water.
Azumi Baltimore
At Azumi, a sophisticated Japanese grill inside the Four Seasons, the menu features luxe ingredients like wagyu short rib and miniature Japanese freshwater crabs—a signature appetizer—plus sushi sliced from fish flown in direct from Tokyo’s famed Tsukiji Fish Market.. On a breezy evening, several outdoor heaters placed along Azumi’s waterside patio will keep you comfortable.
Bluebird Cocktail Room
Literatis will delight in Bluebird Cocktail Room, a Hampden-based cocktail lounge inspired by stories of the past. The cozy Gatsby-esque atmosphere features communal tables, a massive bar and a real fireplace. As for what’s on the menu, you can sip on drinks with fun names, like Miss Havisham or the Daedalian as you sink your teeth into mushroom toast or roast pork belly. Plus, many of the cocktails can be made spirit-free! As a bonus, head to the building’s basement level to check out the Pub, featuring the same level of craft cocktails alongside a global whiskey menu.
Bluebird is a warm and lively space to enjoy a romantic evening or a night out with friends.
The Brewer’s Art
Enjoy a frosty beer made in-house at the Brewers Art.
For more than two decades, the Brewer’s Art has attracted locals to its Mount Vernon townhouse with its renowned Belgian-style beer and ornate interior. The couches near the marble fireplace on the second floor welcome private parties and solo diners alike. The entire vibe will make you feel as if you’re hanging out in a friend’s home with a famed Resurrection beer in hand.
Brewer’s Cask
Found within a converted Federal Hill row home, Brewer’s Cask always offers a good time. With 20 rotating draft lines, you’re bound to find several choices to quench your thirst. Add creative tacos and house-smoked meats as you warm up by the tall, brick fireplace come winter.
Gunther & Co.
Housed in the historic Gunther Brewing Company building in Brewer’s Hill, you’ll find innovated, modern American cuisine at Gunther & Co. The restaurant’s menu is ever-changing, so there’s always something new to try. Not only is the fare a spectacle, but the interior is too, boasting a living wall, a glass-walled private dining room and an open-concept second level where an electric fireplace roars.
LB Tavern
The historic Lord Baltimore Hotel is home to three food-focused venues, including the LB Bakery, the seasonal rooftop LB Skybar and LB Tavern. The latter is open year-round, serving local craft beer on tap, hand-crafted cocktails and Americana fare for lunch and dinner. No matter what you order, be sure to check out the lounge space, warmed by an electric fireplace.
Leinie Lodge & Beer Garden Baltimore
The glass-covered outdoor beer garden at downtown’s Power Plant Live resembles a German-style beer hall with long tables and a retractable roof that closes during winter to protect guests from the elements. If you’re craving a breath of fresh air while sipping on one of the 30-plus draft brews, feel free to head to Leinie Lodge’s patio where you’ll be met with Adirondack chairs set next to a warm fireplace.
Loch Bar
Be sure to enjoy some fresh oysters on the half shell at Loch Bar.
Located within the Four Seasons Hotel in Harbor East, Loch Bar has gained a reputation for its stunning waterside views, lively outdoor patio and specialty cocktails. Decked out in rich dark woods and warm leather, it offers a cozy reprieve from the cold—though several outdoor heaters allow you to keep enjoying the crisp harbor air if you wish.
Mama’s on the Halfshell
At Mama’s in Canton, you can have your crab cake your way. Here, it’s served with mac and cheese, asparagus and a refreshing crush.
Since 2003, Mama’s has been a cherished Canton destination where locals and visitors gather for exceptional fresh seafood. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between a classic neighborhood tavern and an inviting raw bar, creating a lively yet comfortable vibe that feels instantly familiar. It’s known for fried crab cakes with mustard and perfectly poured Orange Crushes, both of which can be enjoyed beside the rustic-looking fireplace on the second floor.
Ouzo Bay
Ouzo Bay transports you to the Greek islands with its stunning Mediterranean-inspired design and vibrant energy. This upscale Mediterranean eatery is distinguished by a dramatic, blue-lit atmosphere that creates an elegant and immersive dining experience. Meanwhile, an expansive gas fireplace at the center of the main dining room provides a warm and cozy touch. As for the menu, guests will enjoy fresh seafood and creative house cocktails.
Ouzo Bay’s low blue lighting makes for a relaxing dining atmosphere.
Petit Louis Bistro
Tucked amidst the tree-lined streets of Baltimore’s Roland Park neighborhood, Petit Louis Bistro transports you to a charming Parisienne cafe. The menu is a celebration of classic French bistro fare, from whole roasted chicken to duck leg and beef bourguignon, and is complemented by an extensive, all-French wine list. On a cool evening, the most coveted seats are by the inviting wood-burning fireplace.
Poets Modern Cocktail and Eats
Poets’ contemporary blue-and-white “library” houses a gas fireplace that will keep you toasty throughout your meal. The bar and restaurant within the Hotel Indigo features built-in bookshelves that showcase colorful elixirs. Artisanal cocktails and crab cakes are among the specialties from this site in historic Mount Vernon.
Pub Dog Pizza & Drafthouse
Flavorful ales and house-made pizza keep patrons coming back to this Federal Hill spot. While the first floor welcomes families with a number of booths next to a stone fireplace, Pub Dog is known for its bar scene. The second-floor bar is even located next to an electric fireplace, emanating cozy vibes all winter long.
