Getting out of the house during the cold winter months is important, but it can be hard to do.
With below freezing temperatures and strong gusts of wind making it feel even colder, sometimes staying home is more appealing.
But few things are more appealing in the dead of winter than raising a glass — or a fork — during a great meal beside a roaring fireplace.
We’re here to help you find the perfect restaurant to cozy up by a fire with your Valentine, your family, a good friend or solo — even if all you’re up for is a bowl of soup for lunch.
These Delaware restaurants have plenty of wood chopped to keep you toasty til spring.
Back Burner Restaurant and Tavern, Hockessin
Enjoy the “fireplace room” inside Back Burner Restaurant and Tavern, where you can eat at one of the surrounding tables or try your luck at snagging one of the armchairs in front of the fireplace. This long-standing restaurant is known for steaks, seafood, classics like wedge salad, and its pumpkin-mushroom soup which never leaves the menu.
9586 425 Hockessin Corner, Hockessin, DE, (302) 239- 2314; backburner.com
Banks Seafood Kitchen and Raw Bar, Wilmington
A big brick fireplace and riverfront view. What more could you ask for? This establishment offers fresh seafood, a happy hour, and an outdoor patio when the weather finally gets warmer. Until then, order a martini — or if it’s a special occasion, go for the lobster.
101 S Market St, Wilmington, DE, (302) 777-1500; banksseafoodkitchen.com
BBC Tavern and Grill, Greenville
A beautiful fireplace in the middle of a sports bar? It’s the perfect touch to give this venue a more sophisticated look and feel. As if the fireplace weren’t already cool enough, the booths of this tavern are made from 19th-century wooden pews.
4019 Kennett Pike, Greenville, DE, (302) 655-3785; bbctavernandgrill.com
BrewHaHa, Greenville and Trolley Square
Coffee shops and fireplaces go together as well as peanut butter and jelly, at least in terms of the coziness factor. That reigns true for BrewHaHa in Greenville and Trolley Square. What better way to “work from home” than by answering emails at a coffee shop, curled up next to the fireplace with your favorite coffee or tea at the ready? Indulge in seasonal lattes, Thai iced teas, Cubanos and many other options for sipping.
1400 N. DuPont St., Wilmington, DE, 302-384-6344; 3838 Kennett Pike, Greenville, DE (302) 658-6336; brewhaha.com
Buckley’s Tavern, Wilmington
With two fireplaces, this picturesque tavern in Centreville is the perfect place to enjoy a warm, lingering lunch. After a long, peaceful ride through the Brandywine Valley, what’s better than warming up by the fire and enjoying some delicious food? Pair your fireside experience with a long list of comfort food from mac ‘n’ cheese to pot pie.
5812 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE, (302) 656-9776; buckleystavern.com
Columbus Inn, Wilmington
This classic fireplace brings a little comfort of home right tableside. With a large ‘EAT’ sign hanging over it, this fireplace warms up the room for anyone on a chilly night out. Dig into those shareable snacks (pork belly bites! BLT deviled eggs!) or brick oven pizza.
2216 Pennsylvania Ave., Wilmington, DE, (302) 571-1492; columbusinn.net
Firebirds Wood-Fired Grill, Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania
A fireplace this nice can make even the most crowded restaurant feel like welcoming and cozy. The stone wall and booths make you feel like you’re nestled up at home instead of out to eat. As the name suggests, you can eat your fill of wood-fired offerings from ribeye to lobster tail.
91 Wilmington West Chester Pike, Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, (484) 785-6880; chadds-ford.firebirdsrestaurants.com
Harry’s Savoy Grill, Brandywine Hundred
A long-time favorite for steaks, prime rib and seafood, Harry’s is a fine dining classic. There are two fireplaces in the main dining room, keeping the whole restaurant especially warm and cozy whether you are there for a spontaneous meal, Valentine’s Day or another special occasion.
2020 Naamans Road, Wilmington, (302) 475-3000; harryshospitalitygroup.com/harrys-savoy-grill
Panera Bread, Brandywine Hundred
With all of their warm soups, fresh pastries and tempting sandwiches, Panera is a great place to enjoy a cozy meal. They have a fireplace right in their front dining room, with two cozy chairs in front of it. Cozy down and dig in.
2311 Concord Pike, Brandywine Hundred, (302) 428-1796;panerabread.com
