1734 The Bowery Hotel
Photograph: Annie Schlechter1734 The Bowery Hotel
Photograph: Annie Schlechter

Our favorite fireplaces in NYC

Warm up at these oh-so-cozy fireplaces in NYC

Shaye Weaver
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The winter chill has set in and many of us are either hibernating inside or getting from place to place bundled in enough layers to make the Michelin Man look svelte. Still, there are plenty of things to do in the winter—including ice skating, strolling snowy NYC parks or even heading out to a ski resort—that are worth the effort. After partaking in these chilly activities, you can warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or a boozy hot drink, or settle in next to one of these cozy fireplaces in NYC.

NYC has some great bars and restaurants with fireplaces where you can get a coveted fireside seat. For more toasty warm options, these fireplaces don’t necessarily require a reservation or an order, though a nice cocktail makes a fireside chat even better (and makes for a great winter date idea). Read on for our favorite places to stop in and warm up the next time you’ve caught a chill.

RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in the winter in NYC

Our favorite fireplaces in NYC

  • Chelsea

The McKittrick Hotel's rooftop bar Gallow Green has transformed into a comfy, cabin-like getaway–The Lodge–for the winter. You won't have to go upstate to get those woodsy feelings. And while it's not technically a fireplace, The Lodge does have a fire pit that is both dreamy and cozy. You'll need a reservation to take advantage of it, and make sure to check out the McKittrick's performance schedule so you can visit during one of their popular magic shows or other events.

  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • East Village
  • price 3 of 4

Swathed in rich velvets and dark wooden paneling, the Bowery Hotel offers an atmosphere that rivals the old stalwart hotels of uptown, but in a much younger, trendier hood. Its fireplace is grand and gothic like it was taken from an old castle. Sit by the crackling fire vibes and sip on a seasonal drink from the hotel's lobby bar to feel like master of the manor.

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  • Dive bars
  • Lower East Side
  • price 1 of 4

Arlene’s Grocery was one of the earliest rock-music venues south of East Houston, and it remains a hallowed hall of head-banging—Jeff Buckley, the Strokes, Vanessa Carlton and Beth Orton have all performed in its basement. But upstairs on the ground floor, you'll be welcomed by a toasty fireplace. It's not the most ornate you'll see, but it offers a cozy respite from the cold and a more romantic vibe in the dive. Hop in if you're in the neighborhood or warm up before catching a gig there.

  • Pubs
  • Park Slope
  • price 1 of 4

This cavernous, bi-level venue may not fit the textbook definition of intimate, but the flickering stone fireplace is damn cozy. Commandeer the plush couch or one of the chairs near the hearth and settle in for the night with a hot Irish Nut with Bailey’s and amaretto coffee.

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  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Lower East Side
  • price 3 of 4

The downtown-grunge–meets–your-rich-aunt’s-house vibe at this Lower East Side den practically invites you to sink into the trendy velvet couches beside a stone-facade fireplace. Cuddle up by the hearth with one of Dirty French’s belly-warming concoctions, like the slow-burning but smooth Muddy Waters with rye, absinthe and mole bitters. 

  • Greenpoint
  • price 2 of 4

Hightail it to the back of this long, narrow space to secure your spot by the gas fireplace. If the hearthside benches are already filled, you’ll still feel the festive spirit as you sit in a carved-wood booth beneath strings of colorful, twinkling lights. Wash down the traditional German bratwurst sandwich with a whiskey-laden hot toddy, which riffs on the recipe from an erstwhile bartender’s Scottish granny.

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