The Harbor East restaurant in the base of the Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore has five fireplaces throughout its bar area, and they’re a draw for customers in the chilly months and beyond, said assistant general manager Ryan Shacochis.
“I don’t think there’s really anybody that doesn’t like a fireplace,” he said. “It’s something very ancient that speaks to everybody on a very basic level.”
Wit & Wisdom’s fireplaces glow until the restaurant reopens its patio in the spring. Even on their lowest setting, the adjustable gas fireplaces add to the bar’s ambience without emitting too much heat.
“It brings people together,” Shacochis said. “It just instantly, I think, makes people happier.”
People have an openness around a fire that they don’t show at a standard dinner table, Shacochis said.
“I think there’s just an emotional warmth that comes along with it ... a nostalgia, especially this time of year,” he said. “A feeling of belonging and family.”
Wit & Wisdom is just one of dozens of bars and restaurants in the Baltimore area offering guests a fireside escape from winter’s chill. Here are a few more.
The Indian restaurant inside the Ambassador Apartments is loved for its uplifting outdoor seating and its stately interior rooms, complete with working fireplace.
Ananda has eight fireplaces, plus a fire pit on the front patio. You’ll find one each in the lounge, dining room and private Marigold Room; three in the terrace; and two in the Maharaja Ballroom.
The restaurant at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel features communal tables and a lounge area with a working fireplace.
The BoatHouse Canton has a fireplace with water views.
Bond Street Social houses an indoor fire pit and gas fireplaces in its dining room.
The Brewer’s Art has a fireplace in its upstairs lounge, though it’s only used when it’s very cold because of its large size.
Brewer's Cask, a craft beer bar and restaurant, has a gas fireplace on the first floor.
The Dizz, a neighborhood bar and restaurant in Remington, has a cozy wood-burning fireplace.
There are six gas fireplaces at the Elkridge Furnace Inn, a rambling manor house that’s home to a popular Howard County French restaurant.
Gunther & Co. features an indoor fireplace.
The Kings Contrivance Restaurant, housed in a converted 1890s mansion in Columbia, has several fireplaces.
Kona Grill's lounge features a fire pit surrounded by couches.
The Lord Baltimore Hotel's LB Speakeasy features a fireplace in its “secret” backroom.
Warmed by working fireplaces, Leinenkugel's outdoor beer garden at Power Plant Live is a popular gathering spot.
A central fireplace warms guests at Liquid Lib's, the wine bar adjacent to Liberatore's in Timonium.
Mama’s on the Half Shell, an oyster house restaurant and bar, has a fireplace upstairs.
There are two working fireplaces in the dining room at the Manor Tavern.
The Milton Inn has fireplaces in each of its five dining rooms, and all but one are decorative. The one working fireplace is housed in the Hearth Room, the restaurant’s main dining room. The restaurant lights fires there when the temperature outside drops below 30 degrees.
Mt. Washington Tavern has two gas fireplaces — in the Chesapeake Room on the first floor, and upstairs in its Sky Bar.
Myth and Moonshine has two fireplaces in its back dining room.
There are several fireplaces scattered over three floors at the Oregon Grille.
A wood-burning fireplace adds to the rustic atmosphere at Petit Louis Bistro in Roland Park.
Petit Louis’ second location in Columbia also has a fireplace.
Pub Dog keeps its guests warm and toasty with a gas fireplace.
Parts & Labor, a restaurant and butcher shop, has an outdoor fireplace.
The chic patio at this casino steakhouse features posh lounge seating and decorative fireplaces.
Tark's Grill in Green Spring Station has a fireplace on its outdoor patio.
The Wharf Rat’s wood-burning fireplace is tucked in a corner of the pub behind its second bar, providing comfort to patrons sitting at a large back table.
Michael Mina’s restaurant in the Four Seasons Baltimore has five fireplaces throughout its bar area. The gas fireplaces are adjustable and add an extra layer of comfort to the restaurant.
A fire pit sits outside Woodberry Kitchen, a renowned farm-to-table restaurant.
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