Tabard Inn

The Tabard Inn is a DC classic that absolutely oozes coziness.  While dining here is a good idea no matter the time of year, winter in DC is a particularly great time to enjoy the ambiance of this inn and restaurant.  While the dining room does not feature a fireplace, the entry/waiting room does and is complete with dim lighting and cushy couches.  Either arrive early for your reservation or stick around after dinner to enjoy a cocktail by the roaring fire.  We’re getting all warm and fuzzy just thinking about it! Bonus: come for breakfast or brunch to try the homemade donuts, which are basically a whole lot of love in pastry form.    

Circle Bistro

Tucked away in Foggy Bottom is this low-key romantic spot celebrated for its ambiance.  Cozy up fireside with a cocktail, some mussels and pommes frites and you’ll almost forget you’re in the middle of the DC hustle and bustle and not enjoying an après-ski slope side.

Sonoma Restaurant

When freezing your buns off on Capitol Hill, head to Sonoma Restaurant & Wine Bar to warm your fingers and toes.  On the second floor, you’ll find a cozy lounge complete with fireplace and couches.  Grab a seat and sip a cocktail while watching the flames flicker or do some people watching through the floor-to-ceiling windows.  Pair your fireside drinks with a light meal or heavy nibbles consisting of a charcuterie platter, cheese plate or an expertly-fired pizza.  Heads-up: call ahead to ensure the upstairs lounge has not been booked for a private event before heading over.

Iron Gate

Tucked away in an alleyway off of Dupont Circle, this gem is charming and cozy in all seasons.  In the spring or fall, grab a seat on the vine-covered back patio to take advantage of the nice weather, in the summertime belly up to the bar, and in the winter, head to the back dining room to cozy up by the fire.  On a more mild winter evening, you can even cozy up outside by the fire pit.

PLUME

For an elevated, fine dining experience, head to Plume, the Michelin star awarded restaurant within The Jefferson Hotel.  Between the opulent decor, top-notch service and fine cuisine, the flicker of firelight truly puts this dining experience over to top.