30 Fireplaces to Cozy Up to in San Francisco Restaurants and Bars
Karl the Fog has been making his presence very known lately, but that does not mean there aren’t ways to stay warm. You can of course decamp the city (may we suggest a Marin County oyster outing or Napa Valley road trip, should you so choose that route?), but that is not always an option, and sometimes you just do not want to have to leave to warm up.
Instead, stay put and fight the fog with fire — literally. These 30 restaurants and bars all have fireplaces that you can sit near while dining and drinking. So get out there and combat the cold by cozying up to a roaring restaurant fireplace, and perhaps even with a hot cocktail (or three). Here’s where to find the city’s warmest seats.
Rose Garrett contributed to this story.
1 Barrel Head Brewhouse
Surround yourself with tanks and sit around the circular fireplace while enjoying some beer brewed on-site.
This Union Street Belgian brasserie’s fireplace is in its private dining room, but the restaurant will seat diners there on nights it’s not being used, so call ahead to ensure toasty fireplace access.
There’s a distinct castaway theme at Driftwood, and that includes lighting a fire to stay warm. Head to the back to find the cast iron fireplace, and play the vintage piano while you’re at it.
Famous for a young and loud weekend scene, The Lion Pub is also known for its roaring fireplace and fruity drinks — and the free cheese plate doesn’t hurt, either.
The massive brick fireplace anchors the room at the recently remodeled Park Chalet, where you can gather round and sip a cocktail underneath the glass roof that will either also warm you from above or provide a perfect storm-watching spot.
Located in the front dining room (the “Library”), Spruce’s fireplace is available for regular seating unless there’s a private party. Just be sure to specify you’d like to sit near it.
Leather couches, exposed brick walls, serious drinks and and an impressive fireplace are all Swig’s calling cards, and that’s really enough reasons to go.
Huntington Hotel’s much-loved institution Big 4 has that classy, historic San Francisco feeling, and it earns extra charm points for its grand old-school fireplace.
Fireplaces are part of every Grove location, but Fillmore’s hearth has that Western ski lodge flair to go along with your laptop lunch or casual dinner.
Buried beneath The Barrel Room in FiDi, The Hogshead Reserve is a hidden bar beneath a bar that you need to walk to the back and head down the stairs behind the wall to your left to get into. Once you’re there, though, the living room-style space has a fireplace to relax at. Call ahead to be sure the space isn’t rented out for the evening.
The Little Shamrock’s fireplace is lit any time there’s inclement weather, which is most days in the Inner Sunset. Cozy up with an Irish coffee and a board game for the perfect afternoon.
Though founded as a lesbian-friendly establishment, Wild Side West draws all Bernal Heights residents for its saloon-like vibe, live music, fireplace and quirky garden out back.