The Fireplace
Photo: courtesy The Fireplace
“A fireside is a great opiate," said Leigh Hunt, the poet and journalist. It’s also a great mood-setter and, of course, a good way to warm up your toes. Here are a few choice restaurants with fireplaces:
The Fireplace: Brookline diners head to Washington Square to bask in the glow of the titular feature at this romantic date spot (1634 Beacon St.; 617-975-1900; reserve online).
The Hungry i: This Beacon Hill favorite is one of Boston's most romantic locations – many engagements have been sealed at one of the tables next to its fireplaces (71½ Charles St.; 617-227-3524).
James's Gate: This cozy Jamaica Plain hangout sports a blazing fire in the winter, making it a great spot for Irish-accented pub grub or a hearty drink (5-11 McBride St., Jamaica Plain; 617-983-2000).
The Publick House: One of the city's most impressive beer bars offers a pair of fireplaces, making it a warm option for a pint of a
rare brew (1648 Beacon St., Brookline; 617-277-2880).
The Red House: This Harvard Square Eclectic is located in a quaint, cute old house with multiple fireplaces (98 Winthrop St., Cambridge; 617-576-0605; reserve online).
The Sherborn Inn: Get toasty with a meal in front of the fireplace at this charming New Englander housed in a Colonial-era inn (33 N. Main St./Rte. 16, Sherborn; 508-655-9521; reserve online).
Smith & Wollensky: Housed in a historic building that's well over a century old, this atmospheric outpost of the big-ticket steakhouse chain contains
multiple crackling fireplaces (101 Arlington St.; 617-423-1112; reserve online).