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| Bedford Village Inn, home to Corks Wine Bar |
Beacon Hill Bistro
Charles Street is perhaps the prettiest in Boston, and home to this gem of a bistro with European flair. Take a seat by the hearth and warm up with the signature Beacon cocktail: Hendrick’s gin, pear cognac, and fresh lime. 25 Charles St., 617-723-7575; beaconhillhotel.com/bistro
Bistro du Midi
Overlooking the twinkling lights of the Public Garden, there’s no place more romantic to enjoy a glass of Perrier-Jouët Champagne with Provençal-inspired cuisine. Add in the sienna glow of the upstairs fireplace and you’ve got the quintessential pre-theater, post-shopping holiday haven. 272 Boylston St., 617-426-7878; bistrodumidi.com
Catalyst Restaurant
The innovative two-way fireplace illuminates tasty American cuisine and cocktails at this new hot spot in Technology Square. There’s even free Wi-Fi at the bar to transition from work to play over a Corpse Reviver #2, with gin, Lillet, and citrus. 300 Technology Sq., Cambridge, 617-576-3000; catalystrestaurant.com
Corks Wine Bar
You’ll have fantasies of being snowbound at the picturesque Bedford Village Inn after sampling just a few of the 8,000 bottles of wine at Corks Wine Bar. The menu features succulent small plates of farm-fresh local cheese and charcuterie, and the Grey Goose oyster shooters with lemon and spicy tomato juice almost seem like dessert. 2 Olde Bedford Way, Bedford, NH, 603-472-2001; bedfordvillageinn.com
The Cottage
As cozy as dining in your living room on a weeknight—with the added enticement of treats like Maine lobster BLT + A (aioli) paired with a glass of buttery Chardonnay. A relaxed ambiance makes this the perfect excuse to go out on a weeknight and unwind with a local brew. 190 Linden St., Wellesley, 781-239- 1100; cottagewellesley.com
The Fireplace
Appropriately named, this New England grill takes its flames seriously, offering wood-smoked and rotisserie cuisine. It received a 2011 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and hosts libationfueled fireside chats twice a month on everything from Syrah to single-malt Scotch. 1634 Beacon St., Brookline, 617-975-1900; fireplacerest.com
Locke-Ober
This historic fine dining spot was recently renovated, but its Brahmin flavor and charming nooks with fireplaces remain. A must-have at the bar is the Ward Eight, an enduring classic cocktail created here in 1898 made with rye whiskey, citrus, and a splash of grenadine. 3 Winter Place, 617-542-1340; lockeober.com
Sea Glass
A roaring fire is requisite for a trip to coastal Maine in the winter. Sea Glass serves up a S’moretini with vanilla vodka, Godiva chocolate liqueur, Bailey’s Irish Cream, and a graham cracker rim to sip fireside, sans the marshmallow mess. Inn by the Sea, 40 Bowery Beach Road, Cape Elizabeth, ME, 207-799-3134; innbythesea.com
Nubar
At this modern yet cozy respite from Harvard Square, scholars and neighborhood locals settle on the ottomans clustered in front of the fireplace for handcrafted cocktails. Get a late-night jolt with the Martini au Lait, made with Patrón XO Café liqueur, espresso vodka, crème de cacao, Starbucks espresso, and whipped cream. Sheraton Commander Hotel, 16 Garden St., Cambridge, 617-234- 1365; nubarcambridge.com
Post 390
This two-story urban oasis boasts three—yes, three—fireplaces to ensure every seat is within earshot of a crackling flame. This is the place to try a craft brew, with 12 on tap and 30 bottles, or a Post 390 Black & Tan to pair with the popular Scotch egg. 406 Stuart St., 617-399-0015; post390restaurant.com
