Fireside food and drinks in NYC
The Empire Hotel's 12th-floor rooftop is perfect for canoodling over cocktails. (January 2012) Credit: Empire Hotel
When the thermometer drops, there's no better way to warm up winter bones than to log some time in front of a roaring fire. Luckily, New York City is awash in bars and restaurants featuring fireplaces of all shapes and sizes. Drop in on one of these spots for a hot toddy, comfort food and some serious heat.
1. TRIBECA
WHAT Located in a bright pink town house that dates back a couple of centuries, Tiny's & The Bar Upstairs is the latest from the team behind TriBeCa hot spots Smith & Mills and Warren 77. The rustic ground floor features a roaring fireplace, and though the casual joint serves a killer burger, chef John Martinez excels at simple New American dishes like seared scallops and grilled duck breast.
WHEN | WHERE Daily lunch and dinner, brunch on weekends, 135 West Broadway
INFO 212-374-1135, tinysnyc.com
2. GRAMERCY
WHAT An inviting, bilevel space off Park Avenue, Ciano is bathed in orange and yellow hues that glow brighter as the main dining room's large fireplace burns. Chef Shea Gallante's Italian dishes focus on farm-to-table ingredients, and while Ciano's menu changes seasonally, the veal meatballs over polenta with truffle pecorino are always sure bets.
WHEN | WHERE Daily lunch (except Saturday) and dinner, closed Sunday, 45 E. 22nd St.
INFO 212-982-8422, cianonyc.com
3. THEATER DISTRICT
WHAT Set in a landmark building just off the bustling action of Times Square, The Lamb's Club, owned by "Next Iron Chef" winner Geoffrey Zakarian, was once the stomping ground of old Hollywood. Nowadays, the two-story space is adorned with red leather banquettes and a stately floor-to-ceiling fireplace that burns fiercely alongside the din of power meetings and pre-theater grazing.
WHEN | WHERE Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner, 132 W. 44th St. in the Chatwal Hotel
INFO 212-997-5262, thelambsclub.com
4. LINCOLN CENTER
WHAT Although the Empire Hotel's 12th-floor rooftop is associated with summer's velvet-roped debauchery, come winter the west terrace boasts a steady fireplace and plush couches where visitors can linger, taking in killer views of Lincoln Center. The drinks here can be pricey, but this dimly lit spot is perfect for a little canoodling over cocktails.
WHEN | WHERE Open daily, 44 W. 63rd St.
INFO 212-265-7400, empirehotelnyc.com
5. EAST VILLAGE
WHAT The Bowery Hotel is one of the city's most intimate hideaways. Dark-wood panels and soft lighting enhance the lobby's crackling fireplace; antique chairs and chandeliers accent the vintage vibe. Settle in for cocktails or order up some afternoon tea, but keep one eye on the crowd -- you might catch someone fabulous passing through.
WHEN | WHERE Open daily, 335 Bowery at East Third Street
INFO 212-505-9100, theboweryhotel.com
