Chicago is currently surviving another polar vortex. Temperatures dropped to a record-breaking number yesterday causing businesses to shut down and people to embrace the art of hibernation. Those of us who have the ability to hole up in our homes all day don’t mind this one bit. However, anyone who has to brave the cold probably wishes they relocated anywhere else at this point. If there’s one thing Chicago knows how to do, it’s survive winter.

Whether you love it, hate it, or could care less, the city has your back. One of the ways we survive the cold temps in Chicago is through fire...literally. Many restaurants, bars, and hotels have fireplaces to cozy up the environment and add an extra layer of warmth for a true wintry experience. When you’re feeling brave enough to venture out the door again, head to one of these spots around the city. Grab a drink, order something with a million calories and relax with friends.

drumBAR | 201 East Delaware Place
Arguably one of the best rooftop bars in Chicago, drumBAR is a speakeasy-style bar on top of the Raffaello Hotel in the Gold Coast. drumBAR serves craft cocktails alongside an impressive menu featuring expertly curated whiskeys, scotches, bourbons, and cognacs. Seating is cozy with plush leather furniture throughout the space. The real showstopper is a large hearth in the center of one of drumBAR’s interior spaces off the main entrance. Grabbing one of the tables near the fire might be one of the hardest things you do all week but it’ll be well worth it. drumBAR has a masculine feel, almost a Mad Men type of vibe. It’s a cocktail/drink-only bar so if you’re a lightweight make sure to stop somewhere for a bite to eat first. Suggestions? Head there for happy hour to warm up before dinner at a nearby restaurant or stop by for a nitecap before heading home for the night.

RM Champagne Salon | 116 North Green Street
There are so many fantastic restaurants to discover in the West Loop including RM Champagne Salon. RM Champagne Salon is a delightful French bistro come to life right off Randolph Street with a vintage, rustic decor. Tucked against a brick wall towards the center of the room is an ornate hearth. What’s better than sipping a glass of bubbly while feeling the warmth of a fire in this gorgeous space? RM Champagne Salon is one of those places to take people from out of town if you want to impress them. Their menu is refined but approachable and not terribly priced by any means, especially for the West Loop.

The Drawing Room at Chicago Athletic Association Hotel | 12 South Michigan Avenue
The Chicago Athletic Association Hotel is one of those destinations in Chicago you take out of town visitors to impress them. Between the jaw-dropping views at Cindy’s and the cozy, casual atmosphere of the Drawing Room, the CAA has it all. The Drawing Room has not one but three fireplaces throughout the space. You’ll find a variety of comfy chairs and sofas as well as long tables for co-working, pool and other game tables. It’s an all-purpose type of space for everyone to enjoy whether you’re a local looking to relax or a hotel guest passing time. The Drawing Room has an all-day menu of food and drinks plus fantastic coffee. Everything is refined but in a casual way which sets the Drawing Room apart from other establishments. This space is meant to provide comfort and a casual environment yet everything is still on another level of quality and sophistication. This is also one of the best places to get unbeatable views over Michigan Avenue without completely freezing.

*Photo c/o Chicago Athletic Association Hotel*

The Broken Shaker at Freehand | 19 East Ohio Street
Also included in the Chicago Coffee Shop Series, the Broken Shaker is located in River North’s Freehand hotel with Cafe Integram. The bohemian-style space overlaps so guests can enjoy an afternoon cappuccino followed by an early evening cocktail. Broken Shaker has a menu of internationally-inspired bar food and small bites as well as cocktails. It’s a fun, cozy space to enjoy time with friends. Farther into the space is a fireplace tucked into a corner. Because it feels more intimate being elevated from the main space, it’s extra cozy. It doesn’t hurt that it’s pretty far from the door either!

Wilde Bar & Restaurant | 3130 North Broadway
Located in East Lakeview just south of Belmont on Broadway, Wilde Bar & Restaurant is a local hotspot. The Irish bar and restaurant knows how to serve up comfort food in a cozy setting. There are little inspirations throughout the entire space from Oscar Wilde himself including portraits, books, and more. The fireplace at Wilde’s just so happens to be located in a little library nook. A sure way to a girl’s heart is lots of books, food and a warm fire...or is that just me?

*Photo Credit: Angela Garbot Photography*

So tell me….are you braving Chiberia this week or staying in? What are some of your favorite places to warm up in Chicago? Shout out in the comments below.

5 Fireplaces to Warm Up in Chicago

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