Blog: Where To Warm Up in Chicago - Cozy Restaurants and Bars With Fireplaces

When the weather outside is frightful, nothing can lift your spirits and thaw out your toes like a cozy, crackling fire. This winter, during the coldest Chicago evenings, we suggest curling up and getting comfortable at one of our favorite restaurants and bars with their own fireplaces for patrons. Residents at Cascade’s Lakeshore East apartments are conveniently located near some of Chicago’s most beloved spots for dinner, drinks, and, of course, a roaring fire.

The Drawing Room is housed in the historic building of the former private members-only Chicago Athletic Association, now an upscale hotel with an old-world, oak-paneled ambiance. This 1893 landmarked Venetian Gothic building is a veritable museum of Chicago’s architectural history, with exquisite preserved details throughout, like its intricately carved woodwork. But these days, guests can relax and enjoy updated luxe details, including its cafe tables, comfy sofas, overstuffed leather chairs, and three grand fireplaces. Enjoy a cocktail and a light bite or entrée in an intimate little nook or front-and-center near the fire.

Bar Pendry offers classic, expertly crafted cocktails with sleek, upscale ambiance coupled with a classic old-school Chicago flair. Surrounded by its standout collection of contemporary art, hanging from wood-paneled walls, guests can warm themselves at the double-sided fireplace. Sit in their plush seating or directly at the bar or bring your Old Fashioned fireside and enjoy the slow burn.

Upstairs at The Gwen lets patrons enjoy the fresh air outdoors on the ultrachic rooftop retreat, which boasts striking panoramic skyline views from sunup to sundown. But, best of all, guests can keep warm even on cold winter nights, with outdoor fire pits and blankets to curl up in, and appreciate the twinkle-lit atmosphere with a hot toddy, a full menu of food items, or cocktails.

Finally, at Raised\An Urban Rooftop Bar, the indoor-outdoor bar and rooftop deck offer gorgeous views of the city skyline. Guests can stay toasty with fire pits, heating lamps, and winter greenhouses. The private greenhouses can be fully enclosed—with a little extra privacy via curtains and private seating and lanterns—and are spacious enough to accommodate up to six guests.

But if you choose to stay inside, Cascade is the perfect place for a quiet evening in or for a celebratory gathering for friends and family. Included in its 45,000 square feet of amenity space is the lobby level’s living room, which features a billiards and lounge area with its own roaring fireplace. To recreate the feeling of dining out on the town, the 32nd-floor terrace has a communal chef’s kitchen with catering accommodations that let you bring your favorite caterers to feed your guests. After dinner, you can take in a movie in the TV lounge or enjoy the views from the lakefront terrace with an evening nightcap.

Schedule a tour to find out how easy it will be to stay extra warm, cozy, and entertained throughout the winter at your new Cascade home (and beyond).