One of the best things about our cold Midwestern winters is enjoying good food with family and friends around the warm, cozy glow of a fire. Now that we've had our first snowfall and the holiday season has begun, this is all we want to do. And, if you're like us, this might be the deciding factor when choosing where to dine on a chilly, snowy night. Continue for our top picks for a delicious meal fireside in St. Louis.
See also: The 9 Best Southern Restaurants in St. Louis
Vin de Set (2017 Chouteau Avenue; 314-241-8989)
Enjoy Vin de Set's French-American menu by the fireplace in the main dining area and take in gorgeous architectural details such as high ceilings and arched windows in this brick-, wood- and glass-filled historic building in Lafayette Square.
Malt House Cellar (2017 Chouteau Avenue; 314-241-4949)
The Malt House Cellar is a private event space located in the Centennial Malt House which also houses Moulin Events, Vin de Set, PW Pizza and Grand Petite Market. If you are lucky enough to attend an event there this winter, be sure to grab prime seating in front of the roaring fire.
Eleven Eleven Mississippi (1111 Mississippi Avenue; 314-241-9999)
Just a block away and also owned by Vin de Set restaurateurs Paul and Wendy Hamilton, Eleven Eleven Mississippi offers two opportunities to enjoy the Tuscan-inspired menu by the fire -- there is a fireplace in the main dining room (pictured) and one in the wine loft.
Sqwires (1415 South 18th Street; 314-865-3522)
At the eastern end of this expansive brick restaurant, located in a former Victorian-era wire factory, sits an enormous steel fireplace perfectly situated to warm guests enjoying live music, cocktails at the bar or dining on Sqwires' classic American menu.
Dressel's Public House (419 North Euclid Avenue; 314-361-1060)
In true Welsh pub fashion, Dressel's Public House offers three fireplaces to snuggle up to in its spacious brick building in the Central West End. The one in the main bar downstairs (pictured) and the one in the upstairs bar are built directly into the building's original brick walls. The third is an iron stove, located in the front of the main dining room.
Sasha's Wine Bar (4069 Shaw Boulevard; 314-771-7274)
This second location of Sasha's Wine Bar features a cozy lounge area in the front room with a fireplace that is lit throughout the winter. The fireplace itself was saved from a burned home in Washington Terrace and is surrounded by magnificent, hand-carved mahogany.
Fox and Hounds Tavern (6300 Clayton Road; 314-647-7300)
Located in the lobby of the Cheshire Inn, this traditional English-style pub takes its cue from the enormous stone fireplace that creates an intimate atmosphere year-round. Enjoy an Irish, American or Scottish whisky or beer and the small plate menu and be transported.
Basso (7036 Clayton Avenue; 314-932-7820)
Upon entering Basso, down a winding flight of stairs underneath the Restaurant at the Cheshire, guests are greeted by a formidable workhorse of a stone fireplace flanked by plush leather lounge chairs and a sofa. Adding to the cozy ambiance is the wood-fired oven for house-made pizzas just a few steps away.
J.Gilbert's (17 West County Center, Des Peres; 314-965-4600)
J. Gilbert's offers a unique dining experience with its contemporary fireplace that is integrated into the wall about five feet off of the ground. Every seat in the house can enjoy its warm glow as they are served premium steaks, fresh seafood or a perfectly paired glass of wine.
Riverbend Restaurant and Bar (1059 South Big Bend Boulevard, Richmond Heights; 314-664-8443)
A casual fireside scene at Riverbend Restaurant and Bar provides a cozy ambiance in which to enjoy New Orleans-inspired Cajun and Creole cooking, such as po' boys, crabmeat-stuffed shrimp, oyster bread and bread pudding.
Follow Sara Graham on Instagram at @SaraSunshineSTL and Twitter at @SaraSunshineSTL. E-mail the author at [email protected].
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