Fireside Dining
last updated: October 2025
One of Connecticut’s great pleasures in chilly weather is cozying up to a fire while enjoying cocktails, a meal, or both. Luckily, there are dozens upon dozens of fireside dining options in the state. Some of the hearths are located in country pubs, some in shoreline inns, and many can be found in fine-dining establishments – so make your choice and toast the cold days and nights from your comfortable perch. Make sure you call ahead as the restaurants' hours are subject to change.


Union League Café, New Haven
Offering menu and ambiance in a casual elegant style, the Café combines French classical traditions with a more contemporary approach to flavors, textures and native ingredients. Local and organic fish, meats, cheeses, produce and rare specialty products from around the world help the chefs create award-winning cuisine.


Fresh Salt, Old Saybrook
Ensconced within the Saybrook Point Inn and Spa, at Fresh Salt you can enjoy the gorgeous hearth and turn your head just slightly to take in saltwater views. The food is highly praised, too.


G.W. Tavern, Washington Depot
The wood-burning fireplace is a major feature of this Colonial-themed tavern - but so are the comfort foods and cocktails. Cozy up with a cup of French Onion Soup on a cold day or indulge in a freshly grilled burger.


Griswold Inn, Essex
This historic inn a stone’s throw from the Connecticut River is full of Yankee charm with a dining room, tap room and several fireplaces throughout. There's also live music, adding to its appeal.


The Goose, Darien
The Goose is a renewal of a classic American bistro and tavern offering fine dining, contemporary cuisine, warm hospitality and superb service.


Captain Daniel Packer Inne, Mystic
Here, you'll feel like you are dining in the house of a sea captain, which happens to be true. Captain Daniel Packer built this place in 1756, and fireplaces are only a part of the many charms here.


White Horse Country Pub, Washington
When the weather calls for it, there’s always a welcoming fire here at one of Connecticut’s favorite pubs. Get into the right mood with the shepherd's pie, Guinness beef stew or bangers and mash.


Redding Roadhouse, Redding
This New England-style pub has four fireplaces, a rustic bar area with a vintage train, a traditional dining room, a billiards lounge, private event spaces, and a seasonal patio. Nestled among the trees in the picturesque small town of Redding, The Roadhouse offers a classic pub style menu featuring great wings, dry aged burgers, salads, and seasonal entrees.


Abigail’s Grille and Wine Bar, Simsbury
Slide into the nice corner booth next to the fireplace here and you may not want to leave. Abigail’s varied menu has many fans, and the wine bar is a good way to end your working day.


Cava Restaurant, Southington
The big stone fireplace in Cava’s Fireplace Room is a perfect fit for a cold and/or snowy night in Connecticut. The Italian fare on the menu will warm you up, too.


Millwright’s, Simsbury
This American restaurant, set in a refurbished mill, combines a stylish dining room, a relaxed tavern and a unique event space to offer the ultimate setting for fine, farm-to-table cuisine and carefully chosen wine, craft beer and cocktail menus.


Tavern at the Armory, Middletown
Once an armory for the Connecticut National Guard, now located in the Inn at Middletown, Tavern at the Armory serves traditional American cuisine with a New England style twist.


Jesse Camille's Restaurant, Naugatuck
Since 1996, Jesse Camille’s Restaurant has served classic food prepared with the freshest ingredients in a cozy, unpretentious atmosphere.
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