On the shores of Lake Erie, three feet of snow beckons for warm fires and hot chocolate; Living deep in the heart of Texas, winter temperatures hovering around 40 degrees means a move indoors is critical for survival. I've lived both of these scenarios, and believe me: "warm and cozy restaurants" are subjective depending on where you live in the United States.
As a traveler, it warms the heart to know where a comfortable, relaxing and delicious dining experience can be found. We compiled 15 of the most popular warm and cozy restaurants found around the United States, each defining those adjectives relative to its location. Put these on your bucket list and wear comfortable pants; Your journey to fantastic cuisine is on.
15 Best Warm and Cozy Restaurants Across the U.S.
Beatrice and Woodsley; Denver, Colorado
Begin your journey of America's coziest restaurants with a love story:
"We built a restaurant that mirrors the story of two lovebirds; Beatrice, the life-loving daughter of a French winemaking family, who relocated to California in the 1800's to create a small vineyard. And Woodsley, the handsome and crafty son of Lumberjacks-turned-Coopers, who provided barrels for the fledgling wine producers. Upon first sight, Beatrice and Woodsley fell in love and quickly married.
"Stirred by his new bride, Woodsley built a remote cabin amid the woods of the Colorado mountains. Built with skilled and loving hands, Woodsley constructed a strong abode complete with the day's amenities and a large wine cellar between the roots of the aspens. Life was lived with appreciation amongst the forest birdsong and the snow-capped peaks -happily ever after."
Pairing its rustic dining room with beautiful food menu, you'll be hard-pressed to venture back into the Colorado winter after stepping foot here.
Location: 28 South Broadway, Denver, CO 80209
Ticonderoga Club; Atlanta, Georgia
Located in northeast Atlanta, the Ticonderoga Club specializes in a full Sunday brunch and eclectic bottled cocktails that serve two (or one, if you're feeling lucky). Though the coronavirus pandemic gave way to the now-popular Ticon-To-Go menu options, getting a breakfast sandwich and Irish coffee is still easy for anyone in need of a great meal.
Location: 99 Krog Street NE W, Atlanta, GA 30307
Circa 1886; Charleston, South Carolina
Recognized among the best fine dining restaurants in the U.S., date night takes on new meaning at Circa 1886. Executive Chef Marc Collins spins his native Texas upbringing into unique Lowcountry menu options that keep people coming back time and again. Here, ambiance reigns supreme as one of the most romantic restaurants in the world, and it's a sure-fire warm up for the soul.
Location: 149 Wentworth Street, Charleston, SC 29401
The Driskill Bar; Austin, Texas
Take a break from Austin's tacos for an absolutely breathtaking atmosphere that brings classic Texas to life in a young, progressive city. Authentic cowhide barstools and cattle branded carpets helps The Driskill rank among the best hotel bars in the country. A full menu of appetizers and entrees, as well as cocktail menu and fantastic wine list, gives new meaning to happy hour.
Location: 604 Brazos Street, Austin, TX 78701
Broken Shaker; Chicago, Illinois
The James Beard Awards honor culinary professionals across America every year, including chefs, restauranteurs and authors leading the industry. The annual event is held in Chicago, and when the greatest hands and minds in the business need a place to drink around Chicago, there's only one destination: Broken Shaker.
The famous cocktail bar staffs the finest mixologists, pairing incredible drinks and new-wave atmosphere. Among cozy restaurants and bars in blistering Windy City winters, you'll struggle leaving Broken Shaker once you cozy up to one or two beautiful drinks here.
Location: 19 East Ohio Street, Chicago, IL 60611
Fore Street; Portland, Maine
Locally-sourced inventory makes Fore Street one of the best restaurants you'll find in New England. An exposed brick hearth and the crackling fires of wood-burning ovens capture flavors that make Fore Street's great food menu unforgettable. With their old-fashioned style, this James Beard Award finalist presents the most iconic dining experience among Portland's Old Port District on the harbor.
Location: 288 Fore Street, Portland, ME 04101
Orsetto; Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Italian influence from linguine and clams to tiramisu invites visitors out of the cold and into this cozy eatery tucked deep in The Cowboy State. An all-Italian wine list warms the soul, pairing with a charcuterie spread you'll be shocked to find in western Wyoming. Private events and banquettes are welcome, especially with the building's beautiful copper bar awaiting you.
Location: 161 Center St, Jackson, WY 83001
Hotel Du Pont; Wilmington, Delaware
Intimacy and a delicious tasting menu set the table for this beautiful hotel food and drink scene. Dining at Le Cavalier at The Green Room evokes elegance and intimacy, with a menu inspired from Provence and North Africa. This is a private dining experience that will be hard to forget.
Location: 42 West 11th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
The Eveleigh; Los Angeles, California
While glitz and glam highlight this area, The Eveleigh creates a beautifully intimate setting for an evening getaway unlike many you'll find. Rooftop views and succinct menu built for any appetite, quality trumps quantity for diners who pass through in search of a cozy dinner or colorful weekend brunch.
Location: 8752 West Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Camp Ticonderoga; Troy, Michigan
Hanging above the main dining area are chandeliers made to resemble deer antlers; If that doesn't scream warm and cozy restaurant, then you probably haven't spent enough time up north. Generous portions of fried chicken and hearty mac and cheese give new meaning to "comfort food" in these harsh Michigan winters, and Camp Ticonderoga's rustic charm provides a truly unique experience any time of year.
Location: 5725 Rochester Road, Troy, MI 48084
Whiteface Lodge; Lake Placid, New York
Whiteface Mountain is home to beautiful views and better adventures, but when the sun sets, a roaring fire and craft beer are absolutely necessary at one of the lodge's warm and cozy restaurants. The stunning Whiteface Lodge offers locally-sourced menu items at the Kanu Dining Room, while Peak47 pours up cocktails and nightcaps that'll have you dreaming of another adventure, not to bustling NYC, but rather to upstate New York.
Location: 7 Whiteface Inn Lane, Lake Placid, NY 12946
Rat's Restaurant; Hamilton, New Jersey
French influence invites visitors through a lily pond inspired by Monet's famous painting and beautiful collection of sculptures, until the smell of bubbling French onion soup that invites you inside.
Defined by "exquisite ambience" and "extraordinary cuisine," this Philadelphia-area eatery is simply stunning. Their dinner menu features items like escargots and Roasted Griggstown Chicken, with Profiteroles (a dessert dish of vanilla ice cream and warm chocolate sauce) beckoning on cold nights.
Location: 16 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton Township, NJ 08619
Clarke Cooke House; Newport, Rhode Island
A true "Newport experience" makes this charming bistro an area staple since Ted Gidley's return to the place he started in 1995. The once-sous-chef is now a world-renowned artist in his craft, and Clarke Cooke House's deeply intimate menu proves why. Uniquely Rhode Island, upscale and casual dining options are available at this uniquely cozy restaurant.
Even better, special electronic air cleaners were installed during the coronavirus pandemic to help diners feel safe as the COVID-19 virus threatened the food and beverage industry.
Location: 26 Bannister's Wharf, Newport, RI 02840
Fireside Dining; Park City, Utah
At $90 for adults and $30 for children, this European Alps-inspired, four-course dining experience is worth every penny. Prepared over massive stone fire pits, Deer Valley's mountains set the backdrop for an incredible experience. Start with Warm Swiss Raclette on your first course, then polish off your middle menu choices with Chocolate, Caramel, and White Chocolate Grand Marnier Fondues for dessert.
Fireside Dining encapsulates "warm and cozy restaurants" perfectly.
Location: 9200 Marsac Avenue, Park City, UT 84060
Antoine's Restaurant; New Orleans, Louisiana
NOLA's French Quarter is a storybook all its own, but Antoine Alciatore's legacy here dates back to 1840; This palace is believed to be the oldest family-run restaurant in the United States. World-renowned cuisine invites date nights, private rooms for mid-size gatherings, and enough space for 700 people. Oysters Rockefeller was born here, as well as several other French-Creole staples.
The wine list is luxurious, the Sunday Jazz Brunch is energetic and lively, and all the menu items are incredible reasonable in price. The setting, culture and history makes Antoine's hands-down our favorite warm and cozy restaurant in the United States.
Location: 713 St Louis Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
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