Fireside Dining and Drinking in Boston

101 Arlington St, Boston, MA 02116 (map)

Hey, let's hit the castle! How medieval does it feel to sup on fine steak in a historic building that's more than 100 years old, within grand dining rooms, each with at least a fireplace to its name? Crown yourself lucky at this palace of power beef.

1634 Beacon St, Brookline, MA 02445 (map)

From the name alone, need you anything more? Brookline's bastion of upscale comfort food features a warm, comfy atmosphere worthy of its moniker. And every other Saturday, join in for the "Fireside Chats," a series of seasonal tasting and pairing.

81 Fairmount Ave, Boston, MA 02136 (map)

If the welcoming atmosphere at this family-owned, locally beloved gastropub doesn't make you glow, the candles burning in the dining room hearth should ensure rosy cheeks. Or maybe that was the third craft beer? One will never know.

793 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116 (map)

A full steakhouse experience isn't complete without a ... bone-in aged prime ribeye? Creamed spinach? A bellowing presence and more Malbec for the table? The million-dollar answer is FLAMES (c'mon, meat people), neatly dancing in a fireplace in the dining room.

91 Winthrop St, Cambridge, MA 02138 (map)

Granted, the four roaring fireplaces scattered about this two-story restaurant will be the least distracting component of this zebra-striped, pink-swathed, gold-flecked Harvard Square institution. However, you'll soon soak it all in, somewhere between the raw oysters and the last drops of wine.

98 Winthrop St, Cambridge, MA 02138 (map)

This charming restaurant brilliantly doles creature comforts year-round, from the roaring fireplaces (in the bar and private dining rooms) through winter, to the sunny patio come summer. Know what else is brilliant? Lobster pot pie.

1648 Beacon St, Brookline, MA 02445 (map)

Brookline's (and, possibly, Boston's) most intense Belgian beer bar ups the dark, wooden ante with plenty of candles and a pair of fireplaces. A pail of beer-steamed mussels and a Trippel Bock later, and you'll be in a Flemish fantasyland.