1. McKenzie’s Brew House
324 West Swedesford Road, Berwyn, mckenziebrewhouse.com
Newly opened, this is a great spot to retreat to during the winter months. Grab a table in the dining area, next to the beautifully modern fireplace, recessed into stone, or try a seasonal ale, sure to warm you in these cold months. Recently on tap, the Conifer pale ale, whose pine aroma is perfect for those nippy Main Line evenings.
2. Firecreek Restaurant
20 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown, firecreek-restaurant.com
This trendy spot on the banks of the Brandywine is perfect for a cozy winter date night. Thursdays are Jazz night, where the already fire-lit atmosphere comes alive with the smooth sounds of local musicians. Sip on a glass of wine, or to keep warm, try one of their “Elemental Martinis” such as “Fire,” which is made with chili infused golden tequila.
3. Georges’
Eagle Village Shops, 503 West Lancaster Ave., Wayne, georgesonthemainline.com
Georges’ of Wayne might be a bit more expensive than the typical restaurant you would frequent, but the menu and service don’t disappoint. It’s the perfect place for an evening out. With the heavy drapery on the windows, and the wrought iron chandeliers, George’s creates an elegant atmosphere, reminiscent of a medieval hall. Grab a cozy table for two, and enjoy the large, lodge-like fireplace, and have a few drinks. May I recommend the smoked salmon, paired with one of their excellent wines? Drinks are available for $5 during happy hour, and the menu is superb.
4. General Warren Inne
9 Village Way, Malvern, generalwarren.com
The General Warren Inn has a great British, rustic pub feel. Currently serving a few of the Yard’s “Ales of the Revolution,” the tavern has been open since 1745. The venue has two roaring fireplaces that provide a great winter ambiance. Try the Duck Confit & Sweet Potato Gnocchi, with Frangelico sage crema. The savory flavors will warm you from the inside out.
5. Molly Maguire’s Irish Restaurant & Pub
197 Bridge St., Phoenixville, mollymaguiresphoenixville.com
This three story restaurant sits on the main street of Phoenixville, boasts several fireplaces, both inside and out on the deck, which is nice considering how very un-wintery the weather has been of late. I think Irish Pubs are such a great place to gather in the winter, and especially Molly’s. Try some of their unique dishes, such as the Irish Nachos served with Buffalo Sour Cream, or the Ruben Spring Rolls, one of my favorites. The jolly Irish atmosphere will in itself help keep away the winter blues.
6. Pickering Creek Inn
37 Bridge St., Phoenixville, pickeringcreekinn.com
In the mood for a little” spookiness” with your fireplace? “The Pick” is your spot, as one of the most haunted places in Phoenixville. Luckily, it also has one of the best, and ever changing, craft beer selections in town! Friday is the perfect time to check it out, as they have ½ price Black Angus Burgers, and often feature live music. With the haunted atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to cuddle up next to a loved one by the fireplace!
7. The Fenix Martini Bar
193 Bridge St., Phoenixville, thefenixbar.com
Newly revamped, this cocktail bar now boasts not one, but two fireplaces, a variety of rotating beers on tap, and a refreshed cocktail list. My new favorite drink is the Peanut Butter Cup Martini, with house infused Peanut Butter Cup Vodka. Serving a variety of tapas, I recommend the Slider Trio, and the Brie du Jour. The newly exposed brick added a real rustic feel, and with the new changes, I believe The Fenix will thrive even more, and is a great winter go-to.
8. Whip Tavern
1383 North Chatham Rd., Coatesville, thewhiptavern.com
The Whip Tavern was a bit of a hike for me, located in Coatesville, but is now officially my favorite place to eat in the area. Walking into this bar, I was imminently transported back to Scotland, where I used to live. Pints of Guinness on the bar, rugby on the TV, and miscellaneous fox hunting prints and knick-knacks on the walls and over the fireplace give this small pub an authentic feel. The pub was warm and inviting, very informal, and the food was phenomenal. I recommend the Welsh Rarebit to start (some of the best I have ever had), and then try either the fish and chips, or the bangers and mash. Every dish was hardy, delicious, and looked amazing! The Whip only serves beer on tap, so if you like your wine or spirits, you will have to bring your own.
9. Appalachian Brewing Company’s Collegeville Brewpub
50 West 3rd Ave., Collegeville, abcbrew.com/collegeville
I’ve written about why I love this spot in Collegeville before, but with the hardwood floor and exposed brick, the rustic feel reminds me of being in a log cabin, and I just want to curl up with a great seasonal beer, and enjoy the fireplace. Drinking a Trail Blaze Brown Ale, I can almost imagine being back home in North Carolina, fresh off a winter mountain hike. It’s really one of my favorites. Try the Thru-Hiker’s Chicken Sandwich, with the brie cheese, honey and walnuts. The warm flavors will help with the cold in no time.
10. Side Bar and Restaurant
10 E. Gay St., West Chester, sidebarandrestaurant.com
Side Bar is a classic hang out spot in West Chester, and it’s so easy to forget that this bar has a fireplace! I love grabbing a brew here when I am in town, as the big chalkboard constantly changes, and the rotation of beer here is great. Side Bar has specials almost every day, so check out the website for events like Tapas Monday, or Kick the Keg Day on Tuesday. Or, drop by during happy hour for a $3 craft beer and 25% off selected appetizers.
Photographs credited to Sarah Gagliardo, Amy Strauss, Laura Taylor, Jason Varney and Evan Wawrzyniak.
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