We try to stay positive around here, especially when it comes to the weather. Instead of lamenting about the impending temperature drop, potential snowstorms, and bone-chilling winds, we like to think of this as the perfect opportunity to snuggle up with your special someone...or that person you’d like to make your special someone and share a drink. This year, take advantage of the winter chill and get cozy around these fireplaces and fire pits.
 

The classy Georgetown restaurant offers up fireplace dining and warm cocktails, including the Brown Buttered Rum Cider made with brown butter infused Mt. Gay Rum, warm spiced apple cider, and served with an apple chip. (1226 36th St., NW; 202-965-1789)
 

Located at the Liaison Capitol Hill, Art and Soul's outdoor patio allows guests to enjoy seasonal drinks and snacks by the fire pit while getting an up close view of the Capitol Building. Sounds pretty romantic to us. Winter cocktails include the Irish Snowman (Bailey's Caramel, Jameson, coffee), Nuts, Berries, and Chocolate (Frangelico, Chambord, and Godiva with coffee or hot chocolate), and the Bcc Me (Butterscotch Schnapps, hot chocolate, and cream) among others. Mulled wine and hot chocolate will also be available. (415 New Jersey Ave., NW; 202-393-7777)
 

The drinks here come cold, but the large fire pit and heaters make up for any warmth your fingers will lose holding on to that ice cold beer. The largest beer garden in the city boasts 15 beers on tap, and if you can’t handle the cold, don’t worry, they opened the indoor bar earlier this month. Make sure to note their winter hours: Thursday/Friday 6 PM, Saturday/Sunday 1 PM. (1216 Bladensburg Rd., NE; 762-233-7070)
 

Head to Hotel George on Capitol Hill for dinner by the fireplace and enjoy rich, warming dishes like Beef Bourguignon and Bouillabaisse. Pair your meal with classic French cocktails or a glass from the impressive list of wines. (15 E St., NW; 202-661-2700)
Poste

Back for another season, Poste’s popular Winter Lounge will be open Thursdays–Saturdays from 7–9 PM, weather permitting. As in years past, it will feature fire pits, blankets, complimentary s’mores, and seasonal cocktails galore. Try the Wassail (spiked apple cider, winter spices, ginger, orange peel), S’mores cocktail (vodka, chocolate, graham cracker syrup, bruleed marshmallow garnish), and the Hot Toddie (English Breakfast Tea, Jameson Caskmates, honey, lemon). More cocktails and warm drinks will be unveiled as the temperature dips.(700 F St., NW; 202-783-6060)

Located in the Four Seasons at Georgetown, grab a drink at Bourbon Steak’s bar and enjoy it al fresco at their outdoor patio warmed with fire pits and heaters. (2800 Pennsylvania Ave., NW; 202-944-2026)
 

Petworth’s “Parisian neighborhood bistro” offers up authentic French cuisine and craft cocktails against a vintage backdrop including a crackling fireplace. Dine on rib-sticking dishes including steamed mussels, steak frites, and braised beef short ribs served over polenta. (3815 Georgia Ave., NW; 202-506-2080)

 

What’s better than lounging by a fireplace? Lounging by a fireplace while snacking on complimentary, butler-passed s’mores. Every evening from 6:30–7 PM, head to The Living Room and snag one of these treats while warming up by the wood-burning fireplace. (3100 South St., NW; 202912-4100)
 

Located by the Southwest Waterfront, Station 4's fireplace pairs well with the two warm drinks on the cocktail menu. Try the Hot Toddy made with Amador Double Barrel Whiskey, Drambuie, and homemade squash syrup or the Glögg, mulled wine made with wine, bourbon, vodka, orange, lemon, cinnamon, cardamom, almonds, walnuts, and nutmeg. (1101 4th St., SW; 202-488-0987)
 

Tabard Inn
The cozy lounge made up of vintage furniture and wood detailing is dark and intimate, perfect for date night. Stop by Sunday–Tuesday evenings for live jazz. Happy hour runs from 4–7 PM, Monday–Friday. (1739 N St., NW; 202-785-1277)

Top photo via Chez Billy; Patio photo via Poste