Cold weather in Houston may seem to be a rarity, but it does happen. And when it does, Houstonians love to live out their ski lodge fantasies and Hallmark holiday movie dreams. Whether it’s a romantic dinner in front of a roaring fireplace, or a sweater weather gathering among friends around an outdoor firepit, here is a list of restaurants that can fulfill those desires for a New England winter ambiance.
Postino Wine Cafe
This laid back wine bar and restaurant has six locations in the Greater Houston area, with the design for each inspired by the neighborhood it’s located in. Out of the six, four have outdoor fireplaces, and seating around those on a chilly day can be difficult to score. Fortunately, Postino offers great incentives to get there early, like $6 glasses of wine and pitchers of draft beer until 5 p.m. daily. Each fireplace has lounge seating, and all four locations have indoor-/outdoor bars that offer cozy views. Multiple locations, postinowinecafe.com
Rainbow Lodge
Nothing says cozy and romantic like the word “lodge”, and this longtime Houston restaurant manages to cover all the bases. It’s an urban oasis, surrounded by lush surroundings outside, and numerous nooks for intimate conversation inside. Within the various dining rooms, the restaurant boasts three stone fireplaces set against the log and plaster walls. Outside, with its meandering decks and terraces, guests can roam the property and find fire pits in the back, as well as one at the restaurant’s front entrance. Blankets are available upon request for added coziness. 2011 Ella Blvd., Houston, rainbow-lodge.com
Il Bracco
This modern Italian restaurant was designed by Michael Hsu Office of Architecture. Its interior reflects the clean lines of Milan-inspired design, while still being warm and inviting with soft light illuminating from candles on the tables. Take to the outdoor patio, which boasts a wood-burning fireplace, as you sip on an Italian martini or glass of prosecco. 1705 Post Oak Blvd., Houston, ilbraccorestaurant.com
Toro Toro
This Pan-Latin steakhouse at the Four Seasons from Richard Sandoval is a hotel restaurant that draws in locals and visitors alike. Located on the third floor of the hotel, the restaurant features a stunning open space, with a sculptural bar at its center. Several dining areas, plus loungey areas with sofas, create a multi-layered setting, with a double-sided, glass-enclosed fireplace separating the spaces. Warming cocktails include several carajillo drinks and a smoked Manhattan. 1300 Lamar St., Houston, torotorohouston.com
The Red Lion
For those who dream of sitting fireside in a British pub, the Red Lion in River Oaks is just the spot. From the red tufted booths to the rustic beams overhead, this restaurant might be more British than some of the actual “gastropubs” in England nowadays. Enjoy a cozy experience on the outdoor patio, fitted with fire pits, including tables with built-in versions. For more blustery weather, the indoor fireplace room is wood-paneled from floor to ceiling, making it a snug escape from the elements. Get your fill of fish and chips, or one of the special Wednesday curries. British ex-pats ought to try the Full Monty, for all the fixings of a true pub breakfast. With a pint of Guinness or a dram of Glenfiddich, you’ll want to linger for hours in the convivial atmosphere. 2316 S. Shepherd Dr., Houston, theredlionhouston.com
Carrabba’s – The Original on Kirby
Opened in 1986 by Johnny Carrabba and his uncle Damian Mandola, this Italian eatery eventually launched a nationwide chain. Today, Johnny Carrabba owns the two original locations, which remain beloved by locals for the food and warm, inviting atmosphere. The Kirby location has been updated with a modern look, and is anchored by a large wood-fired pizza oven turning out perfect pies. For a cozy experience, dine in the wine room, which features a fireplace and an illuminated clock, and indulge wholly on pasta or steaks and chops grilled over pecan and oak. 3115 Kirby Dr. Houston, carrabbasoriginal.com
Grace’s
Located across the street from the Original Carrabba’s on Kirby is another Johnny Carrabba concept. Named for Carrabba’s grandmother, the atmosphere at Grace’s is homey with exposed brick, dark wood molding, and collections of items one would expect to see at grandma’s house like lace doilies and floral china plates. A double sided fireplace gives a cozy vibe to both dining rooms, and there’s also an enclosed porch. The menu echoes the diversity of Houston, from Southern home cooking like Rosie’s fried chicken and Maw Maw’s pork pot roast to Texas favorites like seafood campechana and Cajun stuffed chicken. 3111 Kirby Dr., Houston, gracesonkirby.com
Brenner’s on the Bayou
This Landry’s concept has a verdant setting, with lush landscaping, a gazebo, and a mini waterfall. The multi-leveled restaurant offers a number of different dining and private spaces, along with its Blue Bar, which features several fire pit tables. Inside the two-story dining room, a couple of fireplaces blend in beautifully with the sculpted wood rails and grand staircases. Cozy up, and enjoy steakhouse traditions like lamb lollipops, a seafood tower, USDA prime steaks and wagyu beef. 1 Birdsall, Houston, brennersonsteakhouse.com
By Popular Demand
Located in Memorial, this establishment from the Masraff family is like walking into a friend’s home—-if your friend had seating for dozens of people. Sofas and chairs are arranged for groups of varying sizes, and the most desirable arrangement is directly in front of a roaring fireplace, ideal for a group of six to eight. If you can’t nab one inside, there are patio tables with fire pits outside, too. Find craft cocktails, plus a small but mighty food menu with bar bites like spicy fried shrimp and tuna tartare tacos, along with a burger and chicken sandwich. 12420 Memorial Dr., Houston, bpdmemorial.com
Taste of Texas
Tourists visiting Houston are often treated by family and friends to this family-owned steakhouse that is so full of Texas that it has its own history museum. Upon arrival, guests are immediately greeted by an oversized fireplace surrounded by Western-themed decor. The coziness continues in the bar, which has a smaller fireplace of its own. Come hungry—the menu features plenty of beef steaks and Texas specialties like grilled Texas redfish and pecan-crusted chicken. 10505 Katy Frwy., Houston, tasteoftexas.com
