Old Man Winter has arrived. It’s the time of year when we are tempted to stay indoors and hibernate until cold winds abate and the weather warms. Instead of staying in though, visit these restaurants with cozy atmosphere created by a roaring fire and comfort food to warm from within.
Westside’s upscale steakhouse Marcel takes inspiration from 1920s France. It’s the kind of swank place where you can order beef Wellington and servers set baked Alaska afire table-side. There is also a late-night menu with crave-able items like the best hot bologna and cheese sandwich in town. Take your crew to the back patio with banquette seating that curls around an outdoor fireplace. If you’re lucky, the train will roll by for extra ambiance.
Marcel (1170 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta; 404-665-4555, marcelatl.com)
Just like you would after a long day hitting the slopes, visit Yebo Ski Haus for apres ski. The restaurant transforms each year from December through February with fluffy pillows, plush blankets, and all the accoutrements of a mountain ski lodge – all in the heart of Buckhead. Enjoy dinner al fresco with outdoor fire pits with extra heaters to keep the space comfy. Warm up with wild mushroom soup with sherry cream foam and don’t skip the beer cheese fondue with meatballs, roasted mushrooms, charred broccoli, or grilled sourdough for dipping.
Yebo Ski Haus (111 W. Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta; 404-869-1992, yebobeachhaus.com)
Next to AIX, Nick Leahy’s ode to Southern France, is chic yet snug wine bar Tin Tin. A white, gas-burning fireplace is the focal point of the enclosed patio. Blankets are available to ward off any extra chill. Take in the Westside views from floor-to-ceiling windows while sipping a lush Bordeaux. Warm up with roasted oysters fortified with foie gras or crisp fritters filled with warm goat cheese.
Tin Tin (956 Brady Avenue NW, Atlanta; 770-838-3502, aixatl.com)
Wood-fired scents greet you upon entering Drew Van Leuvan’s Seven Lamps. Dig in to gnocchi with wild mushrooms and creamy fontina cheese or a wood grilled Springer mountain Farms chicken breast, crisped and nestled on farrotto with Georgia pecans. The patio provides even more flames with fire pits—a great space to enjoy a bowl of potato leek soup or warm up with a cocktail.
Seven Lamps (3400 Around Lenox Road, Atlanta; 404-467-8950, sevenlampsatl.com)
Perhaps you want the heat of a fire but also panoramic views. Head to Ponce City Market and take the elevator to the top where 9 Mile Station awaits. The spacious beer garden boasts a multitude of fire pits next to which you can watch the sun set over the city. Can’t think of a dish more comforting that a chicken pot pie served in a cast iron skillet with flaky puff pastry covering the filling with herb crema sauce. An order of hot, fresh cut fries and a beer are simple delights that could match the setting.
9 Mile Station (675 Ponce de leon Avenue NE, Atlanta ; 770-999-1532. 9milestation.com)
Brookhaven’s Arnette’s Chop Shop has a modern open-air lounge that is just as destination worthy as its dining rooms. Comfy chairs are positioned around glass fire pits. It’s just the spot for a pre-dinner glass on the rocks or to enjoy a few appetizers like the roasted bone marrow with sourdough and parsley.
Arnette’s Chop Shop (2700 Apple valley Road NE, Brookhaven; 404-969-0701, arnetteschopshop.com)
In the winter at Agave they stoke the fire in the massive hearth of the former Cotton Mill general store. Add to that a selection of savory and toasty Southwestern soups like Hatch green chile stew, pozole, and chicken poblano. Hatch green chile meatballs with queso fresco are easy shared comfort food while you decide which type of margarita goes with the flickering of the fire.
Agave (242 Boulevard SE, Atlanta; 404-588-0006, agaverestaurant.com)
