Ever heard of the Danish concept of hygge, an effort to fight the winter blues by cozying up with loved ones, enjoying dinner by candlelight, or gathering around a roaring fireplace? It’s one of the reasons Denmark is often named one of the happiest countries in the world. Cultivate hygge in your own life this winter by heading to a restaurant with a prominent fireplace!
The Barn at Rocky Fork Creek
1370 E. Johnstown Rd. — Gahanna
This sprawling barn, originally home to Hoggy’s before becoming Cameron Mitchell’s rustic steakhouse concept, has lovely outdoor fire pits in the summer. But in the winter months you’ll want to stick close to the indoor fireplace hearth—preferably with a glass of bourbon in hand.
Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse
1615 Old Henderson Rd. — Upper Arlington
The original Hyde Park location in Upper Arlington is carved up into five private dining rooms, and has five fireplaces! They’ve also got live jazz in the lounge most evenings. The romance factor is high, folks!
Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls
21190 State Rouse 374 — Logan
This Hocking Hills retreat offers plenty of opportunities to cozy up, including gas log stoves in each cabin. After you finish your meal in the immaculately restored 1840s log cabin dining room of Kindred Spirits, the inn’s restaurant, take a few moments to warm up next to the roaring fire in the adjacent Fireside Room before heading back to your room.
La Scala Italian Bistro
4199 W. Dublin-Granville Rd. — Dublin
This Italian spot has been a longtime favorite for hosting holiday celebrations and gatherings. The restaurant boasts a fireplace as well as a giant brick pizza oven that gives off a nice, warm glow in the bar area.
MoJoe Lounge
149 S. High St. — Downtown
Escape from the Downtown bustle with a warm mug of coffee at this downtown shop. The sleek and modern fireplace is built right into an interior wall, which means three tables get to enjoy fireside seats.
The Refectory Restaurant & Bistro
1092 Bethel Rd. — Northwest Columbus
Any seat at The Refectory is going to be lovely, but grab a table in the Refectory’s cozy bar/lounge area and you’ll get to enjoy a stone-hearth fireplace view as well. As a bonus, you can order off the lower-price Bistro menu while seated there.
Third and Hollywood
1433 W. Third Ave. — 5xNW
This Grandview bistro is a favorite for snowy days thanks to its rustic wood rafters and enormous stone fireplace. Gathering around the heart helps make the wait for a table feel like less of a chore.
The Top Steak House
2891 E. Main St. — Eastmoor
The two booths flanking the dining room fireplace at this vintage steakhouse get nice and toasty. It’s the perfect spot to spend a couple hours lingering over martinis, charbroiled steaks and live piano music.
The Whitney House
666 High St. — Worthington
As stated in its mission, the Whitney House “pays homage to the homes in our past that welcomed all, treated everyone like family, and offered them food and drink cooked with love.” So it’s fitting the space feels as comfortable as your own living room, complete with a tavern area featuring a brightly burning fireplace.
The Worthington Inn
649 High St. — Worthington
Request to be seated near the fireplace when you make your reservations at Worthington’s storied restaurant. This renovated, Victorian-style 1830s building was originally a private residence before being expanded into a traveler’s inn, and it has several original, working fireplaces.
Dine Originals Columbus celebrates, supports and promotes the culinary diversity that locally owned and operated member restaurants contribute to the identity and culture of our city. The nonprofit group is committed to strengthening the local economy and enriching the community through education and charitable partnerships.
On the first Wednesday of each month, each Dine Originals restaurant offers their own special dining experience, whether it’s a prix-fix dinner, a tasting menu, a retail wine night or a fun promotion. No matter which Dine Originals restaurant you visit tonight, you’ll be treated to a VIP dining experience that can’t be found anywhere else.
For more information, visit www.dineoriginalscolumbus.com.
