Where to get toasty and toasted during winter in Chattanooga

Relax with a drink in front of the fire at Firebirds Wood Fired Grill.
Relax with a drink in front of the fire at Firebirds Wood Fired Grill.

Remember this summer, how it seemed unfathomable that you'd ever get through all the shows you wanted to watch on Netflix? But now, after weeks of hiding out from the cold weather, hibernating on the couch with a glass of red and binge-watching one series after another, you're coming to the realization that you'll soon require a new source of entertainment.

What better way to while away a cold winter's night than cozied up by a fire, warming yourself inside and out with a cocktail and good company? And don't forget about Valentine's Day.

Here, we offer a list of local establishments with the perfect combo of fireplaces and seasonal libations to get you on your way to feeling toasty (and toasted) this winter.

BACK INN CAFE, 411 E. Second St.

Located in a restored Colonial Revival mansion in the Bluff View Art District, this high-end restaurant is well-known for its stunning views of the Tennessee River. But the upscale eatery also offers fireside seating in its library and parlor. Escape from the busy bar area to the couch in the cozy wood-paneled parlor to sip on an 1816 Whiskey Sour, made with Chattanooga Whiskey.

ALCHEMY, 801 Pine St.

Located on the 10th floor of The Westin in downtown's West Village area, this elegantly appointed bar offers one of Chattanooga's best sunset views from its enclosed patio, equipped with several heaters and tabletop fireplaces spread throughout the space. Settle into a cushy armchair in front of one of the fires and warm up with an order of mac and cheese. For your cocktail, try the Smoked Manhattan, which is imbued with hickory smoke flavor via a smoke box brought right to your table. Alchemy is an ideal spot to wind down with drinks after work as opposed to a late-night cocktail stop, as the bar shutters relatively early at 11 p.m.

FIREBIRDS WOOD FIRED GRILL, 2107 Gunbarrel Road

The stone fireplace at this elevated chain restaurant is a great spot to hole up with a date on a cold night. Start the evening with an Old Fashioned, and follow up your wood-fired entrees with the ultimate cozy cocktail, Firebirds' Flannel Pajamas, featuring coffee laced with DeKuyper Butterscotch Schnapps and Godiva Chocolate Liqueur.

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