Get the romance roaring, burn the midnight oil or just unfreeze your hands enough to pick up your cutlery with dinner by the fireside. Here in Brissy, fireplaces really only have a two-month window to feel the heat before we’re sweating up a storm again, so get it while it’s hot! As for the dress code, think silk robe, cigar in hand, slippers and a cat. Jks.
Alfred and Constance | Fortitude Valley
This home of fun is powered by a wood-red oven, so it’s no stranger to turning up the heat. The Vanguard Beer Garden is the place to be for feasting around the fire, with the steak charcoal grilled, the pizza fresh out of the flames and all burgers requiring a minimum of two hands. Or, if you prefer your fire twirled, A&C’s White Lightning Tiki Bar features over-the-top Polynesian fire presentations and oversized cocktails when you need to cool down.
Hope and Anchor | Paddington
Paddo’s favourite little boozer once kept the bakers toasty in the late 1800s and is now doing the same for modern Brisbanites around the fire. The pub-style fare served in this heritage-listed cottage make for the perfect winter warmers, including gooey baked camembert, soft shell crab sandwiches, beer braised chicken wings and mushroom and pecorino arancini. If that doesn’t whet your appetite, their strong sprits, fine ales and smooth wines will be sure to do the trick.
Sixes and Sevens | Fortitude Valley
From within a gabled 1878 cottage when fireplaces were an essential to any proper Victorian home, Sixes and Sevens lays on the antiquarian charm. Cosy up with your gang and take your pick of a simply refined menu that’s designed to enhance an everyday experience. With wine served from the barrel and relaxation in the air, catch ups at Sixes and Sevens are the best kind of slow burn.
Hundred Acre Bar | St Lucia
Lounge dining reaches its peak at this charming and cherished restaurant. As you snuggle up on the plush couches between rustic décor, the contemporary cuisine will keep you warm on the inside while the flames under the stone hearth make every corner cosy. Meals are uncomplicated and the vibes even more so, as you spend your winter night in homely peace.
Scout Café | Petrie Terrace
Part café, part living room, your brunch will be toasty in more ways than one at Scout. Bagels are lovingly smeared with philly cream cheese, smoked salmon or sweet vanilla and passionfruit, and the granola is delightfully homemade. Oh, and we didn’t forget why you’re here – the fireplace is roaring above the timber floors.
Cowch | South Bank
S’mores by the fire are oh-so-much sweeter at Queensland’s original dessert cocktail bar. Around their central fire pit, you can toast with boozy hot chocolates, decadent dessert pizzas, Nutella waffle sandwiches and strawberries dipped in melted choc shots. It’s like a winter campfire minus the dirt and adding a whole lot of delish!
Or, if the idea of a smoking hot degustation where all your food is prepared over a four-metre custom built fire-pit has you swooning, check out Fireside Restaurant here.
