Fireside Buzz: 7 Bars That'll Warm You Up

Photography by Aubrie Pick

Have a sip of your favorite cocktail and stay warm at the same time at these cozy watering holes:

Swig, 561 Geary St., (415) 931-7292
Unlike most, the fireplace at Swig actually has plenty of seating around it. Order a glass of Scotch from the huge selection, and get in and out before the DJs arrive.

Lion Pub, 2062 Divisadero St., (415) 567-6565
In this low-lit bar, relax with helpings of their daily spread of cheese and crackers and a cocktail (made with fresh-squeezed juices) by the roaring fire after a long day at the office.

Zeki's Bar, 1319 California St., (415) 928-0677
Newly remodeled, this dive has been reborn with a more upscale vibe, but the the two fireplaces are still intact. Gather 'round and thaw out while watching a sports game or two.

Riptide, 3639 Taraval St., (415) 681-8433
This homey spot on the cold edge of town has friendly bartenders and lots of music to go with your fireside beer. Wednesdays are made for avid surfers, when they show surf movies all night long.

Homestead, 2301 Folsom St., (415) 282-4663
Also perfect for renting a private room in, this corner watering hole beckons for a fireside game of cards and multiple bags of peanuts to make the hot toddies go down easy.

Sugar Cafe, 679 Sutter St., (415) 441-5678
A giant fireplace that heats half the room, Sugar Cafe is a cool place to chill and watch movies projected on walls, get some work done, sip cheap-all-day ($3!) cocktails and munch on truffle fries.

St. Regis Lobby Bar, 125 3rd St., (415) 284-4000
If you're looking for a swanky after-work meeting place or a classy date spot, drop by this bar, where the high-design fireplace really heats things up. Snack on wasabi peas, try several of their killer cocktails made with the freshest ingredients. Sink into one of their comfy chairs and you won't want to leave.

500 Club, 500 Guerrero St., (415) 861-2500

A Mission mainstay, come here for one of the best jukeboxes in town, drinks heavy on the hooch and of course, the warmth of the fireplace. While you're at it, grab a french dip sandwich from Clare's Deli next door–they'll deliver it right to your bar stool!

How about not one, but two fireplaces at Chambers and the Phoenix Hotel

By Stuart (not verified) on November 27, 2011

Mayes has a fireplace. Or you can wait until the bar gets annoying crowded and that works too.

By Keane (not verified) on November 21, 2011

Clement St. Bar and Grill -- in the Richmond at Clement St. & 8th. Don't know how long the bar has been there, but they have the original wooden ICE boxes (not refrigerators, my friend) built into the walls in the back of hte restaurant (where the fireplace is) and the long old bar (with the old cash register, etc.) must go back to the 1930s or earlier. Food snobs -- scatter. They serve good standard fare at a fair price-- nothing fancy not "gourmet pretensions" -- but solidly good. And it's comfy, neighborhoody, roomy -- fire going in the restaruant for brunch on Sundays and at nights (and believe me, it's been NEEDED in the Richmond district this summer -- usually is!) Same manager/owner since about 1981. A local institution, like Giorgio's pizza and Chapeau! (both on Clement @ 2nd -- though Giorgio's is CONSIDERABLY older, Chapeau! has been in biz for some 15 year now!)

By Anonymous (not verified) on August 30, 2011

Really how do you miss The Fireside. Glen Park Station in Glen Park and Portals in West Portal both have good size fireplaces too. I'm pretty sure there are a few others too, this is a half assed list.

By Anonymous (not verified) on July 23, 2011

I think all these are great places for having fun...or you can try funny quotes

By dan (not verified) on July 18, 2011

The Riptide, Outer Sunset, 3639 Taraval, SFCA 94110 - Wood burning fireplace at the edge of the western world. riptidesf.com

By Anonymous (not verified) on May 25, 2011

25 Lusk

By Anonymous (not verified) on February 25, 2011

Or the Dutch Goose in Menlo Park. They have a covered patio bar with madd heaters out back. It's like being outdoors, with heat...and cocktails.

By Anonymous (not verified) on February 24, 2011

500 Club.

By Anonymous (not verified) on February 24, 2011

What??? How was the Inner Sunset bar called "The Fireside" missed on this tour?