It’s that time of year, when the chilly weather and diminishing daylight trigger the caveman instinct to huddle in front of fire. We’re not talking about outdoor fire pits, which every bar and restaurant seems to have now. We’re talking real, indoor, brick or iron-clad forges akin to what you might’ve basked in front of as a kid. Luckily there are places around the Bay keeping the fireplace ritual alive with hot drinks, hard spirits and hearty food to warm the blood. Here’s a sampling:
Schmidt’s Pub, Albany
If ever hobbits were to phase into our universe and seek a place to congregate, they might choose Schmidt’s, a calming hidey-hole on Albany’s main drag that doubles as a tobacco shop. Order a mug of European beer in the back and settle into well-worn furniture that envelops your body like pipe resin-scented peat. You can spend hours in front of the small but lovely fireplace, reading daily delivered newspapers or playing card and board games.
Details: 1492 Solano Ave., Albany; schmidtspub.com
Sláinte Irish Pub, Oakland
When the weather gets chilly, the fireplace gets lit at this Irish bar, whose name translates to a toast you often make with whiskey. And whiskey is in abundance with roughly 200 options on the menu and reasonably priced flights such as “Winter is Coming” (whiskeys from Northern Ireland) and the “Irish Female Warrior” honoring badass colleens. If you need non-liquid calories to warm the bones, the kitchen serves staples like shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, smoked-cod croquettes and a classic breakfast of eggs, back bacon and white-and-black puddings.
Details: 131 Broadway, Oakland; slainteoakland.com
Fireside Bar, San Francisco
San Francisco’s western side gets frosty thanks to the clouds of refrigerated mist rolling off the Pacific. Mounting a tiny but brave stand against the pervasive chill is Fireside, a local’s bar that keeps a gas fire burning the whole year ’round. The vibe inside is relaxed and muted, with low light, a leather-clad bar and sofas illuminated by those flickering flames. Dogs are welcome and, so you don’t have to wander away from the heat, there’s a jukebox you can operate with your phone.
Details: 603 Irving St., San Francisco; 415-731-6433
Rockridge Improvement Club, Oakland
If you mashed up an alpine ski lodge with a classic arcade, you’d get this “club” where, true to its name, you can improve yourself with valuable pursuits like Skee-Ball and retro video games. The bartenders know their way around nice cocktails – perhaps a hot toddy or Irish coffee for this weather – but also won’t eye-roll, if you just want a High Life and shot of Fernet. A large fireplace takes center stage in the main room, and depending on the day of the week you’ll find DJs spinning old vinyl, trivia nights or free drag shows.
Details: 5515 College Ave., Oakland; thericoakland.com
Trials Pub, San Jose
This late-1800s building is reputedly haunted thanks to its location over a warren of murderous jail cells. But a roaring fireplace should keep maleficent spirits away, while you enjoy the finest offerings of the British empire, from darts to English-inspired ales (try the Ramsey’s Fat Lip) to chicken curry, fish and chips and a Ploughman’s Plate of cheddar cheese, green apples and a sausage roll.
Details: 265 N. First St., San Jose; trialspub.com
The Branham Lounge, San Jose
Depending when you go, the slightly upscale Branham can be a relaxing spot for sipping a cocktail and watching TV or a louder party hang with DJs and dancing. What’s constant, though, is the fireplace that beckons your friend group to gather ’round and share some bonhomie. Comfy booths and vintage wallpaper add to the chill vibe, a feeling that’s definitely enhanced by a happy hour that runs every day from noon until 5 p.m.
Details: 1116 Branham Lane, San Jose; thebranham.com
Source: www.mercurynews.com