Melbourne pubs, bars and restaurants with fireplaces

Feeling the chill? Head to one of these cosy winter watering holes where crackling fires await.

Benchwarmer

Warm your tootsies and get cosy in front of the open fire at West Melbourne’s Benchwarmer. This local favourite is the perfect spot to hibernate during those winter months. It offers up an impressive menu of craft beer and Japanese-style bar food including vege tempura and yakitori fresh off the hibachi grill.  

The Lincoln

Art Deco features, locally-sourced produce and a refined gastropub menu is what keeps locals coming back to The Lincoln. Comfort food faves include the venison and stout pie, juicy Cape Grim sirloin and a weekly Sunday roast. Warm up by the roaring fireplace as you peruse the drinks menu. We reckon a glass of red goes down nicely by the fire.

Heart of Carlton

A cute fireplace and a menu with nothing over $5? That's the ticket! Those in the know will tell you Heart of Carlton is the spot for cheap eats and a toasty time. The husband and wife team have been running this quaint little cafe for 15 years. Order pasta, crunchy baguettes, hearty soup and more winter warmers.

Fortress

For a less-than-traditional experience, head on down to the medieval-inspired tavern at Fortress Melbourne. The fireplace here is very on brand, using 8-bit pixels to 'warm' the space. Gather around the animated flame with cocktails and pizza, then kick on with bottomless board games or an arcade sesh.

The Botanical 

Right by the Royal Botanic Gardens, The Botanical boasts beautiful views year-round. With casual eats in the bar and intimate dining in the brasserie-grill, there’s a spot to suit everyone. The fireplace in the main bar will tempt most winter escapees. Order a spicy margarita, pull up a chair in front of the fire and settle in for the afternoon.

Ru-Co Bar

There's no cosier spot for a cocktail than by the fire at Ru-Co. Tucked down a laneway, the Grand Hyatt's bar has a globe-trotting drinks menu. Sip your way to Tokyo with a Japanese slipper. Or enjoy the sweet flavours of a crème brûlée martini. The large fireplace is surrounded by plush armchairs for you to sink into.

The Courthouse Hotel

Step inside The Courthouse Hotel for delicious pub classics and a few menu surprises. Get your hands on the chicken schnitzel or mushroom fettucine. The menu moves with the seasons so that there's always the freshest, locally sourced ingredients. With an extensive drinks list including wine, ale, beer and cocktails, there’s something to wet every whistle. This stunning art deco-style venue is a must-visit, request the cosy spot by the open fireplace.

Trinket

Leave the chilly winds outside and snuggle into Trinket. This whimsical treasure is known for a hidden basement bar, but you’ll find the real winter treat at street level. Bag the seats arranged around the fireplace and see what’s on the menu. We love the hearty pizzas and quirky cocktails. Indulge your curiosity with the 'bitter pearl' featuring Four Pillars gin, lychee liquor, apple, lemon and Peychauds bitters.

Westin Melbourne Lobby Lounge

A lazy afternoon reading with a cup of tea, pre-theatre cocktails or first-date wines. The Westin’s classy Lobby Lounge can do it all. Sit by the fireplace with a book from the hotel’s library and take in the elegant atmosphere. One sip of the signature espresso martinis, and you won’t want to leave.

Town Hall Hotel

Town Hall Hotel is a laid-back winter haven for classic pub grub and low-key bevs. The dining room boasts a toasty open fire, while the no-frills heated beer garden stays warm all through winter. Pay a visit on Mondays for Townie Trivia, and keep your eyes on the Town Hall socials for gigs and event info.