Chicago’s Essential Cozy Locales

Cozy up by the fire during chilly winter nights — in this case, a massive wood-burning oven that commands attention, by design, of course. Think of it as a special ingredient that makes some of Fiya’s most soulful pan-Levantine dishes sing, like the zippy Moroccan fish with red pepper sauce, the khachapuri served two ways, and fluffy pitas made fresh every morning.

Tucked away on the second floor of the historic Chicago Athletic Hotel, Cherry Circle Room goes for upscale cozy, inspired by the lavish atmosphere of ’50s-era supper clubs. With tufted leather banquettes and a wrap-around wooden bar and cabinetry, its design earned a James Beard Award in 2016. Whether you’re dining before a show or making a full night of it, come for dishes like raviolo with truffled pasta, apricot-chili glazed pork ribs, and plenty of classic cocktails to boot.

What’s more comforting than a pint in a beautiful, dark setting? How about noshing on some of the greatest hits from British-Indian pub fare, elevated to match the setting, while enjoying said pint? From shepherd’s pie to chicken tikka masala to a Sunday roast, Monarch & Lion will meet all your needs throughout the cozy season. Don’t forget to try some of the seasonal wintry cocktails.

There’s nothing cozier than a great bar, and a seat by the fireplace at Scofflaw remains one of our favorite spots on a cold night. A warm or spiritous cocktail by the fire is a perfect nightcap, made even better by some excellent bites.

With its heavy retro feel, Club Lucky brings circa 1940-supper club vibes to Wicker Park, where it’s been a neighborhood favorite for decades. Come for classic Italian and American-Italian dishes, from stuffed artichokes and mozzarella fritti to homemade lasagna and bright and crispy veal limone. Or stop by for a drink, including excellent oversized martinis, or novel-inspired cocktails, like The Vesper Lynd (from Casino Royale) with Journeyman gin, Stoli vodka, Lillet Blanc, Fee Brothers orange bitters, and a lemon twist.

For one of the coziest and most romantic rooms in the city, you almost can’t do better than this Lincoln Square gem. The quaint French bistro has kept diners coming back for 20 years with classics like French onion soup, hangar steak frites with Maître d’Hôtel butter, and dark chocolate pot de crème with Chantilly cream. The exposed brick patio comes alive with vibrant flowers, ivy, and twinkling lights that make it feel miles from the city — yet is mere steps off Lincoln Avenue.

Journey up to leafy and collegiate Evanston for a night that evokes the New England private clubs of yesteryear. Plush tufted dark green leather booths, plaid carpeting, dark woods, brass tabletop lamps, circular chandeliers, and a roaring red brick fireplace make for a Colonial-era feel. Start with tableside Vesper martinis or the Homestead old fashioned, mixed with cherry wood-smoked bourbon and orange oils. Then move into the dinner menu, with sweet crab and potato crisp cakes, creamy cacio e pepe gnocchi, and chicken roulade with celery root purée; brunch items like chicken and sage sausage biscuits or creamy heirloom grits with Wisconsin cheddar all add to the warmth.

The latest offering from Bonhomme Hospitality transports diners to colorfully swinging ‘60s London while still retaining its heavily French accent. Vibrant pinks, reds, and lavenders bathe geometric shapes on the walls, tiles, and the Mondrian-like glass entryway. Sinewy banquettes and high-backed leather seats add to the welcoming feel of the bistro, where you can sip French gin and pear eau de vie martinis, pet-nats, and grower Champagne while tucking in to wood-fired oysters with smoked bacon; sea urchin with scrambled duck eggs and dried caviar; and dry-aged boeuf Wellington topped with mushroom and anchovy duxelle.

The warming flavors, colors, and sounds of coastal southwest India come alive at Bar Goa in River North. With tropical wallpaper, bountiful plants, bamboo pendants of varying design, red leather booths, intimate nooks, and decorative slatted doors, all add to the beachy escapist vibe of this bi-level haunt. The menu melds the influence of Portuguese colonization with fresh seafood and Indian specialities. Set the tone with lamb keema chili fries with Goan recheado rémoulade; braised pork vindaloo sliders with coconut and pineapple salsa; and refreshing ahi tuna with watermelon. Then, move into larger shareable plates such as prawn and spicy chorizo fried rice; Goan chicken curry; and the showstopper: banana leaf-wrapped whole roasted fish with lemon and balchão sauce.

Carbs, carbs, and more carbs. Yes, we said it and yes, we want it. Middle Brow Brewing expanded a few years ago to launch Bungalow, one of the city’s best spots for all things kneaded and baked. Think morning bread and cultured butter service (or add sardines, honey, smoked delicata spread, and more); and crisp-crusted pizza reminiscent of Napoli (they do tavern style on Tuesdays) topped with everything from housemade sausage to chèvre to oyster mushrooms. Their own draft beer program is supplemented by low-intervention wines and cocktails with local spirits like Judson & Moore and Letherbee. Plus, it’s an all-day affair, so you can cozy up any time.

With exposed light brick, warm natural woods, walls lined with framed photos, and a bustling corner location, Bar Roma brings a taste of Italy to Andersonville. Think Roman bean bruschetta, an array of hearty meatballs, wood-grilled meats and seafood, and chef Alfredo Ramos’ handmade pastas like tonnarelli cacio e pepe, squid ink fettuccine, and warming mushroom Bolognese lasagna — alongside an entirely Italian wine list. 

With light woods, hanging plants, and an open kitchen, this is where Tim Flores and Genie Kwon dazzle Chicago with their award-winning Filipino tasting menu — a multi-course stunner with dishes like Spanish-inspired pancit; adobo with maitake and chanterelle mushrooms; and A5 Wagyu with calamansi.

Hogsalt Hospitality scores another hit with this dark and warm Lincoln Park spot that taps into British pub culture, reimagining the gastropub as an everyday neighborhood joint. Find a menu ranging from savory minced spiced lamb pies and chicken tikka masala to steak frites and fish and chips to enjoy, alongside gin and whiskey cocktails, British ales, and a global wine selection. 

The Logan Square O.G. has been the place to go for more than 20 years for hearty, market-driven fare. Simply put, regulars return for simply prepared, incredibly flavorful plates like smoked trout scramble, blueberry and pecorino danish, oyster mushroom and walnut Bolognese pappardelle, and the scallops with brown butter and sunchokes. 

Whether it’s getting together with old friends or having a casual family dinner, there’s a reason people continue gathering here after nearly 10 years. The simple yet consistently delicious fare always delivers — whether it’s the bulgogi-glazed barbecue short rib, uovo raviolo with house-cured pancetta, or one of Chicago’s best burgers topped with white cheddar, bacon, and caramelized onions. Pro tip: Request a kitchen counter spot for a truly up-close encounter with the kitchen team. 

Walking into Mi Tocaya, Logan Square’s beloved intimate Mexican spot run by the intrepid Diana Dávila, feels like walking into a special celebration year round. The vibrantly colored space plays the perfect accompaniment to rich moles, hand-pressed heirloom corn tortillas, zesty aguachiles, creamy guacamole, and more dishes that pay homage to Dávila’s heritage.