North Jersey: History and Gastro-Pub Charm
The Gateway and Skylands regions feature historic inns and chic lounges, many of which have preserved their original hearths.
- Ivy Inn: Located in Hasbrouck Heights, this fine dining establishment has a rich history, evolving from a 1870s stagecoach inn to a Prohibition-era speakeasy. Now beautifully restored, its cozy fireplaces set the scene for countless celebrations and romantic evenings.
- The Lafayette House: Situated in Lafayette, this multi-tiered establishment offers multiple dining and event spaces, many of which are warmed by fireplaces. It’s known for its contemporary American cuisine and warm hospitality.
- Tabor Road Tavern: This American bistro in Morris Plains features awe-inspiring architectural details, including multiple gables, vaulted ceilings, and a striking double-sided fireplace. It provides a perfect backdrop for its seasonally changing menu.
- Luciano's Italian Ristorante & Lounge: Located in Rahway, this chic eatery pairs classic gourmet Italian cuisine—from house-made pastas to mouthwatering steaks—with the comforting glow of its fireplace.
- Carpe Diem: This Hoboken spot, self-proclaimed as a "neighborhood joint," offers great gastro-pub fare (including award-winning chicken wings) nestled right by a dining room fireplace.
Central Jersey: Historic Haunts and Fine Dining
Central Jersey is home to historic buildings where the fireplace is central to the century-spanning charm.
- The Clinton House: This circa-1743 building in Clinton oozes period charm, which includes a massive stone fireplace and exposed wooden beams. It is a regular Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winner, featuring classic dishes like Beef Wellington and Sauerbraten on its tavern menu.
- The Pluckemin Inn: Located in Bedminster, this inn was a regular haunt for George Washington. Guests are wrapped in warmth from the reclaimed French Oak walls and cavernous fireplaces while savoring fresh flavors and fine wines.
- Rat's Restaurant: Named one of "The 50 Most Beautiful Restaurants in America," Rat's Restaurant at Grounds For Sculpture is a unique destination. It's cozy French-country café aesthetic honors Ratty from the classic children's novel The Wind in the Willows.
- Metuchen Inn: With a history dating back to 1843, this upscale eatery in Metuchen invites guests to cozy up by the hearth for creative cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients.
- Blooming Grove Inn: Located in Ewing, this inn's cozy atmosphere is so intense that local lore suggests even the ghosts want to linger. It offers lunch and dinner by the fire with a long and storied history.
South Jersey & Shore: Coastal Comfort and Wood-Fired Focus
From the Atlantic City shores to the Delaware River region, these spots offer warmth near the coast.
- Hearthside: This Collingswood restaurant is all about the fireplace—it's not just the focal point; it's where the food is cooked on a custom wood-fired hearth. This exemplary approach to wood-fired American cuisine makes for a unique, highly focused dining experience.
- The Blue Pig Tavern: Tucked inside the traveler-favorite Congress Hall in Cape May, this tavern serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a rustic atmosphere where whalers once dined in the 1700s. Its cozy fireplace takes a place of honor under the restaurant's framed namesake.
- Knife & Fork Inn: As a stop along the Anthony Bourdain Food Trail in Atlantic City, this historic establishment is a must-visit. During Prohibition, it was a private club. Be sure to ask to be seated in the Hearth Room to enjoy the original fireplace.
- Rode's Fireside Restaurant & Tavern: This longtime neighborhood eatery in Woolwich Township boasts not one but two fireplaces. Patrons often pair the cozy ambiance with their signature Broiled Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes.
- Beacon 70 (Brick): Overlooking a marina, this eatery features an industrial-modern steampunk aesthetic, with a striking 10-foot see-through glass fireplace that provides a feast for the eyes alongside its extensive menu.
Traveler's Note: Reservations are highly recommended for any restaurant with a fireplace during the winter season. Always check the establishment's website or social media channels for up-to-date hours.