fireplaces to keep the warmess of NYC

Alewife NYC The white-brick mantel gives the gas-fueled fireplace at this two-story beer bar a homey feel, even when the place is packed. Brewhounds can hunker down with one of the 100-plus international beers by the bottle or one of 28 on tap, but we recommend going with one of the hot punches (often mulled wine or spiked cider), served in a teakettle and ideal for sharing with a friend or romantic flame ($18). 5-14 51st Ave, (between Vernon Blvd and 5th St) Black Mountain Wine House On weekends when escaping the city isn’t a viable option, head to this cabinlike space for a rustic retreat. Your objective: Snag a seat around the wood-burning brick hearth. Though the wine list offers a wide variety of options, sip the mulled vino ($8) to eradicate any chill left in your bones. 415 Union St, (at Hoyt St) Black Rabbit Bar Hightail it to the back of this long, narrow space to secure your spot by the gas fireplace. If the hearthside benches are already filled, you’ll still feel the festive spirit as you sit in a carved-wood booth beneath strings of colorful, twinkling lights. Wash down the traditional German bratwurst sandwich ($6.50) with a whiskey-laden hot toddy ($8), which riffs on the recipe from an erstwhile bartender’s Scottish granny. 91 Greenpoint Ave, (between Franklin St and Manhattan Ave) Brinkley's Station Brothers Tom and Anthony Martignetti are behind this midtown sequel to their Nolita gastropub. This location occupies a landmark building dating back to 1890, and is outfitted with original tile floors, dark mahogany walls and a wood-burning fireplace. Choose from among pubby fare such as a grilled strip steak with sweet-potato fries, a lobster club sandwich and a grass-fed burger. 153 E 60th St, (between Lexington and Third Aves), 10065 The Flatiron Room More than 400 varities of whiskey line the shelves at this bar from nightlife maven Tommy Tardie and cocktail ace Miguel Aranda (Bar Masa, Apotheke). Check out the ancient flooring (the planks are 100-year-old reclaimed wood) while nibbling cured meats, cheeses, oysters and ceviches and enjoying nightly jazz performances. 37 W 26th St, (between Broadway and Sixth Ave), 10010 Lantern's Keep Ease into a seat near the gas-powered, black-laquered hearth and scan the list of tipples, including the frothy New York Harvest (bourbon, applejack, lemon, egg white, red wine; $15). The bar often has limited hours and can be rented out for private parties; be sure to call ahead and make a reservation so you’re not left out in the tourist-ridden streets of Midtown. The Iroquois New York, 49 W 44th St, (between Fifth and Sixth Aves), 10036 Le Barricou As pleasant as it is to dine in the front room of this bistro and nosh on coq au vin, the best seats in the house are hidden in the cozy back room, where you’ll find lounge furniture and a vintage cast-iron stove. Warm up by the wood-burning device and mull the affordable, all-French wine list; nine selections are offered by the glass, 60 by the bottle. We’re partial to the Cahors malbec (glass $11, carafe $32, bottle $44), a spicy, medium-bodied red with hints of cranberry. 533 Grand St, (between Lorimer St and Union Ave) Lobby Bar at the Bowery Hotel MY FAV! You’ll have to battle the hotel’s out-of-town guests to score a seat in the Art Deco–inspired environs, but it’s well worth it if you can secure one of the overstuffed couches or chairs by the gas furnace. Arrive early, pretend like you own the place and enjoy a stiff Negroni ($14), crafted with Bulldog gin, Antica Formula and Campari. 335 Bowery, ( at 3rd St) Union Hall This cavernous, bi-level venue may not fit the textbook definition of intimate, but the flickering stone fireplace is damn cozy. Commandeer the plush couch or one of the chairs near the hearth and settle in for the night with a hot Irish Nut (Bailey’s, amaretto coffee; $10). 702 Union St, (between Fifth and Sixth Aves) Whitman & Bloom Liquor Company This venue is expected to open fall 2013. With his former watering hole Bruckner Bar & Grill destroyed by Hurricane Sandy, Alex Abeles embarks on a new project with the owners of Cask Bar & Kitchen. Bearing a name that references Ulysses, the lit-themed bar will display bookstore antiques. The drinks program will highlight local wines, along with tweaked classic cocktails by Darryl Robinson. Late September. 384 Third Ave, (between 27th and 28th Sts), 10016 The back room with a speak easy living room ambiance and drinks served in a cup of tea, this place is very charming. specially on mondays when they have a live jazz band Norfolk 230