Hello South Floridians! What happened to our 80 degree weather?
Now we frostbitten Floridians, bundled up in winter coats, need a few warm places to gather so that we don't end up freezing our booties off. New Times knows that all you subtropical inhabitants need to stay warm, so we've scoped out the Broward area to offer a list of cozy fireside locations. Whether you want to grab a sandwich and cup of java in your jeans and sweatshirt or lounge in an upscale establishment in your hottest winter wear, we have the fireplace for you.
is an ideal spot to grab a casual lunch, drink freshly brewed coffee
and munch off the free wireless access to the internet. But you probably
didn't know that Panera also has an electric fireplace, did you? It
does, and there are plenty of comfy couches, situated right by the
fireplace, which is just what frostbitten South Floridians need in
bitter cold times like these. You can stay out of the cold and gather
with friends over at Panera's Fort Lauderdale location at 1762 N.
Federal Highway; 954-567-5925 . Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Monday-Saturday); 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Sunday).
Baby,
it's cold outside. There is something inherently romantic about
lounging fireside, gazing at the hypnotic flickering flames and
absorbing the warmth of the fire with your sweetheart. Casablanca Cafe
a cozy, beach side Moroccan-style villa serves up Mediterranean cuisine
in a romantic atmosphere. Romance is not dead at this voted most
romantic restaurant in Fort Lauderdale. Bring your date and request a
table by the fireplace. Casablanca doesn't take reservations, but if the
fireside tables are occupied, the staff suggests that you chill out,
which isn't hard in times like these, and enjoy a drink at the bar while
you wait for the best seats in the house. Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Located inside the historic Riverside Hotel on Las Olas Boulevard, Prestons Lobby Lounge
is
an Old Florida style bar with two gas-burning fireplaces. During rare
cold fronts in our Sunshine state, it's fun to contemplate South
Florida's record low temperatures. Sure, I'll take another whiskey,
bartender. Once you're feeling thawed out, bundle your clothes and
stroll to the west for a nice bite on Las Olas over to our next pick
from the list.
is the boulevard's bustling nightlife and Contemporary American eatery
where the ladies and gents flock to see and be seen. On a typical night,
you'll find high-end sports cars parked outside and beautiful people
dressed to the nines. Outside on the terrace, there's a fire pit with
lounge-style seating with table service for you to gather with friends
to drink and nosh on items from the menu. Or, stop by alone and make a
new friend at the bar and invite them to join you fireside. The fire pit
is lit from open to close on chilly South Florida days.
If upscale and trendy places are where you like to flaunt your strut, then The W Fort Lauderdale
beach is the hot spot for like-minded people. Outside the
under-the-water themed bar and lounge Living Room, there's a fire pit
situated on the expansive terrace. Here, you can catch a glimpse of the
Atlantic Ocean and stay warm around the fire pit. If you get hungry
between cocktails for a snack, the bar serves light fare and
appetizers.The fire pit is lit on cold days from 6:00 p.m. until close
around midnight.
Follow Clean Plate Charlie on Twitter: @CleanPlateBPB.
