There are lots of exciting things to do during winter in Austin. But when the winter weather hits and you're looking to get extra cozy, try out one of these winter warmers around town. From local restaurants with fireplaces and fire pits to dark and cozy wine bars, here are some of the best Austin restaurants to while away the hours in this season.
Restaurants
Looking to impress a date or just relax with friends? The upscale atmosphere at Jeffrey’s always delivers. For a super-cozy gathering, head to the bar area to recline in one of the velvety chairs by the fireplace and order a soul-warming concoction.
Located at the Hotel Van Zandt, Geraldine's features shareable plates in a warm setting. Hang out in the swanky dining room or grab a cocktail by the outdoor fireplace with a view of Lady Bird Lake down below.
Head to Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill for comfort food and Southern fare in this large, homey restaurant featuring several fireplaces inside and outside on the patio. After dinner, head down to the underground Kinfolk Lounge and Library for inventive cocktails and quality spirits. The intimate space, heavy dark wood throughout and moody lighting make this a cozy, can’t-miss cocktail lounge.
What Halcyon lacks in a fireplace, it makes up for in scrumptious s'mores. Part café, part lounge, this grown-up version of a coffeehouse offers table-side s'more service and tasty cocktails (as well as a menu of coffee drinks), so you can roast marshmallows while sipping on a signature chocolate espresso martini, as live acoustic music sets the mood.
The warm glow of the hanging lanterns makes Old Alley Hot Pot a perfect spot to get cozy with Asian comfort foods this winter. Choose between flavorful broths, meats, vegetables and more for an endless number of delicious Sichuan-style combinations
Bars
Ring in the New Year in swanky style at The Driskill Bar. Try their selection of specialty winter cocktails while warming up by the fireplace in this elegant and iconic Texas hotel bar. While at The Driskill, don't miss the new bar, The Victorian. Sip heritage whiskies and classic cocktails in this elevated and charming space.
Snuggle up over holiday-themed drinks at the cozy and plush Living Room Bar at W Austin. For something extra vibey, ask about The Blue Room, hidden on the first floor of the hotel.
If backyard patios are more your style, the laid-back vibe at Armadillo Den is the way to go. Grab a local beer at the bar and venture outdoors for some homemade grub from one of the food trailers. Stay warm in one of the Adirondack chairs surrounded by heaters, and let the live music on the outdoor stage provide the soundtrack.
Even though the fireplace at Volstead Lounge is faux, the gilded wallpaper and intimate quarters provide a perfectly cozy spot for gathering with friends and sipping high-octane cocktails.
Wine Bars
East Austin's LoLo Wine is a trendy bottle shop and bar offering only natural wines. Hang under heaters on their back patio while the DJ spins and sip on a bottle from their extensive collection of wines from around the world.
Nothing says cozy like books and wine. Get the best of both worlds at Vintage, a locally owned independent bookstore and wine bar. Housed in a historic home in East Austin, grab a glass at the bar, pick a book off the shelf and find a cozy corner to hang out in.
Family-run counter service restaurant and wine bar Birdie's is committed to preserving the history of its location and serving seasonal fare & wine. Snack on elevated American dishes while sipping on your glass of red.
Check out Flourish Plant Shop & Wine Bar, where you can sample unique wines from small producers across the globe. Grab a seat in this bright and airy cafe, perhaps near a lush houseplant from their in-house selection, and relax over a glass (or bottle!) from their thoughtful collection.
Coffee Shops
The Carpenter Coffee Bar at the Carpenter Hotel gives small-town coffee shop vibes. Order from the vintage counter and sip on a warm latte in their lounge. Pair your drink with their salted chocolate chip cookie (do we really need to convince you?). Keep in mind that the coffee bar turns into a cocktail bar after 3 pm with specialty cocktails, wine and beer.
Bring a jacket and hang out under the string lights at Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden's spacious outdoor yard. Order a classic coffee, or choose something from their seasonal menu. Insider tip: You can spike your drink, hot or cold, for just $5 more.
Sip on specialty coffees or something from the curated wine selection at Strangelove. You’ll feel perfectly cozy in this converted East Austin bungalow with moody wood-paneled walls.
Downtown's The Hideout double-times as a coffee shop and improv theater. Grab a toasty coffee drink and opt to stay inside for a hilarious improv set by some of Austin's funniest local talent.
Located in the historic Walter Tips House, Freddo ATX serves up Greek-style coffee and treats in a Victorian-style home. Snag a couch seat or grab a table by one of the many windows in the home.
Once you’re fueled up and ready to explore, check out our ultimate winter bucket list for more things to do this season.
