Eau Claire is heatin' up this winter season with cozy, unique hangouts for all to enjoy! Take a break from the cold temperatures, and find the warmest, most welcoming fireplace attractions in the area. Discover cozy coffee shops, cocktail lounges, and more dining establishments for a firey time this season. Keep reading to find the best fireplace hangouts in and near Eau Claire!
Photo: The Phoenix Taproom & Kitchen
The Phoenix Taproom & Kitchen
The taps are calling this winter season, and the fireplace is keeping the taproom warm at The Phoenix! With over 70 tap beers, wines, seltzers, ciders, and kombucha, The Phoenix Taproom & Kitchen is the largest self-serve taproom in the Midwest and a completely exclusive drinking experience in Eau Claire. The kitchen serves up unique flatbreads, tots, and other tasty appetizers, and the views of the Chippewa River can't be found at any other restaurant in Eau Claire. Stay warm near the fireplace at Phoenix, or grab a table near the bright windows this winter!
Lazy Monk Brewing
Lazy Monk Brewing is magical in every season, but especially during the holiday season. The European-style bier hall brings the German Christmas spirit with its Christkindlmarkt and seasonal tap beer flavors. The inside of the brewery is cozy with dark wood features and touches of European decor. Plus, the fireplace features a stunning design with colorful, individual tiles, and is accompanied by comfy couches and chairs nearby. It's the perfect place to cozy up this winter in Eau Claire!
Photo: Helix
Eau Claire Downtown Coffee
The stunning Lismore Hotel mixes modern, urban designs with cozy, homey touches, and the hotel's coffee shop presents the best combination in downtown Eau Claire. Eau Claire Downtown Coffee (ECDC) is always buzzing with business professionals taking meetings, students studying, and brunch-goers looking for a quick yet high-quality meal. The fireplace separates the coffee shop from the common lobby/workspace at The Lismore Hotel and sets the coziest tone for a coffee date. Start your day out right, and grab your breakfast and coffee at ECDC!
Helix
Raise your glass at Helix this winter, and make a toast to the snowy season! During the daytime, Helix is a prime location to get your fix of natural sunlight while still staying warm indoors, thanks to its giant, stunning windows overlooking River Prairie Park. When the sun sets and nighttime takes over, the coffee shop turns into an elegant cocktail lounge with craft-mixed drinks, beers, wines, and mocktails. Snag the best seat in the house next to the fireplace, and order one of Helix's specialty winter cocktails this season. Click here to learn more about Helix in River Prairie.
Photo: Infinity Beverages Winery & Distillery
Infinity Beverages Winery & Distillery
Between the cozy fireplace at Infinity Beverages and the delicious wines & cocktails, you'll warm up just fine at this winery and distillery! The menu at Infinity is ever-evolving with new seasonal flavor combinations using their in-house vodkas and wine formulas. Whether you grab a seat at the bar, take a board game to a table, or claim a couch next to the fireplace, the inviting and homey atmosphere at Infinity Beverages will be a favorite this winter season. Learn more about Infinity's menu, deals, and promotions here.
River Bend Winery & Distillery
Head to the Town of Wheaton for a delicious glass of wine at River Bend Winery & Distillery! While the vineyards are covered in snow, the tasting room fills up with winos and cocktail enthusiasts throughout the season. River Bend often hosts various events like cookie-making classes, live music performances, bingo, porch pot classes, food trucks, and release parties. The tasting room features a fireplace in the corner amongst the cozy Christmas decor. Visit the link here to learn more about River Bend, or discover more things to do in the Town of Wheaton.
Photo: Leinie Lodge
Leinie Lodge
Take a day trip to Chippewa Falls and visit our friends at Leinie Lodge for a cozy beer-drinking experience! Leinie Lodge is an iconic destination in northwest Wisconsin with its unique beer flavors, facility tours, and merchandise selection. Order pints or flights of Leinie's in-season tap beers, and grab a table in the lodge to soak in those warm and cozy feels. Shop the store's latest Leinenkugels clothing, accessories, home decor, and other collectibles, or pick out your favorite flavor packs to take home. There are chairs and tables to gather around the fireplace, but even from afar, you'll feel the warmth of Leinie Lodge throughout the entire campus! Click here to learn more about Leinie Lodge and to plan your visit.
Cabin Coffee
It wouldn't be a true cabin-like experience without a toasty fireplace! Cabin Coffee is exactly what it sounds like– a cozy cabin-style cafe serving up delicious coffees and other beverages. Get your cozy holiday coffees of the month, and pair it with a sweet or savory breakfast or lunch sandwich, bakery item, or soup special. This coffee shop is located in River Prairie, right across the street from Staybridge Suites. Cozy up next to the fireplace with your festive drink, or take a winter walk along the Eau Claire River on the trails!
Photo: Cowboy Jacks
Cowboy Jacks
For another River Prairie hot spot with drink deals, tasty food, and an inviting atmosphere, Cowboy Jack's is your next stop. The main dining area gives off a cabin-like feel with a toasty stone fireplace, and the 4-season patio even has its own firepit tables that are perfect for gathering around with Cowboy Jack's winter cocktails and mocktails. Cowboy Jack's is also one of the best spots in town to catch Packers and Badgers games this winter with Bloody Marys, beers, and appetizer specials. Check out the fantastic menu at Cowboy Jack's here!
Bonus! Vinterkos at The Lakely
Experience a Scandinavian-style retreat at The Lakely this winter in cozy cabins with your party! In Norwegian, "vinter" translates to "winter", and "kos" means "cozy and warm", so you know it's gonna be good! These glass cabin pop-ups feature cozy fireplaces, blankets, and seating for up to six guests. Order delicious and unique shareable platters from The Lakely, as well as seasonal cocktails, and soak in the coziness of these heated retreats. To reserve your experience, call 715-839-0601 to claim your cabin!