Ready for the colder weather? Cozy up for fireside dining at these SouthCoast hotspots.

Faith Harrington, Standard-Times
Updated ·4 min read

When choosing a restaurant this time of year, it is important to think of places that will warm you up as the colder temps are upon us. Nothing is worse than getting out of the car and making the cold dash into a restaurant and having to keep your coat on because the heat isn't pumping.

Have no fear, these SouthCoast places have their fireplaces roaring and will keep you cozy all dinner long. On a frosty night there is nothing better than enjoying a meal by the fire.

Try out one of these local restaurants with meals to warm you up and a toasty fireplace to create an inviting atmosphere. Enjoy the crackling fire, the smell of wood burning, and a savory meal after a long cold day.

Fireside Classic American Grille

A cozy fire awaits at the Fireside Classic American Grille.
A cozy fire awaits at the Fireside Classic American Grille.

If you are looking for American favorites served in large portions Fireside Grille is the place to go. Every Sunday they offer three-course meals from noon to close for $27.50 per person. Start with a soup or salad, pick an entree from Prime Rib, Cedar Plank Salmon, Chicken Tenders, or Haddock, and a delicious dessert. Located at 30 Bedford St., Middleboro.

The Tipsy Toboggan

Warm up by the fire at The Tipsy Toboggan.
Warm up by the fire at The Tipsy Toboggan.

At the Tipsy Toboggan enjoy their charming fireplace, live acoustic entertainment, and deliciously crafted menu items from any seat in the house. Weekdays from noon to 4 p.m. get something off their $10 lunch menu. Choose from Shepherd's Pie, Cape Cod Sandwich, Tex-Mex Wrap, or Cavatappi & Kale. Located at 75 Ferry St., Fall River.

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Riccardi's Italian Restaurant

Riccardi's has a tableside fireplace for your dining pleasure.
Riccardi's has a tableside fireplace for your dining pleasure.

For an authentic Italian meal with a tableside fireplace, Riccardi’s is the place to go. You can't go wrong with the Pasta Primavera, fresh mushrooms, green peppers, tomatoes, onions, and broccoli sautéed in a light garlic butter sauce the served over linguini ($12.45); or the Veal Scallopini, fresh veal cutlets sautéed with mushrooms and green peppers, simmered in marsala wine ($18.95). Located at 901 Hathaway Road, New Bedford.

The Aviary Restaurant

Keep warm at the The Aviary Restaurant.
Keep warm at the The Aviary Restaurant.

Enjoy an upscale menu in a casual atmosphere at The Aviary. Sit by the fireplace and indulge in the Tuscan Chicken with slices of chicken breast sauteed in a lemon-parmesan sauce with sundried tomatoes and baby kale served with haricot verts and au gratin potatoes for $27; or the Fig & Brie Grilled Pizza with fig and apricot jam, brie cheese, prosciutto, and arugula drizzled with a balsamic glaze for $18. Located at 2229 GAR Highway, Swansea.

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Bittersweet Farm

The fire is roaring at Bittersweet Farm.
The fire is roaring at Bittersweet Farm.

Check out the cozy atmosphere at Bittersweet Farms. While you are enjoying the fire order the Huntsman Panini with thinly sliced prime rib, red onion, horseradish mayo, Swiss cheese, and merlot au ju for $21; or the Butternut Ravioli with roasted butternut squash and a sage cream sauce for $21. Located at 438 Main Road, Westport.

The Gateway Tavern

It's warm at the The Gateway Tavern.
It's warm at the The Gateway Tavern.

Get out of the cold and try one of the daily specials at The Gateway Tavern. If one of the specials isn't what you are craving check out the Chicken & Waffles with fried chicken breasts and waffle fries topped with sausage country gravy for $18.99; or the Teriyaki Chicken Bomb, gGrilled chicken tenders with sautéed peppers, onions, mozzarella, provolone, and garlic teriyaki on a toasted hoagie for $15.99. Located at 371 Marion Road, Wareham.

BOCCA

BOCCA is warm and inviting on a cold night.
BOCCA is warm and inviting on a cold night.

Looking for a cozy and fun atmosphere? Take the drive over to BOCCA. Now serving up brunch on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. make sure to try the Portuguese Poutin with home fries, Portuguese gravy, linguica, cheese curds, and a sunny side egg for $13; or the Eggs in Purgatory, poached eggs, fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, basil pesto, and garlic bread for $13. Located at 100 Alden Road, Fairhaven.

Nuno's Restaurant & Lounge

The fireplace at Nuno's Restaurant & Lounge.
The fireplace at Nuno's Restaurant & Lounge.

For home-style Portuguese food give Nuno's a try. Feel like you are in your grandmother's kitchen when you get Camarão A Mocambique, shrimp sauteed with wine, garlic, and saffron ($14.99); or Bacalhau Assado Na Brasa, grilled dried, bone in codfish with garlic oil, onions and peppers ($21.99). Located at 436 Belleville Ave., New Bedford.

Ansel's Cafe

Take a step back in time at Ansel's Cafe.
Take a step back in time at Ansel's Cafe.

Ansel's Cafe is a hidden gem in a house dating back to the 1700s. Try this unique dining experience by starting with the Bacon Wrapped Scallops served over a bed of mixed greens with dressing on the side ($16); or the Chicken Pesto Flat Bread, oven-roasted chicken, basil pasta, garlic, tomatoes, and a four cheese blend ($14). Located at 403 County Road, Marion.

Ma Raffa's Somerset

Ma Raffa's Somerset is full of cozy vibes.
Ma Raffa's Somerset is full of cozy vibes.

A staple in Somerset, Ma Raffa's brings comfort with heaping pasta dishes. Dig into the Eggplant Parmigiana, battered eggplant baked with two cheeses and tomato sauce with a side of pasta, french fries, or Italian green beans for $11.99; or the Shrimp Messina with sauteed shrimp, spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, black olives, roasted red peppers, and ziti in a garlic sauce for $16.49. Located at 1142 County St., Somerset.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Fireside dining options on the SouthCoast