Boulder's local Spanish tapas place is informal and unfussy in its atmosphere and preparation. Step inside this restaurant on The Hill and settle in by the hearth. The retreat-like setting suits flavorful fare, including tagine and paella.

This Italian trattoria in Highland veers Sicilian in its cuisine and offers a well-rounded wine list. The current operators of the space maintain its previous owners’ rustic finishes, including a corner fireplace with stone detailing.

This dimly lit, eclectic bar has a small food menu and daily happy-hour specials. Drinkers can pull up a tree trunk on the patio and nestle in close to the open flames over a $2 canned beer and snacks such as crispy calamari.

This downtown German-style beer hall is perfect for a night of winter eating, drinking, and gaming, accompanied by old-world grand mahogany fireplaces for either first- or second-floor fireside entertainment.

Adjacent to The Nickel, The Study is a comfy lobby lounge serving breakfast and lunch with a chic cabin feel, complete with leather couches, plush pillows, and filled bookshelves that frame the fireplace. Loungers can have a hot cocoa, a cocktail, or a collection of snacks.

Known for modern Piemonte cuisine, a well-stocked wine cellar, and attentive staff, Barolo Grill is a give-in for special occasions. The eatery’s charming fireplace provides an immediate backdrop for one lucky couple to pull out all the stops with multiple courses and a bottle or two of wine under the warm glow of one of Denver’s most intimate tables.

A good old-fashioned après-ski can be had at Inga’s near Glendale. Loaded French fries and a martini by the light of the vintage fireplace make for a comforting cold-weather combination at this city lodge destination.

The Cherry Cricket’s second, Ballpark location is divided into multiple areas from a front carryout counter to a sports bar and back arcade section. In the living room-like lounge, diners can relax with a drink fireside or sit for a meal at one of the casual tables.

Uptown’s ode to New Haven, Connecticut-style pies is built around a centerpiece wood-burning pizza oven. Diners can order the namesake white pie with crème fraîche, bacon, egg, and mushrooms, and grab a counter seat for up-close views of the action.

This 47-year-old restaurant and brewery is still worth the trip for a proper pub night in the suburbs. The beers are still great (the brewery itself opened in 1997), and the couch-facing fireplace is still a fixture throughout the winter.