Finally! 2022 has ended! While we reflect on what a wonderful year it was (see: finding some small hope in Justin Fields), we’re excited to dive headfirst into 2023! Not only will this year bring us to explore tons of new spots across the city, but it can also evoke a lot of emotion. One plausible downside to the elation of a new year is that we start in one of the dreariest months weather-wise in Chicago. But we have aplenty of cozy restaurants in Chicago to relax into the New Year and find your balance again, so it’s all good!
Café Crèmerie
615 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654
You already know this is one of our favorite spots in the city, and it’s the perfect place to cozy up in the New Year. Café Crèmerie, in the heart of River North, offers gelato, coffees, pastries, baked goods, and seasonal favorites to keep guests satiated and satisfied with each visit. While the front of the store is on busy State Street, the full-glass back opens to a luscious courtyard where you can enjoy the best of each season while sipping on homey, delicious beverages. Whether you set up for a few hours of work or just pop in, Café Crèmerie is definitely going to become one of your favorite spots to relax in 2023.
Joe’s Imports
813 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
Nothing says comfort like a delicious glass of wine with a few of your favorite bites, and that’s exactly what you can find at Joe’s Imports. This staple Fulton Market wine bar pairs delicious food and drink with an ambience that’s perfectly cozy, making it an excellent place for a cold, dark January night. Not only does Joe’s Imports have an incredibly extensive wine list, they also offer craft cocktails that are sure to pique your palette. Participating in dry January? The food menu offers everything from brunch to small plates to full entrees!
Geja’s Cafe
340 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Geja’s Cafe has been a part of Chicago since 1956, and for good reason. This restaurant combines a comforting atmosphere with an expansive fondue menu, making it the perfect place for a cozy dinner with friends and family, or a uniquely romantic date with your partner. Guests can choose between a variety of offerings like beef, scallops, lobster, and chicken. Of course, there’s nothing better on the menu than dessert: warm Belgian chocolate served with strawberries, marshmallows, churros, and so much more for a delicious and heartwarming evening you won’t soon forget.
The Library at Gilt Bar
230 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654
Dim lights, velvet booths, and stiff drinks – could you ask for anything for anything better? We don’t think so, and luckily this atmosphere can be (not so) easily found in the basement of Gilt Bar. Hidden through an anonymous side door, guests can enjoy the Library at Gilt Bar Thursday through Saturday each week. Limited reservations are posted each Wednesday, but there’s always room for walk-ins too. Here, you’ll find a comforting ambience with classic cocktails that’ll leave you blissfully sinking into your seat and planning your next trip back during the dark, winter months ahead.
The Moonlighter
3204 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
With wooden fixtures and brick walls, a stop at Moonlighter will instantly warm you up. Not only do they have some of the best burgers around, including vegan options, but the amount of options on the beer list allows you to choose a new favorite each time you visit. At the Moonlighter, you and your friends can spend some time getting competitive with Wednesday trivia, or simply relax and grab a round in an environment that’s equally warm and inviting. Enjoy a drink that’s served frozen or hot, you’ll be feeling those cozy vibes either way.
Park + Field
3509 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
We don’t think anything says “cozy” quite like Park + Field. Not only does the inside have ample seating for friends to draw near and enjoy some quality time together, but their extensive patio has the thing that will really warm you up this New Year: firepits. With over 6,000 square feet and named one of the Best Beer Gardens in America by Thrillist, Park + Fields patio has an outdoor bar, s’mores stations (yes, please), and bocce courts for when the weather warms up. There’s no patio quite like Park + Field, so make sure you plan a trip out this New Year!
Truth Be Told
1227 E 60th St, Chicago, IL 60637
Nothing beats a cozy, daytime book bar if you’re trying to come down from all the holiday season celebrations and reground yourself for a good, uplifting start to the New Year. We fell in love with Truth Be Told instantly the moment we walked in there: bright, chic decor, sun beaming through the french windows, delicious British meals featuring classic and innovative menu items… Whether you’re writing your belated 2022 year-in-review, or starting the year with a reading goal, Truth Be Told is the perfect place to be on a lazy January afternoon.
Featured Image: Truth Be Told
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