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Cozy Winter Dining: Fireplaces + Comfort Food
Discover the warmth and charm of the best “cozy” restaurants in Baltimore County. These intimate dining spots have common attributes that make them an inviting atmosphere to share an elegant meal: a fireplace, soft dim lighting, impeccable hospitality, and a quiet space to relax. So, unwind with a specialty hand-crafted cocktail and indulge in the memorable flavors of these cozy classics.
The Milton Inn
Manor Tavern – Monkton
Farm-to-table, modern country cuisine
What makes it cozy: Comfort food, intimate lighting, seasonal menu
Specialty Drink: Smoke Old Fashioned (in a bacon glass)
Signature Dishes: Fried Green Tomato Oscar, Grilled Bourbon Glazed Pork Chop, Tavern Creme Brulee
Peerce’s – Phoenix
Elevated traditional Indian fare with organic, locally grown ingredients
What makes it cozy: Fireplace, intimate lighting, charming decor
Signature Dishes: Homemade Naan, Chicken Tikka Masala, Jingha Karari, Honey Graham Organic Ice Cream
The Oregon Grille – Cockeysville
Premier American steakhouse in a fine dining setting
What makes it cozy: Leather and mahogany historic interior, outdoor patio, fireplace, intimate lighting
Specialty Drink: Sly Fox
Signature Dishes: Seafood Tower, 36 oz. Wagyu Tomahawk, Strawberry Cheesecake
McFaul’s Ironhorse Tavern – Parkville
Old-English style cornerstone pub/restaurant serving gourmet fare
What makes it cozy: Fireplace, time-honored recipes, Old English/Irish decor
Specialty Drink: Paper Plane
Signature Dishes: McFaul’s Crab Dip, Fig Jammin House Pizza, Lobster Mac and Cheese
The Milton Inn – Sparks
Upscale French American culinary cuisine served in an elegantly restored 1700’s landmark
What makes it cozy: Historic charm, fireplace, intimate lighting, gold-colored trimmings
Specialty Drink: “Horse Tails” – a series of cocktails named after a champion of the horse racing world
Signature Dishes:
Available in Tavern – Onion Soup Gratinee, Roseda Farms 8oz NY Strip steak, Chocolate Mousse
Available in Dining Room – Seasonal 3-5 course menu with paired wine selections
Mama’s On The Half Shell – Owings Mills
Traditional chowder house style restaurant serving Baltimore-inspired seafood dishes
What makes it cozy: Intimate lighting, fireplace, warm colored decor
Specialty Drink: Daddy’s Tequila Crush, Mama’s Espresso Martini
Signature Dishes: Oysters (grilled, fried, raw), Crab Cakes, Seafood Club Sandwich
Matthew’s 1600 – Catonsville
Family-run restaurant serving traditional American fare in a renovated historic building
What makes it cozy: Historic charm (foundation built in 1862), homelike comfort
Specialty Drink: Seasonal Martini selection
Signature Dishes: 1600 Sampler, The Beaumont, Montrose Meatloaf, Pasta Annapolis
Michael’s Cafe – Timonium
Upscale and casual American grill and raw bar
What makes it cozy: Intimate lighting, multi-room dining, fireplace
Specialty Drink: Ball & Chain, Signature Manhattan
Signature Dishes: Award-Winning Crab Cakes, 45-Day Dry-Aged Ribeye
Liquid Lib’s – Timonium
Upscale wine bar providing tapa-style plates and cocktails
What makes it cozy: Brick oven pizza bar, Fireplace lounge, Wine barrel High tops, rustic decor
Specialty Drink: Extensive wine list
Signature Dishes: Tapas-Style Fried Calamari, Rice Ball, Brick Oven Pizza
The Valley Inn – Lutherville
Historic tavern and grill serving traditional American fare and crafted cocktails
What makes it cozy: Historic charm, relaxing multi-room dining options, intimate lighting
Specialty Drink: Pink Flamingo
Signature Dishes: French Onion Soup, Fried Oysters, Grilled Rockfish, Braised Short Ribs