The -ist List: Fire places

Houstonist is the first to admit that Houstonians are wimps when it comes to cold weather. You disagree? We present for your consideration the first day in the fall when the temperature drops below 70 and you see people walking around in parkas. When it gets below 60, we start covering exposed skin. Hey, better safe than sorry.

So this week, the first legitimate cold snap we've had this year (shouldn't this have happened about a month ago?), our thoughts turn to escaping the cold. With that in mind, here are a few restaurants and bars with fireplaces so you can belly up and warm your buns. We're talking about bread, of course — whaddya, dirty?

• We like the fireplace at the Red Lion Pub, 2316 S. Shepherd, as much as we like the dark paneling and red leather booths. The decor is strictly English, and so is the wide selection of beers and scotches. The food, though, is much better than what you'd find in most Brit pubs.
• Speaking of pubs, what about the Richmond Arms, 5920 Richmond Ave.? If the hearty food, 84 beers on tap and blazing fire don't warm you up, we'll bet you can get worked up over footie on the telly.
• At Baba Yega, 2607 Grant, there's not only a large fireplace, but also a heated outdoor patio that's not really outdoors at all — it's covered by a sturdy roof, so you can laugh at the weather while enjoying salads, sandwiches and vegetarian fare. But don't laugh too hard. That's weird.
• There's also an enclosed patio at the Buffalo Grille, 3316 Bissonnet St., complete with fireplace. The food's always good, from huge waffles at breakfast to huge chicken fried steaks at dinner, and it's fun to guess which fried foods the West U. crowd orders when they think no one's watching.
• The holidays are one of the best times to visit the Black Labrador, 3100 Montrose Blvd. The place is decorated with greenery, the fireplace is roaring and the hearty pub food really hits the spot. It might be a little cold to play a game of enormous chess outside, but if you're lucky, there'll be a jazz trio playing upstairs to help you curb your disappointment.
• Upper-class hotels are rife with fireplaces. At the St. Regis, 1919 Briar Oaks Lane, the Remington Bar is all about clubby, cigar-scented atmosphere; pull up a stogie and a single malt and lounge by the fire. At the nearby Houstonian, 111 N. Post Oak Lane, order a drink at The Bar and wander over to the soaring lobby's magnificent fireplace. And pretend you belong.