Winter in Montgomery County doesn’t mean sacrificing the joy of outdoor dining—it’s about cozying up and savoring the season. With firepits, heated tents, and even private igloos, local spots are transforming the cold into a memorable dining experience. Whether you’re gathering around a fire with friends, enjoying a glass of wine with a view of the vineyards, or warming up under patio heaters, there’s no shortage of charming places to sip, dine, and unwind in comfort. Here’s a roundup of the top spots where you can enjoy the best of winter dining without freezing!
Windridge Vineyards
15700 Darnestown Road, Darnestown, MD
Windridge Vineyards offers a variety of outdoor seating options, from wood and gas-burning fire pit reservations to the enclosed Seneca Pavilion. With scenic views of the surrounding vineyards and a full-service wine bar, it’s the perfect winter escape.
Rocklands Farm Winery
14531 Montevideo Road, Poolesville, MD
At Rocklands Farm Winery, enjoy a glass of locally crafted wine while gathering around a fire pit. Each wine has its own unique story rooted in the historic Agricultural Reserve, and the cozy setting fosters a true sense of community.
The Comus Inn
23900 Old Hundred Road, Dickerson, MD
Located in the rural side of the county, this restaurant serves up modern contemporary French cuisine. Warm up by the fire pit while enjoying their Uptown Baker’s Rosemary Focaccia, or take in the stunning view of Sugarloaf Mountain from their indoor dining room.
61 Vineyard
28712 Kemptown Road, Damascus, MD
This charming small farm winery offers a cozy indoor tasting room perfect for warming up on chilly days. For those who prefer the outdoors, their covered outdoor seating provides a great spot to enjoy the winter air, though you’ll want to bundle up as there are no heaters. It’s an inviting space to sip wine and soak in the peaceful vineyard views.
Hip Flask Bethesda
7707 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda, MD
Perched atop the Marriott Bethesda Downtown, Hip Flask is Bethesda’s only rooftop bar. You can reserve a private igloo, inspired by Colorado’s snowcapped peaks, for a cozy, mountainside chalet vibe. Each igloo fits up to eight guests for an intimate winter experience.
Java Nation
1010 Wayne Avenue, Silver Spring, MD
10516 Connecticut Avenue, Kensington, MD
11120 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD
With four locations across the county, Java Nation offers a full restaurant and café experience. Their heated outdoor dining areas allow you to enjoy your meal while soaking in the lively surroundings, no matter the weather.
Matchbox
919 Ellsworth Drive, Silver Spring, MD
7278 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda, MD
1699 Congressional Plaza, Rockville, MD
Matchbox, a black-owned local favorite, offers heated outdoor dining at its Silver Spring, Rockville, and Bethesda locations. Enjoy their wood-fired pizza and other delicious dishes in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Lone Oak Farm Brewing Company
5000 Olney Laytonsville Road, Olney, MD
Lone Oak Farm in Olney offers multiple outdoor dining options, including rentable smokeless fire pits and heated tents with private servers. For a cozier indoor experience, their porch is enclosed during the winter months.
The Manor at Silo Falls
19501 Georgia Avenue, Brookeville, MD
Silo Falls in Brookeville has a campfire experience where guests can relax and sip under the stars with a cozy fire pit. They also have an outdoor patio that’s a perfect photo-op backdrop and is warmed with both heaters and a fireplace.
Founding Farmers
12505 Park Potomac Avenue, Potomac, MD
Nestled in Potomac, Founding Farmers has a spacious year-round patio equipped with heaters, retractable sides, and a louvered roof. Enjoy locally sourced, made-from-scratch dishes while relaxing in this comfortable and inviting space.
Cielo Rojo
7211 Carroll Avenue, Takoma Park, MD
This Takoma Park favorite offers authentic Mexican cuisine with a fine-casual twist. Heaters are available on their patio for outdoor dining, but bundling up on colder days is recommended to stay extra cozy.
