When the cold of winter settles in, we all find ourselves seeking out cozy spots to warm our bodies and our souls. To help pass the coldest weeks of winter, we’ve put together a list of the coziest spots in Rochester. Many of these places have fireplaces, cozy homey decor, and warm vibes.
Forager Brewery
Settle into the Library, surrounded by books, games, and country manor style with a steaming bowl of soup or a warm beverage from the cafe. Or, eat a delicious from-scratch meal and sip a brew near the double-sided fireplace in the main dining room. The foraged decor, wood, plants, and local art add to the comfortable, cozy feel.
Redwood Room
The Redwood Room has long been a Rochester favorite for cozy, moody vibes. It has won “Most Romantic Ambiance” several times over the years, and this continues to hold true. With the dark wood decor, low lighting, and live acoustic music, this is the place to go for a date night or dinner and drinks with friends.
Great Harvest/Moka inside First Alliance West Circle
This unique setup wins the prize for the coziest place to work. With a large fireplace, Moka Coffee creating warm beverages of every flavor and style, the incredible smells of freshly-baked bread wafting from Great Harvest Bread Co., and Bloom Acai Cafe serving up superfoods, it’s the best of all worlds. Spend part of your workday in the large communal space, or meet here for lunch or coffee break!
Bitter + Pour
Bitter + Pour is the king of dark, moody, and cozy places to meet for a drink. With dark wood, painted tin ceilings, low lights, an underground location, and a wall of spirits, wines, and liquors, Bitter + Pour is heavy on details and ambiance. Their extensive craft cocktail menu is sophisticated and creative in the best possible way.
Shhhh… (underneath Thai Pop)
This speakeasy is a cocktail lounge located underneath Thai Pop. With a funky, darkly eclectic ambiance, trademark excellent food and bites, and inspired cocktails, this is the perfect place to stop before or after your meal at Thai Pop!
Old Abe Coffee Shop
Old Abe’s expanded seating to include a comfortable upstairs seating area with colorful, unique decor. With amazing vegan food, donuts, and of course incredible coffee and drinks, it’s one to visit often! PLUS: add some serious warmth to your winter with an hour in the mobile sauna! (DM to book!)
Cafe Aquí at Sargent’s on 2nd
For cozy with a tropical flair, visit Cafe Aquí at Sargent’s on 2nd. Filled with gorgeous plants large, small, and trailing around the cafe, comfortable seating, and windows galore, this is an oasis in our stark winter landscape. Grab a warm beverage and a scone or empanada, and find a table in the cafe area, or head over to the tables scattered throughout the greenhouse to immerse yourself in a tropical escape.
Tap House West End
While this restaurant and craft beer destination is large, the decor makes it feel cozy. With long double-sided fireplaces running down the middle, you’ll be warm with your group of any size. Looking for something more intimate? The blue velvet horseshoe-shaped booths are quiet and super-cozy!
Looking for more local restaurants offering up great ambiance and food? Check out our Rochester MN Guide to Date Night
