Five Fireside Bars & Cafés Manly

Angharad Rees
6th Jul 2016

It might not be the time of year to visit the beach, but it’s still a great time to visit the beachside town, Manly. Why? Because while the winter sun is blazing, so too are the open fires in the cafes, bars and restaurants. We’ve found five fireside venues to warm the cockles of your heart, and your toes, this winter.

1. The Seaside Bar – Hotel Steyne

The quirky, outside-inside bar is a popular favourite at the Steyne, and even more so in the winter months when a spicy cocktail or beer can be enjoyed around the fireside. And this is no ordinary fireplace – this is a roaring fire pit! Feel the warmth, hear the crackles and imagine you’re around the campfire. With awesome dinner deals Monday to Friday, like their 2-for-1 on Mondays or the famous Ping-Pong, Pizza’s, Pies and Pints on Thursday nights, you’ll find there’s more than a great fire pit to lure you inside.

2. The Bavarian Beir Cafe

The Bavarian is in the perfect location to enjoy the winter sun from indoors – it’s right on the harbour overlooking West Esplanade beach! A central modern and sleek looking fire is strategically placed to fit several tables around it, where the smell of mulled wine wafts through the seaside air. A nice combo, we think! Check out the Winter Chalet Parties every Friday night in July, where they promise all sorts of winter delights to warm you up. and that’s before getting your winter groove on with their live D.J

3. The Boathouse, Shelly Beach

A simply stunning café and restaurant situated right on the famous Shelly Beach. But this is no seaside shack, instead, The Boathouse has oodles of class both in its décor and menu. It’s a perfect place to hunker down for lunch over the weekend, spoil yourself with some great fish dishes and plonk yourself next to large open fire. Unfortunately, since the Sydney Storms recently, the full Manly to Shelly Beach scenic path is partially closed, so a little detour is needed– but it’s worth it, so worth it!

4. Ground Zero

Ground Zero is a firm favourite with many of the Manly locals for their great brekkie menu, and not just their delicious fodder on offer. They also have fresh juice ahoy, with an extensive list of goodness to choose from. Around the cute and quaint fireplace are some comfy seats with a multitude of scatter cushions to get super snug upon – or my personal favourite - the single old fashioned leather chair next to the fireplace, perfect for snuggling into with a hot chocolate and a good book.

5. Havana Bar

Oh Havana! An upstairs, Cuban styled bar overlooking Manly beach. Perfect to warm you up on the inside and out! With their old fashioned fireplace by the bar, you may be more than tempted to partake in a few Chili Mojitos (or one of the other 25 mojitos on the menu) to get your inner fire blazing, before sampling the authentic Cuban style cuisine (a tip - Wicked Chips… do not leave without them). With live music and half price Taco Tuesdays, this place is HOT!