Barguide: Burning love

In recent years, bars have begun adding patios to attract diners to eat and drink outdoors to take full advantage of the mid-Michigan spring, summer and fall. But as the mercury drops, patio dining becomes less desirable.

Dont let the cold weather keep you at home this fall. A handful of bars in town with fireplaces will keep guests warmer than their blankets will.

As the Renos North construction continues at 16460 Old U.S. 27 in Dewitt Township, owner Jessie Stiptack said she chose to add gasburning fireplaces to the atmosphere because she has the extra room and its something shes always wanted to do.

We have a really nice four seasons room and it has really tall ceilings, Stiptack said. We wanted to make sure people stay nice and cozy. As soon as the renovations are complete, Renos North will have a two-way glass fireplace, allowing customers seated outside to feel the heat from the inside. In addition, the bear will also have a fire pit in the outdoor seating area for fall and spring weather.

Stiptack said fireplaces are becoming a trend in restaurants, especially in states with long winters, like Michigan.

It makes it cozy, Stiptack said. (A fireplace setting) a nice place to have a meal and a couple cocktails.

Downtown bar/restaurants Troppo, 111 E. Michigan Ave., and Tavern on the Square, 206 Washington Square, also had fireplaces built in when they were constructed. Claddagh Irish Pub, 2900 Towne Centre Boulevard, has two gas-burning fireplaces and one just for show. Manager Craig Larsen said the fireplaces were installed when the restaurant was built.

Its traditional to have a fireplace in an Irish pub, he said.

Pizza lovers can also thaw out by the fire at Pizza House, 4790 S. Hagadorn Road in East Lansing. Manager Jeremy Bates said the restaurant has two gas-burning fireplaces for warmth and aesthetics. One was built with the restaurant and the other was installed five years ago during the restaurant expansion.

Fireside Grill, 6951 Lansing Road in Dimondale, opened last year. Its split into two sections: a sports bar area and a quiet dining area. Owner Ed Hall said the gas-burning fireplace came with the building when he bought it last year. He chose to keep it around, not just because it keeps the dining area warm, but because it adds a calm, soothing effect to the atmosphere. It also helped him pick out the bars name; Hall and his workers were sitting in one of the booths by the fireplace shortly after he started . One of them looked over at the fireplace and suggested naming the restaurant after it.

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Barguide: Burning love