Where to Get Toasty After a Day at the Ice Rink

Although the recent weather says otherwise, ‘tis the season for ice skating and winter activities. Whether you’re a pro working on your triple axel or a skating novice clutching to the side railing for dear life, after an afternoon or evening of skating, you deserve those hard earned beverages and snacks.
 

After an evening skate, head to Poste’s Winter Lounge for warm libations including wassail, hot toddies, the traditional Scottish drink Atholl Brose, and spiked hot chocolate. All cocktails are $12. Winter Lounge is open Thursday–Saturday, 7–9 PM. (555 8th St, NW; 202-783-6060)
 

A meat-centric restaurant and bar, the interior is dark and warming...the perfect winter bar. Get your fill of charcuterie and other hearty bar snacks like beef fat fries and pimento cheese with house tigelles. Come during Aperitivo Hour to enjoy $5 select cocktails. (709 D St, NW; 202-524-5322)
 

You could order a pitcher of margaritas at Jose Andres’ Mexican restaurant...or you could order a pitcher of the Oaxacan hot chocolate made with sugar, cinnamon, vanilla bean, cloves, and steamed milk. (401 7th St, NW; 202-628-1005)
 

The Viennese-inspired coffeehouse and bakery offers up espresso drinks, tea, hot chocolate, and hot apple cider in addition to fresh pastries like butterkuchen, financiers, and croissants. (501 7th St, NW; 202-347-7893)
 

Just steps away from the ice rink, head to Park Tavern and warm up with the Apple Spider (house spiced hot apple cider spiked with Sailor Jerry’s Rum) while snacking on wood-fired pizzas. (202 M St, SE; 202-554-0005)
 

From the skating rink to a ski lodge-theme bar, The Big Stick offers craft beers, hop tails and...ShotSkis: four shots served on a wooden ski. (20 M St, SE; 202-750-7724)
 

A popular neighborhood spot, Justin’s serves up sandwiches, soups, pizzas, and more to go along with an impressive list of brews and cocktails. Bonus? Weekend brunch is served until 4 PM. (1025 First St, SE; 202-652-1009)
 

One of the newer restaurants to join the Navy Yard area, Due South’s southern dishes will warm you up after a day of outdoor skating. Enjoy shrimp and grits, corn muffins, and charbroiled oysters while sipping on cocktails with a southern spin, like the Dixie 75 and Sweet Tea Julep. (301 Water St, SE; 202-479-4616)
 

Steps from the ice rink at the Georgetown waterfront, come for weekend brunch and get bottomless pitchers of mimosas, orange crushes, or bloody marys for $10. (3050 K St, NW; 202-802-9990)
 

Another great brunch spot, come pre or post-skating adventure and enjoy one of the best brunch buffets in the city, complete with their famous honey pot fried chicken. Another must? The brunch cocktail bowls...although we do advise boozing after you’ve had your fill of skating. (3000 K St, NW; 202-298-8783)
 

Warm up with a bowl of pho and other traditional Southeast Asian dishes. If you’re still trying to thaw out, try the Sriracha Bloody Mary or Mama’s Rum Cider from the cocktail list. (3000 K St, NW; 202-333-4422)
 

Bourbon Steak
A perfect date spot, cozy up with your skating partner in The Lounge or heated outdoor patio. There are plenty of warm cocktails for you to choose from, like the hot toddy, Baja hot chocolate, and the hot buttered rum. (2800 Pennsylvania Ave, NW; 202-944-2026)

Photo via Flickr user Elvert Barnes