Yes, if this was like every other holiday guide you read your first stop would be Rolff’s robust décor and the iconic Tavern on the Green in Central Park but I’m going to sway a little to my local favorites and cozy gems. I still love a classic but it’s a classic for a reason right?! Read on for some spots you don’t want to miss this holiday!
Start your night of right with the perfect cocktail before dinner;
The Campbell
My heart was never so happy when we accidently stumbled upon an enchanting cocktail bar while running out of Grand Central that is The Campbell. Picture this; everyone rushing around during the holidays getting to their train, you walk up the stairs to a dimly lit, warm, inviting cocktail lounge with stained glass windows, brass details, and a fireplace. You think you are already in lounge heaven and then your heart starts to flutter because live jazz Christmas music has just started resounding against the narrow walls. I’m almost positive I shed a tear. I’m all about atmosphere and this little gem just does it for me. All of it. Yes the cocktails are pricy, but who wouldn’t pay to hear an angelic voice sing a jazz rendition of All I want for Christmas?! Exactly. You’re sold. Just go embrace the warmth inside (thanks delicious holiday cocktail) and out.
15 Vanderbuilt Av thecampbell.com
4 STARS ON YELP
Pete’s Tavern
Another Tavern on a corner in NYC. That’s what I thought when we visited, what my girls like to call “Joe’s” for fun last year. Post dinner at Irvington near Union Square we headed to this ‘vintage’ tavern where 300,000 RED lights shine above you on the ceiling. A shock at first but you quickly take in all the fun that is Pete’s. Most recently while heading back to Pete’s I realized I missed all the history in this place! Past the lighted red lights near the bar is this wonderland of holiday lit villages, figurines of Santa’s and elves that are straight from the 50’s that truly give you home-y feeling. Now about the food… Surprising for me since I thought this was a lil ole pub… Its famous! There were autographed photos of celebrities and it was DELICIOUS! Joe and I shared the Penne ala Vodka & the Mandarin salad. Yum! If a big bowl of pasta on a cold night doesn’t warm you up its okay try the Pumpkin Spice martini and you’ll be defrosted in no time! The decorations last until Jan. 10. Check it out!
129 E 18th St. petestavern.com
3.5 STARS ON YELP
Lillie’s Victorian Restaurant
I’ve been going to this place for years. I’ll be honest, the ivy covered façade gets me every time and lures me into the golden glamour of the Victorian era The restaurants, (2 locations listed below) are named after “Lillie Langtry, a renowned 19th century British actress and socialite, features ornate wooden antiquities procured from an 1800′s estate in Northern Ireland.” EVERYTHING IS GOLD the ceiling, the beautiful fireplace, the Victorian frames that line the walls really bring you back to the era. Yes I love it on a normal day, now pump it up some serious notches with a plethora of Christmas décor! Happiness found. Go here for a cozy class of wine and some serious music while the DJ plays above. Odd in the setting but perfect for fun! Make your way towards the back grab a table and enjoy the steak or the burger and you will not be disappointed!
249 West 49th St.or 13 East 17th St. lilliesnyc.com
4 STARS ON YELP
Park Ave Winter
One- the owner of this place is genius Two- Its always, without a doubt delivers delicious decadent food. Have you ever been to a restaurant that changes their name, menu, and décor every season?! Yup – that’s what I mean genius because you always want to come back for more! Park Ave – Winter wouldn’t be any less. Not your traditional Christmas décor but winter branches that stretch across the middle of the dining room and drape across the edges. All the décor is delicately designed with hanging bowls of lights that pin point the feels of winter. They also love truffles here… so go get some and you will thank me later!
360 Park Ave South parkavenyc.com
4 STARS ON YELP
Serra Alpina at Eataly
Ok Park Ave may have started a trend. If you see the word Eataly and do not know what I am referring to… get to google and read about all the fabulousness of making you feel like a little part of Italy is here in NYC with only the best products at your finger tips. But here we are talking about their rooftop restaurant Serra Alpina. A winter rooftop wonderland in the flatiron district that changes with the seasons! (you must check out my summer recommendation in my NYC rooftop guide!) If the snow hasn’t hit yet you can find it here covering all the trees and warming you up while you look to the sky and the city views. Recommendations Dive into the fondue or the saffron rissioto. No one is watching and your tummy will be thankful for it. If you’re a truffle lover like me you’ll already have your nose in the Tartufo Da Berea ($18) with white truffle-infused vodka! Or indulging in the ‘Eatalian Job’ Coldbrew coffee, vodka, and chocolate! ($16) Meet you on the roof in 30!
Rosemary’s
The West Village will already have you in the cozy winter snuggle mood but then Rosemary’s will bring it all together with a fabulous meal. The tile entrance will have you embracing the décor on the inside dressed in wreaths, fir garland, and of course a tree! They even have their own tree lighting night! This rustic farm to table restaurant will have you ordering Fig & Prosciutto Focaccia ($11) to start, Kale Celery Caesar Salad ($13) and Cavatelli with Butternut Squash, Sage, and Pumpkin seeds. ($16) Have a seat, stay awhile, and mangia! A great atmosphere just makes everything taste better!
18 Greenwich Ave. rosemarysnyc.com
3.5 STARS ON YELP
Villard at Lotte Palace
Not your average brunch spot! This elegant space is located in the Palace on Madison Avenue in a royal room with wood paneling, high ceilings, and of course a fireplace! This breakfast may fill you up but leave your pockets light! The prices are HIGH. But if you willing o pay for the ambiance of a royal tea then so be it! Start off your brunch agenda with delightful bakery basket mixed with one of my faves, cinnamon roll! If you’re going to be there you might as well go all the way with the Lobster Benedict ($58) ouch. My go to is the Shaksouka! ($28) If it has feta I’m usually into it! Or if you have a sweet tooth go with the Lemon Mascarpone Pancakes ($26). They have bourbon spiked syrup! So wake up, dress up in something lovely, and enjoy the royal treatment!
Gotham Bar and Grill
A staple in NYC that I always used to visit for the best dessert in town. Recently its been renovated and now festive for the holidays! Start your meal with Charred Japanese Eggplant with pickled hedgehog $19 to get your mouth watering for the entree Porcelet with brussel sprout, date, and winter squash jus ($49) And then for the main event Camalized Pain Perdu with roasted balsamic fig, brown butter ice cream. ($15) If you really want the cream of the crop order an off menu item from their original menu the Apple Tarte Tatin. You will be happy you did!
4.5 STARS ON YELP
UVA
This 2nd Ave Italian favorite has charm all year long! I even took my mom here last summer because the food is just that good. Combine that with the holiday spirit of the exposed brick, shabby chic décor, and the sweet staff! What’s funny is that I start and finish my meal with this same thing here. Yes, I order the same thing twice and 2 different times of the meal. Maybe because I’m so excited that I’m there that I can’t wait, maybe its because its actually an appetizer but the Ricotta Bruschette with black truffle honey is my starter and my dessert! Hey, when you love it you love it. Trust me on this one. I also love that they have half portions of all the pastas so you can try more than one! Uva gets a pesto right with its lights creamy sauce. And the eggplant rolltini is divine! Plenty of delicious options. Head up to the UES and report back!
Boucherie – West Village
If you’re looking for the perfect French flare to add to your Christmas spirit I’ve found it for you at the Boucherie – West Village! The rustic charm shines with the added layer of holiday décor, ribbons, and the tree! Without a doubt start with the classic french onion soup, try the octopus as an appetizer (it was very tender), go with their original Duck Confit with peaches! I also recommend the Wagyu Truffle Burger that is literally dripping in truffled everything! Top it all of with the Crème Brulee and you will have satisfied your desires to fly across the ocean to Paris and you’re sweettooth!
The Lambs Club
This one has a little something special that the rest of these holiday favorites are missing… Carolers! This old church that is now a restaurant tucked into the historic Chatwal Hotel is roaring with charm. An 18th century fire place and a red room decorated in holiday happiness. Offered for a 3 course brunch on Saturdays, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. $75/pp from 11am-3pm. You can score the Dutch Baby with vanilla mascarpone and spiced apples or my go to Mediterranean breakfast because labneh. Obviously. Don’t forget a mint at the end! By mint I mean the chocolate mousse with candy cane sprinkles! Sit by the fire, relax, and enjoy! RSVP required!
132 West 44th St.
Libations Only
The Winter Rose Garden
Ok so maybe you are tired of all the Christmas decorations but you still want to be hit with some gorgeous interiors! Look no further than the Winter Rose Garden in the lobby of the Dream Hotel Downtown. A sea of red florals, a presentation with almost 15,000 roses that blend with a beautiful mix of ruby furniture, gold accents, and candles galore. I might suggest to not wear red as your guests might not be able to find you! It’s the hotels first pop-up and it you can get your hands on Crispy Truffle Mac and Cheese Balls and drink them down with the cocktail “Dream in Roses, Campari, prosecco and lavender, and is topped with a rose petal.” This enchanting oasis of rouge will have you blushing for days.
355 W 16th St.
The Late Late
Take a ride down to Soho and step into The Late Late, which is quite a different vibe that our previous selections, maybe cue music like “Grandma got ran over by a reindeer” and you’ll step back in time to your own grandmothers festive living room. This would actually be the perfect place of your ugly sweater festivities! This Irish crafted quirky décor and specialty cocktails like a tequila favorite ‘A Pinch of the Grinch and Oh What Fudge**”Not to mentioned there is a little shopping area like grocery store for all your Irish fixings. Plus you can do some good and donate toys for tots up until December 19th for their annual holiday party! Open through January 20th!
159 E Houston Street.
3.5 STARS ON YELP
Snow Globe in the Sky at Ophelia
This would also be another pre dinner spot for a glorious cocktail overlooking the sparkling city! Through February Ophelia’s Snow Globe in the Sky pop-up takes winter winterland to the top of the Beekman Tower! The ceiling glistens with snowflakes, crystals, and lights while the chairs are dressed in sheepskin for ultra comfort and warmth. On to the chic cocktail menu. Tumeric lattes are hip and good for us now right?! Choose ‘Excess’ a coconut washed Casamingos tequila with turmeric, cinnamon, saffron…ALL THE SPICES! Now let’s get to satisfying the soul with the French onion soup sliders and truffle potato wedges! The glowing atmosphere alone will make you feel magical!
3 Mitchell Place (49th St and 1st Ave) 26th Floor
The NoMad
Well we were just in a snow globe now we should drink from one! Enter The Library at the Nomad hotel on a Sunday!! Until December 22nd the Nomad transforms its daily gorgeous interior to the holiday infused ‘Make it Nice’ Bar. Just like Black Tap Burger transformed all the insta milkshakes out there Nomad is showcasing a holiday cocktail in a snow globe!! –the Winter Wonderland Milk Punch. Choose from the Nice or Naughty list of cocktails for yourself or bring your friends and dive into what they like to call explosions! Served for 4-8 people! The time is limited so start with a reservation at 5pm when it opens!
1170 Broadway
Mr. Purple
My first go to was The Campbell on the top of this list to start your night.. the same parent company partnered with champagne favorite Veuve Clicquot as a pop up shop at Lower East side rooftop bar Mr. Purple. You have two options fly to Aspen and get the real ski lodge treatment or just head downtown to this epic “funky après-ski lodge in the sky”. Dressed to the nines with fuzzy fur throws, digital fireplaces, wood beams, and purple deer heads. I mean if we are going to collaborate we need to stay on theme here. The bubbles that you find at 230 5th avenue roof are here too, with a bubbly bar of Veuve to top it off! If you aren’t craving the champs grab the cocktail menu and try the warm Les Toddy with rum and hot cider or a sweet Snowday vodka, almond milk, and cocoa. ($16) Go early, sit in the globe bubble with friends and order the Raclette fondue for the ultimate experience. It includes seasonal crudités, panko chicken nugget, mini baked potatoes with caviar proscuitto-shitake pressed sandwiches, filet mignon skewers, melon, and asian pears. Yes, you read that right, dip your filet! I’m on my there now! Bye!
Hotel Indigo Lower East Side, 180 Orchard Street.
Après Arlo
If you can’t get into Mr. Purple head to your next best option Après Arlo. Instead of rooftop bubbles enjoy courtyard cabin transformation into the French Alps. They literally heated the cabins here and created a Hot Toddy Bar. “Top of the Mountain Toddy” with whiskey, caramel and apple cider, “Chai Chalet Toddy” with cognac, cranberry, vanilla and chai tea.
Open through March 15, 2020. 231 Hudson Street.
Midwinter Night’s Dream
From the Downtown Dream of red florals to the midtown Midwinter’s Night Dream. I would’ve already been satisfied with the transformation of PHD Terrace at Dream Midtown into a blissful romantic winter garden of gold and white florals but now the an obscenely giant Nutella cookie make for 12 takes her to the top of my list! You’re going to need a team to eat this cookie and the milk punch that comes with for $100. You should still bask in its seasonal menu that include an ornament filled with Peppermint Mojito, and a glittering Goldtini with Ciroc Coconut (a fave of mine), Crème de Cacao, and Amaretto finished with a gold glitter rim.
210 West 55th Street.
*** THESE ARE NOT ORIGINAL PHOTOS***
