Santa
When we venture out to dine in the weeks leading up to Christmas, we value ambiance and decor almost as much as the food and drinks. We want to feel the magic of the season with the whole package: special menus, holiday music and lots and lots of twinkling lights.
Some restaurants get it and take their decorations very seriously with festive garland and ornaments covering most of their surfaces and ceilings. Here is a list of restaurants that will soak you in the Christmas spirit and a Hanukkah pop-up!
Rolf’s German Restaurant
From the minute you walk in to the minute you walk out, you’ll be bombarded (in a good way) with decorations on the walls, roof, counter… literally everywhere.
The restaurant located in Midtown East is within walking distance (about 20 minutes) of the Empire State Buildings or the Flatiron Building (about 8 minutes.)
Explore their German cuisine, including appetizers like German potato salad and steamed mussels, soups, meat, fish, seafood and side dishes like potato pancakes, cucumber salad, and beet salad.
The interesting thing is that the restaurant is decorated like this throughout the year, whether it is the Christmas season or not. Therefore, immerse yourself fully in the Christmas spirit all year long.
They are open Monday to Friday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
WHERE: 281 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10010 ; 212-473-8718. ; https://rolfsnyc.com/
Oscar Wilde
New Yorkers have grown to expect only the most outlandish and spectacular seasonal decor from Oscar Wilde as they continue to out-do themselves each and every year.
Their Halloween decor is to die for (literally) so we can only imagine their Christmas spirit.
Within walking distance of the Flatiron Building (7-minute walk) or the Empire State Building (9-minute walk) you will find another restaurant with beautiful Christmas decorations.
Located at the intersection of 27th Street and 6th Avenue, their menu features small plates like crispy calamari and pork belly buns, salads, sliders, sandwiches and entrees like chicken pot pie, fish and chips, and steak and frites.
Enjoy of a delicious meal while sipping away in a “Fly me to the moon” or in a “Elvis in a blue jumpsuit.” Take a look at their complete cocktail fun menu.
They are open Monday to Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 1 a.m., Thursday and Friday from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m to 1 a.m.
WHERE: 45 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001 ; 212-213-3066. ; https://www.oscarwildenyc.com/
Pete’s Tavern
Beyond Pete’s Tavern being the oldest operating bar and restaurant in the city, they are known for their holiday decorations. The historical vintage bar displays Christmas lights on their ceilings, bar area, and entrance. They dress their draft beer handles in nutcrackers and showcase a snowman outside the tavern.
They serve nachos, thin crust pizza, homemade veal meatballs, salads, burgers, pastas, steaks, vegetables and entrees including chicken breast milanese, blackened ahi tuna and roasted cauliflower steak. Their full menu can be found here.
They are open seven days a week from 12 p.m. to 2 a.m.
WHERE: 129 E 18th St, New York, NY 10003 ; 212-473-7676 ; https://www.petestavern.com/
Papillon Bistro & Bar, Midtown
If you can’t find a table at Rolf’s German Restaurant, here’s an alternative. Papillon Bistro and Bar is less than a 4 minute walk from St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Upon entry you’ll have larger-than-life stocks, sparking lights, garland, Santa’s, nutcrackers, and best of all, they even decorate their drinks!
Although their menu is less extensive they offer starters like tuna tartare, mozzarella sticks, salads, sandwiches, entrees and french fries and their only side dish.
They are open seven days a week for lunch at 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and for dinner 3 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Their bar is open later from 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.
WHERE: 22 E 54th St, New York, NY 10022 ; 212-754-9006 ; https://www.papillonbistro.com/
Maccabee Bar
Maccabee Bar is the first Hanukkah pop-up bar in the West Village. The bar was founded in 2018 by award-winning bartender Naomi Levy. “She chose to share her own Jewish heritage with her community by offering up a space that celebrates Hanukkah and Jewish culture in a welcoming space,” read a statement on the bar’s website.
The menu features all types of classic Jewish eats, like latkes, bamba and Reuben, and gives a festive flair on nine signature cocktails, like “Papa Nosh.”
The Boston-based entrepreneur opened her first pop-up in 2018 for a week and was a success. She then decided to venture out to New York.
Maccabee Bar will take over Ollie West Village (64 Downing Street) starting Nov. 28 up until Dec. 31
Share your favorite Christmas restaurant with me at citlalli.godinez@wabcradio.com
