Christmas Bars (Top 5) in NEW YORK CITY
It’s no secret that New York City transforms during Christmas. In fact, you might argue no other city does Christmas quite like it! Stores dawn bright colors and holiday music, parks make space for ice-skating rinks and hot cocoa booths, and bars switch out their usual cocktail menu for drinks that taste like the holidays in a cup. In fact, many Christmas bars even change their establishment’s name and theme altogether for the yuletide season. Listed below, you’ll find the 5 top Christmas bars in New York City and how they’ve transformed for the magical season.
1. Lillie’s Victorian Establishment (Union Square, Manhattan)
- From the outside, Lillie’s looks small, quaint, and unassuming- but don’t let that fool you. The moment you step through the door, you’ll find a magic all around. The bar adds to its usual Victorian décor with an array of Christmas paraphernalia. Truly, at first you might wonder if you’ve mistakenly walked into vintage Christmas pawnshop. (Yes, it’s that decked out!) The excess decor makes it the perfect bar and restaurant for a December reservation. However, due to Lillie’s popularity, be prepared to wait if you weren’t able to secure one ahead of time! Good news though, the barstools operate on a first come first serve basis and the bartenders are happy to serve you a drink while you wait for a seat. You’ll find many specialty cocktails and two Christmas themed beverages on its menu, priced at 16 dollars apiece. Therefore, you’ll love this bar for its decor and its reasonable prices!
2. Pete’s Tavern (East Village, Manhattan)
- Pete’s Tavern is nearly impossible to miss when walking by, as it’s lit up with Christmas lights and giant blow-up characters. The bar is considered a historical monument, as its New York City’s oldest continuously operating restaurant and bar (first founded in 1864). Decked-out with indoor ceiling lights, wreaths, snowmen, and nutcrackers—Pete’s has transformed its usual prohibition style theme for the holidays. Of all Christmas bars, Pete’s has one of the most extensive holiday menus. In addition to its 6 seasonal Christmas cocktails, they also offer homemade eggnog and seasonal food menu items. Additionally, the bar’s opened up its “curbside dining sheds” to offer larger accommodations for the busy holiday season. For 20 dollars, you have the option between many Christmas cocktails! Make sure to order the Bourbon Maple Apple Cider- Pete’s most popular menu item (according to the bartender)! Come for the history and stay for Pete’s variety of holiday drinks.
3. Paddy Maguire’s Ale House (Gramercy, Manhattan)
- Paddy Maguire’s Ale House, coined as “Paddy’s,” is a popular Irish Pub in NYC. (It’s also had a makeover for the holiday season!) Paddy’s has spectacular Christmas lights and pool tables covered in wrapping paper. But, what really make’s Paddy’s stand out is its fair prices and availability. It does a great job of managing its flow of guests, making for a roomy bar and non-crowded atmosphere. For 15 dollars per Christmas cocktail, the Christmas Cosmopolitan being is a cult favorite. Paddy’s is a great bar to take friends and family (and still be able to hear each other over the crowd and Christmas music)!
4. Grinchy’s Bar by Robertas (Bushwick, Brooklyn)
- Grinchy’s is the re-named Tiki Bar extension of Roberta’s Pizzeria. It’s completely re-worked for the holiday season and turned into the Grinch’s lair—including its eating and drinking menus. A blow-up Grinch greets you at the bar’s entrance and ushers you into the elaborately themed establishment. With 18-dollar drinks (like their popular “Cindy Lou Quien”), Grinchy’s truly transports its guests to Whoville. Its creative cocktails and fun theme make it a great option to visit during the holidays.
5. Rolf’s German Restaurant (Gramercy, Manhattan)
- Potentially the most notorious Christmas bar on the list, is Rolf’s German Restaurant, as this bar keeps its decorations up all year long. That being said, Rolf’s is by far the hardest bar to fit into (even if you do have a reservation). However, the bar is well-loved for a reason! Its elaborate décor is unmatched with ornaments lining almost all of the walls and ceilings entirely. The menu is elevated with timeless cocktails such as “Spiked Warm Apple Cider” and “Rolf’s Chocolate Martini”-selling for 18 dollars each. Whether you decide to get on the waitlist or stand in line at the bar, Rolf’s deserves a spot on your Christmas list.
Whichever Christmas bars you decide to visit this season, one thing is for sure- NYC is magical during this time of year. Don’t forget to comment below some of your favorite bars in the city and which bars you plan on stopping in at next Christmas!
yours, Belle
- Hungry after a long night at the bars? Read this post to find some good late night snacks at your NYC local bodega.
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