Welcome to Arlo x Mona Creative’s monthly recommendations. We are kicking off the holidays with bells on by sharing the best places to eat, and drink, and be merry:
1. Good Story Rooftop
231 Hudson Street, 11th floor; 888-260-2756
Festive lights and ornaments decorate this rooftop bar at the Arlo Hotel, which transforms into a Winter Wonderland pop up during the holiday season. Enjoy seasonal cocktails while taking in the wintry views of the Hudson River.
2. Rolf’s
281 3rd Ave; 212-473-8718
Oh hey, the holidays came and never left at this Alsatian spot in Gramercy. Sure, there are lines down the block during the holiday season of merry folks waiting to take in “The Most Magical Christmas Decoration of All Time” but you will not regret having a Wiener Schnitzel with your Hofrbrau in this over-the-top, visually arresting bar.
3. BARlo at Arlo NoMad
11 East 31st Street; 888-260-2756
Find chic ski lodge vibes without having to leave the city at BARlo, where you can cozy up with a drink and small group of friends when you need to take refuge from the cold.
4. Miracle on 9th Street
649 E 9th St; 212-673-1190
Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Mace Bar masquerades as Miracle on 9th Street – a kitschy holiday bar decorated with tinsel, Christmas cards, and Santa mugs filled with a drink called the “Yippie Ki Yay Motherf****r!” (that’s a nod to Die Hard, one of the best holiday movies of all time). Go early as the crowds tend to gather quickly at this tiny bar.
5. Baita at Eataly
200 5th Ave; 212 937-8910
What’s more chic than an Italian Alps theme? Sitting high on top of Eataly, Baita’s merry apres-ski ambiance will lend to your enjoyment warming dishes like Raclette, Polenta with Beef Ragù, and Parampampoli, the traditional Italian cocktail served flambé.
6. The Beatrice Inn
285 W 12th St; 212-675-2808
This redefined chophouse is on it’s way to becoming a West Village institution, complete with a crackling fireplace and the neighborhood’s coziest bar. Indulge in extravagances like roast duck flambe, applewood smoked whole rabbits, short rib meat pies and pyramids of cheese because if you’re going to pamper yourself with food for the holidays, you should do it here.
7. Keens Steakhouse
72 West 36th Street; 212-947-3636
Established in 1885, Keens Steakhouse has a welcoming old-school NYC charm year round, but its holiday decor makes it an especially picturesque destination for steak-lovers during the holiday season. Enjoy your long, two-martini lunch under the ribbons and wreaths.
8. King Cole Bar at the St. Regis
2 East 55th Street; 212-753-4500
We make an annual pilgrimage to this luxe hotel spot and saddle up to the elegant mahogany bar to talk serious cocktails with some very knowledge bartenders. According to the St. Regis, the Bloody Mary was invented here, and there are six variations of the drink on the menu.
9. Cafe Sabarsky in the Neue Galerie
1048 5th Avenue; 212-288-0665
For an Austrian-style holiday experience, cozy up at this authentic Viennese cafe for mulled wine and decadent dark chocolate cake, while being surrounded by 20th century Austrian-and-German art and design.
10. The Nomad Bar
10 West 28th Street; 212-796-1500
The Nomad Bar has the conviviality of a classic New York City tavern, with craft cocktails and elevated pub fare. It’s easy to get into the holiday spirit here with festive decor and then there is the chicken pot pie with black truffles and foie gras – what could possibly be merrier.
11. The Grill
99 E 52nd St; 212-375-9001
A revamp of the legendary Four Seasons restaurant and one of the hottest new tables in the city, The Grill is a stylish take on classic old school New York. We love any excuse to put on that fancy, festive attire for a classy evening. Go early and sit at the bar – don’t miss the martinis.
12. La Grenouille
3 E 52nd St; 212-752-1495
We love pretending we’re Jackie O at this grand New York City restaurant that has been serving its luscious French classics like Pike Quenelles in the elegant and sumptuous space since 1962. There is always an air of festivity at La Grenouille, and no better place for a decadent celebration during the jubilant holidays.
