Come Thursday, the gifts will all have been opened, and the holiday foods completely consumed. But even though Santa will be starting his vacation, there are still several NYC restaurants continuing the Christmas celebration with decorations galore.
Pete’s Tavern
This historic Gramercy Park tavern offers Italian-American cuisine surrounded by Christmas cheer, including window displays of a winter wonderland, with decorations up till after Super Bowl Sunday. To complete the holiday mood, bartenders mix up a large wine glass of homemade eggnog for you to enjoy while admiring the thousands of twinkle lights over the bar. (129 East 18th Street, 212-473-7676, petestavern.com)
Stella 34
Located inside Macy’s Herald Square, each window at this delicious Italian trattoria is decorated with a holiday wreath, and there is a twinkling tree with gifts center stage. For shoppers near Macy’s, you can’t pick a better spot. (151 W. 34th St., 212-967-9251, stella34.com)
The Holiday Pavilion at the NY Botanical Garden
For the first time ever, the annual train show at the gorgeous gardens in the Bronx has a food tent to accompany it. Both the train show and the tent are beuatifully decorated in the holiday spirit. Stephen STARR Events, the catering and events arm of Starr Restaurants (Buddakan, Morimoto, Caffe Storico) runs the tent, which features the food of city neighborhoods, from Arthur Avenue to 125th Street. (2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx, nybg.org)
Rolf’s German Restaurant
Want more holiday cheer with your bier? Santa’s elves take over this 1960’s traditional German restaurant, creating a cornucopia of merriment. The Queen Bee of Christmas restaurants, with colorful christmas bulbs, twinkling lights, garlands galore and teutonic dolls in beer garden fashion, it’s easy to believe ornaments grow on trees here. (281 Third Avenue, 212-477-4750, rolfsnyc.com)
Lillie’s Victorian Establishment
For a Victorian-Christmas experience, Lillie’s offers an exquisite ambience of 1880’s ornate wooden carvings, adorned with elegant holiday trimmings and complete with a nutcracker display. Serving till 4 a.m., the bar offers a array of fine whiskeys and scotches to accompany its eclectic, Irish food. (13 East 17th Street, 212-337-1970, unionsquare.lilliesnyc.com)
Da Nico Restorante
Walking through Little Italy during the holidays is the best, with its over-the-top decorations and jovial vibe. For an Italian experience you cannot resist, Da Nico’s serves heavy tinsel decor and pasta sauce. (164 Mulberry St., 212-343-1212, danicoristorante.com)
Rock Center Cafe
Nothing says Christmas better than Rockefeller Center in December. And what better place to view it all than right in the center of everything. With a stunning view of The Rink at Rockefeller Center, this café is in full holiday swing. (20 W. 50th St., 212-332-7620, rockefellercenter.com/shop-and-eat/rock-center-cafe)
The Sea Grill
Dine in on luscious seafood while taking in all Rockefeller Center’s famous Christmas Tree has to offer. With twinkle lights, wreaths and red and green bows throughout, this restaurant is gorgeous and ready to continue the fun well into New Years. (19 W 49th St., 212-332-7610, rockefellercenter.com/shop-and-eat/the-sea-grill)
Milon and Panna II
Looking to spice up yourplans? These East Village rival Indian restaurants (they’re side by side) are ready to mix Christmas with chili peppers for a curry-flared celebration. There’s no alcohol license at either spot, so the party begins when you BYOB. (Milon, 93 1st Ave #2, 212-228-4896, milonny.com) (Panna II, 93 1st Ave #2, 212-598-4610, panna2.com)
