'Tis the season to be jolly and all of that good stuff, but 'tis the season to overindulge seems more like it. Seriously, what can you count on year after year?
Awkward family gatherings, getting a little too schwifty at the company holiday party, lots of tourists slower than tortoises, and your grumpy old grinch neighbor who's got his tinsel in a tangle about your loud holiday party turned post-sleepover, hair-of-the-dog champagne brunch.
Sure, all of those are bound to bring you a bit of good holiday joy, but what are you really counting on?
Food. And drinks, but mainly food.
And what's better than food during the holidays? Food that's served when you're surrounded by the epitome of Christmas decorations because Christmas is a time of gift giving, gift receiving, and stuffing your face with an extraordinary amount of food while surrounded by garland and mistletoe.
These are the creme de la creme of restaurants that are gearing up their dining room and spicing up their foods to give you greatest holiday themed dining celebrations that this city has to offer.
1. Rolf's (281 3rd Avenue)
If you're under the age of 25 and/or have recently graduated from college in or around NYC, you've probably spent one or two nights partying at Rolf's, which becomes a pretty poppin' bar at night. But we're talking dinners.
Rolf's christmas decorations would make the Grinch's skin crawl (the one who's heart is three sizes two small-- we totally Dr. Seuss'd that rhyme). Every inch of Rolf's is decked out with Christmas baubles, lights, and tinsel. It's basically a christmas wonderland, with German food and beer.
2. Pete's Tavern (129 East 18th Street)
alifton Why doesn't every ceiling look like this? #NYC #christmas #christmasdecorations #christmaslights
So this spot is basically a must if you're looking for christmas lights in NYC restaurants. It's what we'd imagine Santa's bar in the North Pole would look like; the one he'd saddle up to while whining to the Easter Bunny and Tooth Fairy about the outdated technology on his sleigh.
In all seriousness, this place is covered in Christmas lights. It's a great spot for some pub food and to take in the spirit of Christmas. We'd recommend anything with steak fries... because that's what we'd imagine Rudolph would eat after lugging around Santa's overlarge behind.
3. Molly's (287 3rd Avenue)
Wood burning fireplace and mushroom cheddar burger. What's that? That doesn't qualify as Christmas-y? Well, it certainly sets the mood. This little Irish pub is an essential for anyone who wants to get into the Christmas spirit.
Molly's strings tons of colorful Christmas lights throughout their wood-laden pub. The lights brighten the otherwise dark-- but still cozy --spot. This is a definite must for any foodie looking to get into the spirit of Christmas.
,4. Milon (93 1st Avenue)
Just because it's the holidays does not mean that you have to eat boring old food. Branch out! Venture to Milon to take in their insanely gawdy, but wildly exciting christmas decor. Seriously, it looks like Santa threw up festivity on this cheerful spot.
But don't just go for the decorations! Make sure you dig into their delicious Indian food. We recommend trying the Nobaration (chick peas, spinach, string beans, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, squash, and potatoes with a touch of cream).
5. Lillie's Victorian Bar & Restaurant (13 East 17th Street)
So Lillie's Victorian Bar & Restaurant is a bit less gawdy and a bit more subtle when it comes to the christmas decorations. We're not going to say more tasteful, because if you saw our homes you'd understand that we go along with the more the better philosophy on decorations.
But this spot has exceptional food and great drinks. If you'd like to dine surrounded by Christmas festivity without having to be afraid of choking on glitter, Lillie's is the place to be.
Check out 6 Upscale NYC Restaurants That Won't Break the Bank for Your Holiday Dinner.
[Feature Image Courtesy Instagram]