While the weather has been oddly nice in New York these past few weeks, it is still technically winter, which means those frigid temperatures and icy windchills could creep back up on us at any second. For those who are looking to cozy up away from the cold and into a cocktail, these are my favorites bars in New York for those cozy winter nights.
1. SERRA by Birreria Eataly Flatiron
SERRA by Birreria Eataly Flatiron is a stunning rooftop that goes all out when it comes to winter decor. I love this spot not only because it’s Italian, but because their decor is as seasonal as their menu, with an ever-rotating selection of boozy concoctions and delectable bites. This year, their “winter in Tuscany” theme has the entire rooftop decked out in greenery that resembles the Italian countryside, quickly transporting diners to spending a day in Italy. For those extra cold nights, I highly recommend ordering some Amaro, but if straight-up booze sounds intimidating, go for the Sorsi di Bourbon, a bourbon-based drink with notes of pecan and brown sugar, served in a snifter with a slice of dried apple. I’ll [warmly] drink to that.
Fashion-Tip: Wear something like my blue velvet jumpsuit, which I got a ton of compliments on.
2. The Ivy Room at Royalton Rooftop
The Ivy Room at Royalton Rooftop is a modern, swanky take on the NYC piano bar located at Royalton Park Avenue. Royalton Rooftop is one of my favorite spots in the city, and The Ivy Room is no exception. I love any place with a piano, and The Ivy Room’s take on a supper club really hits home with their intimate live performances centered around an electric-yellow piano. For a lighter bite, try the mushroom toast or mini lobster rolls. For a main course, you obviously have to get the Piano Bar Burger, with white truffle mayo, balsamic onion jam, cheddar and bread & butter pickles. Wash it all down with a rosemary old fashioned or a dirty vesper, and you’re in for one cozy winter night.
Fashion-Tip: Wear something old-timey to match the aesthetics and setting of this “supper club.” Sequins, sequins, sequins!
3. Recreation Moxy
For a business during the day and party at night feel, look no further than Recreation, located within the Moxy NYC Downtown Hotel. Recreation is a communal co-working space by day and a buzzing bar by night, attracting plenty of the hard-workers in the Financial District. What I love most about Recreation is the retro games, from Ms. Pacman to Skee Ball to a Twister Board painted on the floor. Oh, and I can’t forget about the half-course sized basketball court. Each cocktail on their menu is “paired” with a game; for example, the Marg Against Humanity pairs great with Cards Against Humanity! 90s kids will especially appreciate this spot due to the nostalgia, but with concoctions as good as the ones whipped up at Recreation, it’s safe to say anyone will find this cozy spot particularly endearing.
Fashion-Tip: Wear something giving 90s baby, like this awesome jumpsuit.
4. Westlight
There are fewer cozier things I can think of than sitting in a Scandinavian-style chalet while eating fondue AND overlooking the New York skyline. That’s where Westlight comes into play. Westlight is located on the roof of the 5-star hotel The William Vale in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The entire experience is not only cozy, but it’s classy AF. Ordering fondue is a requirement, but you’d be remiss to not try some of the other goodies on the menu. Sip Sancerre as you munch on the insanely addictive hamachi crispy rice (seriously, unreal). There’s even an ice-skating rink up there, so if you dare brave the cold, you can skate over the NYC skyline until mid-March 2023.
Fashion-Tip: Wear something wintery and cozy to match the Scandinavian-style setting.
5. Kokomo
If you want to be cozy but still want to enjoy that typical outdoor hustle and bustle of New York, head to Caribbean restaurant Kokomo, where outdoor heaters have been installed to keep outdoor diners warm, even in the most frigid of New York winter temperatures. Kokomo is particularly great for those looking for the best bang for their buck, with the return of their Koko Hour, where Tuesdays and Thursdays from both 5PM-7PM, as well as 9PM-10PM, drinks like Kokoritas and Frozen Mango Rum Punch are on special. Don’t leave without trying some of their elevated Caribbean food, like Stuffed Plantain Cups filled with staples such as callaloo or ackee and saltfish, or their pineapple jerk chicken flatbread.
Fashion-Tip: Wear something that makes you feel like you’re on a Caribbean island.
6. Boqueria (SoHo)
Boqueria is one of my all-time favorite restaurants in New York City. Barcelona is one of my favorite culinary cities out of anywhere I’ve been to, so I’m quite particular about my Spanish food. Boqueria transports me right back to Spain without the long flight. They have four locations, but I’m particularly fond of their SoHo spot, especially since they just reopened after renovations. While anytime of day is great to dine and imbibe at a spot as impeccable as Boqueria, their bottomless brunch just reopened for the first time since dreaded March 2020. It runs from Noon-4PM every Saturday and Sunday, and for only $29 a person, guests can choose the “Classic” option with unlimited sangría or mimosas for 90 minutes, or for $45 a person, guests can opt for the “Deluxe” option with unlimited sangría, mimosas, Estrella beer, bloody marys, or cava. Dishes like Dos Huevos Y Mas (a Spanish twist on a breakfast plate) which comes with eggs, patatas bravas, salsa verde, and more, and Huevos con Bistec (steak and eggs) will certainly keep diners cozy, transporting them onto a beach in Spain instead of the tundras of a wintery New York City.
Fashion-Tip: Wear something red and feisty, but still comfortable, to match that Spanish lifestyle.
7. Living Room Bar at W New York – Times Square
While Times Square might be considered hell to some people because of the chaos that is constantly ensued, Living Room Bar at W New York – Times Square offers guests a cozy, chic retreat from the bustling streets of the city. With its dimly-lit ambiance and old Broadway-esque theme, the Living Room Bar is particularly cozy with their private cabana-style booths for an intimate setting. Living Room Bar is a classy joint with old-school Times-Square themed memorabilia that can best be taken in while sipping one of their cocktails, some of which are named after New York City neighborhoods.
Fashion-Tip: Wear a little black dress as elegant and classy as the bar setting.
8. Grand Army
Grand Army is a neighborhood favorite situated between bustling downtown Brooklyn and quaint Boerum Hill. This cocktail bar is the epitome of cozy, with a dimly-lit setting, a fireplace, and oysters on the menu. With such a sexy setting, Grand Army might be best for bringing a hot date on one of those cold winter nights. The drink lists consists of elevated cocktails with wordplay on their names, beer and shot deals that aren’t your average PBR & whiskey, and spirit-free cocktails for those who choose to abstain from alcohol.
Fashion-Tip: Wear a cocktail dress, whether for a date night or solo night, while you slurp down oysters.
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