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Claud
Gallagher’s Steakhouse NYC
Raoul's
The Commerce Inn

7 places

Brian Lindo’s Guide to Christmas in New York

Where to eat, drink, and warm up this holiday season in New York, according to Brian Lindo’s personal list of favorite bakeries, restaurants, and festive neighborhood stops.

About the list

Brian Lindo shares his favorite bakeries, cozy restaurants, and festive stops for celebrating Christmas in New York, from holiday treats to winter-perfect dinners across the city.
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New York, United States
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Claud is a warm, low-key wine bar with an all-around great menu. Great vibes, amazing flavors, and you cannot miss the chocolate cake.

New York, United States
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Gallaghers is a restaurant that feels like you just stepped out of a time machine into old-school Manhattan. It’s like a vintage speakeasy that turned into a steakhouse. Classic New York charm that complements the holiday season perfectly.

New York, United States
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Raoul’s has a warm, buzzy vibe that feels perfect on a cold night. The iconic burger (lunch only or bar seats at dinner) is one of the city’s best, and the steak frites is a staple for a reason.

New York, United States
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The Commerce Inn has a warm, cozy vibe that feels perfect in the winter. I personally love their brunch, especially the pancakes.

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Minetta Tavern delivers old-school NYC energy with a room that always feels warm and lively. It’s the perfect place for a hearty winter meal, from the pastas to the signature burger.

New York, United States
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A tough reservation to score, but absolutely worth it if you can get in. The energy is high, the food is great, and it’s perfect for a holiday night out.

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Tatiana blends festive Lincoln Center energy with bold, soulful Afro-Caribbean flavors that feel both comforting and elevated. The space has a lively, celebratory vibe that makes it perfect for a night out during the holiday season. Reservations can be tough, but they take a limited number of walk-ins each night, so showing up early is worth a try.

Gallaghers

Gallagher’s Steakhouse NYC

228 W 52nd St
New York, NY 10019
United States

Minetta Tavern

Minetta Tavern

113 MacDougal St
New York, NY 10012
United States

Raoul's

Raoul's

180 Prince St
New York, NY 10012
United States

The Commerce Inn

The Commerce Inn

50 Commerce St
New York, NY 10014
United States

Claud

Claud

90 E 10th St
New York, NY 10003
United States

Torrisi

Torrisi

275 Mulberry St
New York, NY 10012
United States

Tatiana

Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi

10 Lincoln Center Plaza
New York, NY 10023
United States

More New York Spots from Brian's List

Bakeries for Something Sweet This Holiday

Hani’s Bakery – A reliable stop for holiday pastries and warm baked goods. You truly can’t go wrong with anything here, but the cinnamon roll and hot chocolate stand out as some of the best in the city.

Mary O’s Irish Soda Bread Shop – Comfort food at its finest. Mary makes each loaf by hand, and her soda bread with butter and homemade jam is perfect for a cold morning or a quick bite before diving into holiday plans.

The Pastry Box – This East Village bakery turns out incredible cookies, gooey in the middle and perfectly crisp on the edges. Their seasonal pastries rotate often, but anything from the case is guaranteed to hit the spot on a cold holiday morning.

If You’re Checking Out the Holiday Decorations Near Fifth Avenue

Le Vau d’Or – Right off Fifth Avenue, it’s a great spot to grab dinner after seeing the tree or doing some holiday shopping. It’s classic, warm, and perfect for the season, and they’re serving some of the best French food in the city.

Monkey Bar – An iconic, low-lit spot right near the holiday action. The French dip, the burger, and the monkey bread truffle appetizer are all standouts.

Cozy Restaurants Around the City Worth a Visit

Raku – Raku is one of the best cold-weather meals in the city. A bowl of their udon on a freezing night just hits. Simple, comforting, and exactly what you want after a long day in the holiday crowds.

Ha’s Snack Bar – A Vietnamese French wine bar that really defines cozy. Super intimate space, dim lights, amazing energy, and the owners, a couple, are pumping out flavors that will blow your mind.

Chez Fifi – Chez Fifi is a small uptown French spot with a relaxed, warm vibe that works especially well in the winter. It’s great for a date night or a low-key break from the holiday rush.

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