Visiting NYC during the Holiday season? Be sure to stop by Rolf’s, a German restaurant and bar decorated to make you feel like you’re inside the Rockefeller Christmas tree. This little restaurant gives new meaning to “Deck the Halls.”
If you want to enjoy a German feast for dinner make sure to have a reservation as this is the busy season for ROLF’s and it can get very crowded. If you’ve been eating your way through NYC and just want to check out the decorations, find a seat at the bar and enjoy an amazing holiday themed cocktail.
Single and celebrating Galentine’s Day? Deeply in love looking for a romantic evening? Or going on a Tinder date? We’ve got you covered! Everyone seems to scramble last minute to figure out plans for February 14th. Don’t break a sweat because we have some suggestions for you.
First off we’d like to address how Austinites seem to love this Hallmark holiday while the East Coast has a very cynical outlook on it. They’re just happy it falls on a Thursday this year so it doesn’t ruin their weekend. So to help out the New Yorkers on this pink and red, heart-shaped holiday, we have the fun, the romantic, and the trendy spots for you.
NYC:
Museum of Sex – Let’s start with the fun/cheesy one. It’s a museum of inappropriateness and lots of giggles. Ummm… and they have a bar. You bet they have a Valentine’s Day special. It’s a bit steep at $105 per ticket and I can’t really justify it so maybe just buy the $20 general admission and go to Eataly after. Also, Shake Shack and Tacombi are nearby.
Venchi – Your Willy Wonka Dreams have come true with the largest chocolate waterfall in North America. Newly opened and the hottest spot since the Nutella Cafe, this Italian sweet shop will wow you and give you diabetes all at the same time. Serving gelato, crepes, coffee and of course lots of chocolate.
Winter Village – Want an activity? Head to Bryant Park for some ice skating. If you think ice skating is lame or you just don’t feel like face planting that evening, they have bumper cars for the rink. That’s right – bumper cars! They have tons of shops and food options as well – all instagram worthy. If you’re getting too cold in this polar vortex, go grab a warm seat at the enclosed bar called The Lodge.
LROOM Cafe – Treat yo self with the finest latte – a 24k Gold Latte that is. It’s called the “Bling Bling Honey Latte” and it’s made with edible glitter and kicks golden milk made with turmeric to the curb. What started as a flower shop, has added a cafe with beautiful concoctions almost too pretty to eat (aka perfect for instagram.) They’ve created pastries, waffles and drinks made to resemble floral arrangements. We recommend this place for the single ladies where you can get something better than flowers and jewelry – *edible* flowers and jewelry.
1803NYC – This was added to the list because it’s NYC’s hottest restaurant right now. Newly open with a New Orleans’ vibe and a strong culinary scene that’s creating tons of buzz. Get more than dinner and drinks, stay for the live Jazz which is making a huge comeback these days appealing to younger crowds.
PHD – A pop up roof top bar with an interesting acronym but actually stands for Penthouse at the Dream. We have a soft spot for The Dream. We’ve been going there since we looked old enough to be there. Now the Dream has a great new rooftop which you can never have enough in any city.
Aperol Spritz was the drink of the summer, tailor made for the social media generation. Originated in Venice in the 1950s with its popularity revived today due to Campari’s aggressive marketing campaign. This drink is more than just the next rosé as Americans conform to the European lifestyle of sipping and relaxing while they drink. There has also been a noticeable shift amongst US palates towards more bitter flavors. This cocktail is here to stay.
Aperol took off in trend-setting cities like New York. They took this already trendy cocktail and reworked it as a frozen version mnemonic of the frosé. The demand heightened for the classic Aperol Spritz so much that bars put Aperol on tap.
Aperol Spritz has made its way to Austin which is no surprise as this growing city is at the forefront in the cocktail scene. Not only is the spritz popular at bars but they have given this drink a southern touch. If you look closely on cocktail menus you will find different variations of this bitter orange, gentian, rhubarb-floral aperitif.
NYC: You can find Aperol Spritz on tap at Dante or The Maritime Hotel. The Maritime also serves frozen Aperol Spritz (credited to creating this frozen drink). If you not only want an Aperol Spritz but also the European vibe to come with it, Bagatelle is your spot. Tip: Aperol has become so popular that if you do not see it on the menu, just ask for it as any bar or restaurant will serve it.
NYC is pretty iconic – some of the most amazing movies are filmed here such as Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Even if you’ve never watched the movie, you’ve at least heard of it. The funny thing is, you can’t actually have breakfast at Tiffany’s…. until now! Tiffany’s finally opened The Blue Box Cafe at their New York flagship store on Fifth Avenue.
This was exciting news to anyone and everyone who loves Audrey Hepburn and it even brought excitement to emotionless New Yorkers. So you can imagine reservations are hard to come by considering locals and tourists want in. Already a popular tourist destination as you see people walking the streets with that famous little blue bag. Tiffany’s had to implement a reservation system to accommodate the huge demand for their small cafe. They specifically state you cannot sell your reservation. Even after a year of being open, it’s near impossible to get a table. So how do you get in?!
Here’s where we step in to guide you. I warn you – it’s not easy but we have pointers. Also, the hard work is totally worth it! The food and ambiance are spectacular and it’s an iconic moment you will have in NYC.
1.) You can only get a reservation on Resy.com – Go to the Tiffany’s website where they give you their specific link. Click “make a reservation” and it will bring you to their reservation page on Resy.
2.) Setup an account on Resy and link your Credit Card beforehand. Do this the night before. You will need your credit card to hold your reservation which is common at popular NYC restaurants. They also have a $25 cancellation fee. (Lame but whatever. You know you won’t cancel.)
3.) Everything is booked up a month in advance. Go to the reservation calendar and see what the next available date is to book. Calculate what day you want your reservation and what day it will open up.
4.) Reservations will open at 9am daily and book up instantly. This is no joke! Even if you go on the website at 9am on the dot and have your reservation all set, by the time you hit the button to book it, it’s sold out. There are no guarantees and no holding your reservation. So set your alarm and get ready!
Tip: You will have to try multiple times. If you don’t get a reservation at 9am that day, you have to wait until the next day at 9am to get the following open date.
Tip: Try for uncommon times. Best is to book on a weekday in the evening. Weekends and mornings are the hardest to come by. Don’t count on at 10am reservation for a Saturday. Try for a Wednesday at 5pm.
Tip: You will need determination. Don’t quit if you can’t get a reservation even the first 3 times.
Recap: Setup an account on Resy the night before. Calculate when your reservation date will open. Set your alarm for when reservations open at 9am. Book an unpopular time. If you do not succeed, try again because it will happen and it’s so worth it. God speed!
’tis the season for festive instagram posts. Here are our top spots for great pics and a good time.
1.) ROLF’S German Restaurant in NYC
When you step inside this restaurant and bar, you feel like you’re inside a xmas tree. It’s covered in xmas ornaments from floor to ceiling making a great photo op for the gram. With specialty cocktails for the holiday, it’s a perfect place to meet up with friends to celebrate.
2.) The Who-tel at the W in Austin
What’s better than feeling like you’re in a Christmas tree? How about being inside a Dr. Seuss book. In Downtown Austin at The W Hotel it’s decorated like a modern Whoville with a bar. The themed cocktails are more than just for the instagram – They are delicious!
3.) Miracle on 5th Street in Austin
Nothing says Christmas more than the leg lamp in the window and that’s how you’ll be greeted at this bar on 5th street in Downtown Austin. Themed drinks with snowballs in them and even the option to do a shot ski. As much as the front of the bar looks, don’t forget to check out the rest of the place and even the ski lodge upstairs.
4.) The Lodge – Bollinger Bar at The Winter Village in Bryant Park
NYC is at its best during the Christmas season with all the lights and when Bryant Park transforms into a winter village. After some ice skating enjoy hot chocolate, treats or head over to the bar at The Lodge. Grab a great pic in front of the Christmas tree or the iconic Bryant Park fountain as it famously ices over in the winter.
The Pineapple Life 