Winter in New York City can be a difficult time. With the cold temperatures and short days, many people find themselves dealing with the winter blues. Thankfully, there are plenty of cozy restaurants in NYC that provide a much-needed reprieve during the coldest months of the year. From tucked away bars and restaurants to heartwarming comfort food, these cozy spots are sure to lift your spirits as you make it through the winter weather.
Cocktail Bars and Speakeasies to Warm Up
When it comes to cozy restaurants in NYC, few things compare to a dimly lit bar or speakeasy. These tucked away spots provide a warm atmosphere that’s perfect for warming up and escaping the cold. Here are some of the best cocktail bars and speakeasies for a cozy evening in NYC:
1) The Butterfly: Located in the heart of Chinatown, this underground speakeasy serves up classic cocktails and an atmosphere that perfectly encapsulates an art deco speakeasy.
2) Please Don’t Tell: With its hidden entrance located inside a hot dog shop, this bar has become an iconic New York City experience. The inside of the bar channels a ’20s speakeasy with a secret menu of craft cocktails.
3) Angel’s Share: Angel’s Share is tucked away in the back of a Japanese restaurant in the East Village. Its upscale atmosphere and delicious craft cocktails provide the perfect cozy atmosphere to beat the winter blues.
4) The Up & Up: Located in the heart of Greenwich Village, The Up & Up channels a true English pub with wood-paneled walls, rustic furniture and an extensive selection of craft beers and whiskeys.
Cozy Brunch Spots
On a cold winter day in NYC, nothing beats a warm brunch spot to break up the day. Here are some of the best cozy brunch spots for escaping the winter blues:
1) Empire Diner: Located in Chelsea, Empire Diner is a classic NYC diner serving up all the comfort food favorites from pancakes and waffles to burgers and sandwiches.
2) Russ & Daughters Cafe: Located in the Lower East Side, Russ & Daughters cafe has become an iconic brunch spot. Visitors can enjoy classic bagel sandwiches and smoked fish dishes surrounded by old-school wallpaper and vintage photos.
3) Cafe Mogador: This cozy spot located in the East Village offers traditional Moroccan flavors like tagines, couscous and b’stilla; all of which can be enjoyed surrounded by Moroccan-style tiles and a warm atmosphere.
4) Two Hands: This Australian-style cafe offers up an array of hearty dishes to whet your winter appetites. From the granola bowl to the avocado toast, Two Hands has something for everyone, all wrapped in their cozy atmosphere.
Cozy Restaurants Serving Comfort Food
Nothing beats a plate of comfort food to combat the winter blues. Here are some cozy restaurants that serve up classic comfort dishes:
1) Jack’s Wife Freda: Located in the West Village, this cozy spot serves up all-day breakfast, delicious salads and classic Middle Eastern dishes in a bright, inviting atmosphere.
2) Norma’s: This all-day cafe offers up generous portions of classic comfort dishes like mac and cheese, fried chicken and pancakes. The atmosphere is perfect for an evening of indulgence.
3) Smorgasburg: This weekly indoor food market located in Williamsburg serves up an array of comfort food dishes from tacos to Chinese bao to grilled cheese.
4) The Sandwich Shop: This East Village restaurant offers an array of classic sandwiches, including patty melts and Reubens, that are sure to combat the winter blues.
What to Order to Warm Up
When it comes to winter-warming dishes, here are some of the must-try’s:
1) Hot Toddy: Nothing beats a hot toddy to warm up. This cocktail combines whiskey, honey and lemon for a perfectly cozy evening.
2) Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Nothing evokes the spirit of comfort like a grilled cheese sandwich. The combination of cheese and butter on warm toast is a surefire cure for the winter blues.
3) Griddle Cakes: These fried pancakes are the perfect way to start off a winter morning. Dunking them into syrup provides a warmth that is sure to take off the chill of the morning.
4) Chili: Nothing says comfort better than a big bowl o’ chili. The combination of chilli powder, beans, peppers and tomatoes provides a warmth that will last the entire evening.
Winter in New York City can be a difficult time to get through, but luckily, cozy restaurants in NYC provide a much-needed reprieve. From tucked away bars and speakeasies to classic comfort food dishes, these places provide a cozy atmosphere to help everyone weather the cold. Whether you’re looking for a hot toddy to warm up or a plate of chili to heat up, these cozy restaurants are sure to provide the comfort you need to beat the winter blues.
