Holiday Spirits

By Written by Ashley N Day on November 22nd, 2010

Nothing says you’re ahead of the holiday schedule like the Bryant Park skating rink melting in the sun today, but if you’re already itching for the Home Alone soundtrack and premature Christmas spirit like I was this weekend, stop by Rolf’s German Restaurant in Gramercy. The restaurant’s window decor alone puts Macy’s to shame and the whole interior follows suit.

Upon entering you see the room splits between a bar and dinner seating underneath an overwhelming display of evergreens. Adorned with cherubim’s, ornaments and icicles the decorations cover the entire ceiling and every wall. The bar mirrors are obstructed by a monstrous wreath and a slew of ornaments. Santa’s riding his sleigh across the room divider and angels are blowing horns from every corner. You won’t find another bar in the city as festive and decorative as Rolf’s, and the cheer is inescapable.

The menu offers a traditional German array, including plenty of Schnitzels and -wurst. I’ve only had soup to eat–a bowl of butternut squash is perfect in proportion, smooth and satisfying–but I go for the beer. The restaurant makes a separate menu specifically for Christmas, available on its website.

The bar keeps strictly German beers on tap served in large portions. (Seriously, my boyfriend and I split one.) For the holidays, everyone who stopped in tried a warm German wine served with a cinnamon stick in each glass. Both options are pricey, but worth sampling to try something different and distinctly German. The beer is strong and flavorful, and the wine is uniquely contenting. On a particularly freezing night for walking far, I was relaxed and soothed by the oddly warm, sweetened taste. The perfect amount of cinnamon made this a great late night treat.

If you’re up for a little exploring or anxious for holiday tunes Rolf’s is ideal for a brief visit. The atmosphere isn’t quite lively enough to be your main destination, but it’s a fun seasonal venture especially if you know a local German who’d appreciate it. You pay for the decor, but they’ll have you in the Christmas spirit, and it could put an end to your Bud Light streak. Happy Holidays!