With the first snow {it was just a little bit — quite the tease!} behind us and Christmas and New Year’s about to go down, ‘tis the season to grab your boyfriend or your besties and imbibe in a little holiday cheer. We’ve gathered five bars and restaurants with next-level Christmas decorations and seasonal spirits to enjoy throughout the holiday season — and being that most of these are off-the-beaten path and have such an inviting vibe [+ stellar cocktails], you won’t ever want to go home. Here they are:
Grand Vin {500 Grand Street}
With stockings dotting the bar and wine for days, you’ll be awash in the holiday spirit before taking your first sip of the evening. Opt for the Christmas Sangria — an inspiring mix of chardonnay, apple cider, ginger beer, apples, and cranberries.
The Brass Rail {135 Washington Street}
As a cornerstone of Washington Street, it comes as no surprise that The Brass Rail lights up downtown both inside and out. Not to mention the garland-adorned staircase is practically made for #tistheseason Instagram snaps! Winter twists on classic cocktails include a ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, described as turning a “Pimm’s Cup cocktail into fruitcake in a glass” and a Snowboken, a winter Dutch mule made with Ketal One Citros, Lillet Rouge, winterberries and ginger beer. Coming in from the cold? A heated Winter Lemonade should warm you up in no time!
Moran’s {501 Garden Street}
You can always count on an Irish pub to pile on the seasonal spirit. With Christmas trees in the window and fairy lights on the walls, you can settle in with a Moran’s Irish Whiskey or one of the three ciders they offer to keep you warm and cozy on a cold winter’s night.
See More: The Best Wine Bars in Hoboken and Jersey City
The Shepherd and the Knucklehead {1313 Willow Avenue}
The Shep is known for its extensive craft beer selection {and doesn’t have as cozy a vibe as the rest of the list}, but it only makes sense that they’d have a seriously impressive list of holiday-themed brews on tap — including three different Christmas ales— so we had to mention! And if drafts aren’t your thing, rest assured your festive fix will be still be satisfied: Specialty cocktails like their Winter Milkshake, Christmas Mint Martini and Santa’s Mule (pictured) are sure to hit the sweet spot.
Onieals {343 Park Avenue}
Three words: Cinnamon Toast Wassail. Enjoy the most quintessential beverage of the season in a restaurant decked out in lights, stockings and garland, or try one of their famous Mules, because drinking out of a copper mug just feels celebratory and decadent! If that doesn’t impress you, their burger [and decor] definitely will.
Just a few fun and festive spots to enjoy winter cocktails {even after Christmas}. What’s your fave place to grab a cozy drink in town?
