Who needs snow-capped peaks and cozy ski lodges? Manhattan has all the winter wonderland you could possibly want but ice-skating, shopping or simply strolling the snow-dusted streets requires serious sustenance. Here are our cold-weather picks for toasty pit-stops when you’re out and about in NYC during the cooler months.
For a hearty post-Macy’s lunch
One of the best ways to shop when it’s below zero is to do it all in one department store. And if you choose the one-whole-city-block smorgasbord of Macy’s, visitors deserve to replace every dollar spent with meat-laden calories. Take a seat at The Breslin, tucked inside the hip Ace Hotel, and be warmed by the dark-wood surroundings, a strong Bloody Mary, and comfort food from chef April Bloomfield. We love the lamb burger for its cumin mayo and the thrice-cooked chips with lashings of salt.
The Ace
20 W. 29th Street,
New York.
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After ice-skating in Central Park
Top off a classic Manhattan winter’s afternoon spent on the ice with a cocktail just as timeless. For a true toe-warmer, you can’t beat a traditional old-world hotel bar like Randolph’s at The Warwick Hotel (one-time home of Cary Grant). Randolph’s menu of winter cocktails includes The Ginger Snap (Captain Morgan rum, brandy, ginger ale and eggnog—plus a ginger snap for dunking) and a Candy Cane Swirl Martini (raspberry vodka, cranberry juice, peppermint schnapps and Sprite).
The Warwick Hotel
65 West 54th Street,
New York.
For a pre-theater dinner or bite after the show
So you snagged a pair of tickets to see The Book of Mormon: now it’s time to think about your pre or post-Broadway meal. For all its neon-jungle awe, Times Square is a zoo so escape to a cozy red banquette at Geoffrey Zakarian’s Lambs Club, inside the Deco décor of the nearby Chatwal hotel. If the bistro fare doesn’t warm you up, a Manhattan or Gin Fizz at the Lambs Club bar just might.
The Chatwal
130 West 44th Street,
New York.
After boutique browsing on Fifth Avenue
After admiring Fifth Avenue’s finest of stores, you’ll want to retreat to a cozy den of your own to take stock. Book a room at midtown’s Royalton Hotel and you’ll be well placed to escape the shopping mob and, if you request one when making your reservation, unwind in a room with its own working fireplace. The hotel’s cocktail den, Forty Four, also has a fireplace, and serves a mean Seven Spiced Cider, full of lemon juice, honey, clove and nutmeg goodness to ward off even the chilliest of chills.
Royalton Hotel
44 W. 44th Street,
New York.
For post-West Village wandering
With its abundance of bars and restaurants, not to mention beautiful brownstones and shopping galore, the Village is a must, no matter the season. Stopping in for a bite here or a hot toddy there only makes it more irresistible. Our dream winter itinerary includes a toast to the season with a Fell’s Point Eggnog at Mas (la grillade) then parking at Mario Batalli’s Babbo and splurging on the indulgently delicious pasta tasting menu.
Mas (la grillade)
28 Seventh Ave South (between Bedford and Leroy Streets),
New York.
Babbo
110 Waverly Place,
New York.