This charming German restaurant in Gramercy combines Bavarian comfort food with an outrageous year-round display of Christmas lights and decorations that immerses visitors in festive cheer, making it a must-see spot for those craving a unique holiday experience.
"If seeking truly extreme Christmas decorations, head to this kitschy, over-the-top Third Avenue German restaurant. Rolf’s is a sight to behold during the month of December, though the decorations are up year-round. Take note: It will be jammed." - Eater Staff
"Some people put up Christmas lights as soon as the Thanksgiving table has been cleared, and then there’s Rolf’s. This German restaurant in Gramercy is decked out in colorful lights, wreaths, ornaments, and dolls year-round, so by the time you add a fresh dusting of Christmas cheer in December, it fully transforms into the Grinch’s 7th circle of hell. And we’re here for it. Rolf’s should definitely be on your New York bucket list, but if you don’t already have a reservation for dinner this month, you should plan to wait for a spot at the bar or try your luck with lunch. They only take reservations by phone. " - neha talreja
"New York City Some people put up Christmas lights as soon as they clear the Thanksgiving table, and then there’s Rolf’s. This German restaurant is decked out in colorful lights, wreaths, ornaments, and dolls all year, so by the time you add a fresh dusting of Christmas cheer in December, it fully transforms into the Grinch’s 7th circle of hell. Rolf’s should definitely be on your New York bucket list, but if you don’t already have a reservation for dinner this month, plan on waiting for a spot at the bar or trying your luck with lunch. " - team infatuation
"Some people put up Christmas lights as soon as the Thanksgiving table has been cleared, and then there’s Clark Griswold and Martha May Whovier, and then there’s Rolf’s. This German bar and restaurant in Gramercy is decked out in colorful lights, wreaths, ornaments, and dolls year-round, and when you’re drinking mulled wine or spiced eggnog here, you’ll put off getting your A/C out of storage for another week." - matt tervooren
"This kitschy German gem was founded near Gramercy Park in 1968, when German influences in the neighborhood remained evident. While mainly Bavarian, it also acknowledges the influences of the adjacent French province of Alsace, while bedecking itself for much of the year in Christmas decorations, which makes it strangely lovable. The rahm schnitzel in cream sauce might remind you of Texas chicken-fried steak, while the beef stew might as well have originated in France. Not a bad spot for a wacky date" - Robert Sietsema, Viktoria Muench
