Rolf’s Bar & Restaurant

“It's a Christmas wonderland in there and it really makes you feel like a little kid again with all the decorations.”

“Popped in here a couple weeks before Christmas with my pal Erin for nice warm glass of gluhwein (mulled wine) to ward off the winter chill.”

“Now I want you to imagine what Christmas would be like on a heavy amount of psychedelic drugs.”

Rolf’s Bar & Restaurant

Takes Reservations: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Happy Hour: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes

Price range.

$$ Price range $11-30

Spotting a captivating slot game themed around ancient Egypt, I eagerly tapped to start spinning the reels at Platinum Play Casino. The game’s vivid graphics and immersive sound effects transported me to a world of pharaohs and pyramids, adding an extra layer of excitement to my dining experience.

With each spin, I felt a surge of anticipation, eagerly awaiting the outcome as I sipped my wine and enjoyed the delectable aroma of Italian cuisine wafting from the kitchen. The thrill of the game heightened my senses, making each bite of pasta taste even more exquisite.

8 reviews

  1. The atmosphere here is absolutely stunning and the main reason that this place is so popular during the holiday season. The decorations are tremendous, not tacky or gaudy. We made a reservation beforehand, which I would recommend because it was only 5:45pm the place was packed with quite a few parties waiting (we came on a Saturday in January). We were seated right away.

    I will say that the food was quite underwhelming. I had barely dabbled in German cuisine before but I thought that it was quite bland. None of us were impressed. Regardless, I would absolutely seek this spot out for it's decor – one of a kind!

  2. My biggest issue with Rolf's is the lack of music. For what is pretty much a tourist attraction with overwhelming holiday theme, the whole vibe would have been GREATLY improved with some music! Christmas music or otherwise! It's so surprising to me when bars or in this case bar/restaurants aren't playing any music. What's up with that? You stand in a very long line to get sardine packed into a very small bar area to order your thick cinnamon beverage and listen to everyone scream over each other. It's very hard to get to a bartender for obvious reasons, but once you do its lackluster. Again, for such a holiday attraction, some simple music and kindness would take this to the level it should be at. From what I understand, it's incredibly difficult to get a dinner reservation which you really don't have to do. Just go get your eggnog, take your Instagram picture and peace out. (After waiting in an hour long line). I don't regret going because it's one of those things you have to check out once. Really, the decor is beautiful. But once was enough and I probably won't be back.

    Oh, and to top things off, we were double charged for our drinks. I understand that they're extremely busy and that it's probably easy to get disorganized, but when we call the restaurant pretty much daily for two weeks to complain about the discrepancy, answer the phone.

  3. Rolf's holiday decor is over the top! You will feel like you are inside the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree only with a lot more Christmas colors, ornaments and where u can be warm and enjoy a fancy holiday themed cocktail! It's worth a walk through, and worth staying for a drinking to enjoy the scene.

    You can make reservations (but must call at least in the AM or night before as they are too busy to answer the phone during the dinner hours). Walkins are welcome!!The wait can be over an hour, but with a couple of friends or date night, you can enjoy a couple cocktails at the bar first before dinner. Drinks are each roughly $15, but a good portion and made with a good amount of alcohol and very smooth.

    The food is German. Lots of sausage, brawtwaust and sauerkraut. Food was Fresh. A good New Years dinner to get in your pork and sauerkraut meal.

    Oh and sometimes there will be celebrity citing me as we saw Kardashian sisters at a table the last time we were there.
    Happy holidays!!

  4. "The winder wonderland"

    I used to come here quite a bit when I lived in the neighborhood 9 years ago. Where does the time go? I can definitely nothing has really changed about this place, which is a good thing. Well . . . maybe the place is a little brighter. Aside from the 'christmas" lights and decoration YEAR ROUND, Rolf's is a relatively simple and low key bar with great service. The bar is kind of small so it may not be best to come with a large party, especially around Christmas time.

  5. This is the most magical place ever. You have to come here while the Christmas decorations are up! The service isn't as awful as people describe–our server was pretty friendly considering the buttloads of people that were there that night. Just a word of warning, my bf had to call a month in advance to get a table that night but you can also wait on line for the bar (although it can get cold since it extends outside).

    With lines out the door and delicious food & drinks, this place 'clearly' deserves a 2.5.

  6. Stopped by here for drinks and to look at the Christmas decorations during the holiday season with friends. If you're looking for great service or chill atmosphere to catch up with friends – Rolf's is not the place. The restaurant is hectic over the holidays. There is always a line – 30min to an hour wait if you're lucky.

    The place is always packed with people rubbing elbow to elbow. Once you are inside, the bouncer directs you to the bar. You will most likely need to push your way through to even order your first drink. The bartenders are always in the rush – they expect you to pick out your drinks, give them your credit card, sign the receipt and leave. They aren't really friendly and have a 'don't waste my time attitude'.

    The positive side to this place is that the Christmas decorations really are beautiful, and both the spiked eggnog (with a cinnamon stick) and mulled wine are delicious (despite it being $17 per drink). The drinks are surprisingly strong too – you can really taste the liquor. That's a plus.

    Once we finished our drinks, the bouncer guarding the entrance asked us if we are ordering anything else from the bar. We said no. So he kicked our party out and reminded us that this "is not a place to stand around and look at decorations".

    Okay then bye.

  7. My friends and I were DYING to visit the place during the holidays for their beautiful Christmas decorations that everyone knows about. We finally got there and we had to wait on this HUGE line just to get in to the bar, not even to sit and eat. Once we finally got in, it was so packed you could barely breathe. People were like fighting for bar stools! And of course we wanted to take pictures and enjoy the experience but it was really hard especially when people were giving you looks and whatnot. I would not recommend coming on the weekends during the holidays for this. Also the drinks are around $18 and higher.

  8. Holiday Review Only!

    I wasn't so interested in their food because their wait was about two hours, but if it's that long if a wait then it has to be good. I came here to see the infamous lights and holiday decor which is displayed from floor to ceiling, even behind the bar.

    Drinks: Cider and Hot Sangria were delicious!

    Warning: We ordered their infamous holiday drink and it was very strong, too strong where you could only sip it and usually I drink strong drinks.

    If you see a long wait and you just want to hang out in tight places with cool decor around you for the holidays, just walk in. I went around 7pm and it was packed! To the point where people fight for space and they would have to squeeze and rub against everyone and apologize for being in their face. But hey! What an experience it was.

    After speaking with a regular at the bar, he said only during xmas time is like this. Other than that it's your usual quiet, German bar that you cn easily read a book at.

    Definitely coming back here next year!

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3rd Avenue 281
New York 10010 NY US
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Monday, 12:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Tuesday, 12:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Wednesday, 12:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Thursday, 12:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Friday, 12:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Saturday, 12:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Sunday, 12:00 pm - 10:30 pm