GLI Foodie Guide sponsored by The Christmas Extravaganza at Brightwaters Farms in Bay Shore. Click here to learn more.
Whether I’m sitting at the bar with friends or enjoying a family dinner, I want all the cozy holiday feels this time of year from my bars and restaurants. I’m talking Christmas music, gingerbread cocktails, giant wreaths, ornaments, dreidels, twinkling lights. You name it, I want it. And I bet I’m not alone. So here’s a quick list of Long Island spots that go all-out for the holidays.
Top credit: Del Vino Vinyards on Facebook
PRIMI Italian Steakhouse
West Islip
This place was built for Christmas, with soaring ceilings, a roaring centerpiece fireplace, communal options and that piano. Decor wise, the design staff blended several styles, including modern ornament installations, subdued Victorian-era garland and trim, and, of course, Christmas trees. Even the monitors show wintery scenes, instead of the games.
Satin Widrow photos
Del Vino Vineyards
Northport
Del Vino Vineyards really leans into Christmas, transforming its prime acreage each year into something even Santa couldn’t miss from the sky. And it’s huge Christmas tree stays lit throughout the season and a bit beyond. Even after the holidays, this place remains a winter wonderland. Del Vino is also fresh off being named among OpenTable’s Top 100 restaurants in the U.S. for a fourth year in a row.
Enjoy an outstanding meal under an awe-inspiring, high glass ceiling adorned with chandeliers, snowflakes, giant ornaments and twinkling light installations by New York Backdrops. Above is last season’s photo. It gets better every year.
GREAT DAYS
Vincent’s Clam Bar
Carle Place
Let’s start with the location. Vincent’s Clam Bar is directly across from Roosevelt Field, so, yeah, that’s convenient. This Italian staple has a cozy feel, with classically lit garland draped throughout. You can also watch and hear vintage Christmas performances on big screens. My personal favorite is the Andy Williams Variety Show. And the Christmas cocktails are always perfect for your IG feed.
Milleridge Inn Christmas Village
Jericho
@leahalba Milleridge Inn Christmas Village 📍 Long Island, NY! One of my favorite childhood traditions. Feels straight out of a Hallmark Movie ❤️🎄 #christmas #christmasvillage #christmasvillagetiktok #christmasaesthetic #hallmarkchristmas #hallmarkchristmastown #longislandchristmas #christmasnostalgia #christmasnostalgic ♬ It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas – Bing Crosby
This magically decorated village feels like Babes in Toyland meets A Christmas Carol. Certainly dine at the Milleridge Inn for an historic and charming, old-fashioned formal experience. Or The Carriage House for more of a pub-style meal. Afterward, stroll the village, maybe pick up an ornament from the Christmas Shoppe. The Milleridge also hosts an annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony.
A can’t-miss Revolutionary War-era farmhouse that’s wrapped in a big, red bow every Christmas season. Inside, the Country House boasts one of the most impressive holiday displays, with ornately furnished hearths and twinkling white birch installations. There’s also plenty of festive kitsch, along with an entire Christmas-themed dinner menu.
Long Island is catching up with the grand suspended ceiling installations that we see all over Manhattan during the holidays. EGP certainly provides the wow-factor experience for families looking for a more casual dining experience.
Pietro’s
East Meadow
While other restaurants have bailed on outdoor igloo dining, Pietro’s has gone all-in, and with beautiful results. The indoors at this Long Island staple is decked out every year as well. But we still prefer the Christmas igloo experience. Click here to reserve.
Birdie Bar
Northport
Birdie Bar keeps it simple for the holidays, with garland, warm lights and red ribbons. This is classic decor, and all the wood finish makes you feel like you’re in a different time. Don’t we just love to do that around the holidays?
Photos: Birdie Bar on Facebook
Lastly, let’s take another look at that King Umberto’s Patio on TikTok from last year:
@kingumbertos Come celebrate Christmas with us 🥰 #kingumberto #italianfood #fyp #longisland #newyork #nyc ♬ It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas – Michael Bublé
