New York’s Essential Cozy Locales

With cracked oil paintings, taxidermied deer heads, and a wood-paneled interior, Freemans practically glows with warmth. At this hidden colonial-style tavern, elevated comfort food graces the menu, from roasted lamb loin to creamy mashed potatoes. Two chips into the hot artichoke dip, and you’ll forget you’re in Manhattan.

This tiny Greenwich Village gem is as charming as it gets. The interior is dimly lit, the menu handwritten, and an alluring black bar rests against a marble backdrop. Throw in elegant French food without the fuss—and one spectacular chocolate tart—and MIMI is sure to become your new favorite date spot.

Nothing warms the soul better than a hearty stew. And at this homey Korean bistro, you’re in for the very best. From chicken bone broth noodle soups to kimchi-laced hot pots, Her Name is Han doesn’t kid when it says “Share a pot, ease your heart.” They’re the stuff that makes the cold bearable. Almost.

Tucked on the cobblestoned Bond Street, Il Buco retains the charm from its old antique store days. Here, the cucina is rustica, the wine flows, and the 200-year-old cellar inspired a chilling short story by Edgar Allan Poe. Simply put, Il Buco is a haven where three-hour-long dinners unravel in the blink of an eye.

There’s no better place to escape the winter chill than at The NoMad: with its Persian rugs, brocade curtains, and plush velvet chairs, the restaurant whisks you away to a château in France. The move here is to book a table in the aptly named Fireplace room, and order the whole-roasted chicken for two, which comes stuffed with black truffle, brioche, and foie gras.

There’s something about this West Village mainstay that keeps on giving. It could be the delectable seasonal menu with French-leaning riffs (looking at you, excellent saucisson à l’ail). Or the scene, which is best observed from above, perched on a stool for pre-dinner drinks at the bar. Or the late-night bites and cocktails. All in all, Joseph Leonard oozes with charm and verve.

Williamsburg’s coolest boutique hotel is all gussied up for the holiday season. Think winter-wonderland domes—complete with thick blankets, faux fur throws, and hot cocoa—surrounded by dozens of Christmas trees. Sounds like a dream? Grab your seven closest friends, and make a Resy.

This intimate Fort Greene trattoria is your one-way ticket to curing the winter blues. Simple in décor, Roman’s excels in the kitchen, where seasonality takes center stage. The Italian-inspired menu leans on house-made pasta, addicting contorni, and sustainably-sourced meats—it’s cuisine made and delivered with heart, where each spoonful is a balm to the soul.

With its tufted leather booths, marble fireplace, and dark wood accents, Chumley’s feels like an exclusive, old-school club you lucked your way into. At this former speakeasy, you’re getting refined American plates with European flair—including a decadent burger topped with bone marrow—under the watchful gaze of the literary elite (that is, their framed portraits).