There’s just something about Holiday Bar. Nestled on the corner of Downing Street and Sixth Avenue within the West Village, the restaurant is so buzzy it might as well be electrifying.
Unsurprisingly, the concept comes from Grand Tour Hospitality, the masterminds behind the hotspots that are, for the most part, within a stone’s throw of one another: Saint Theo’s, American Bar, and The Lambs Club housed within the historic Chatwal Hotel in Times Square.
The décor seemingly draws inspiration from Cher Horowitz’s iconic Encino mansion in Clueless. Alas, there are no columns dating back to 1972. However, the swanky mirrored bar lined with colorful bottles of booze, funky glassware, and a neon depiction of shirtless Narcissus seemingly dancing to the restaurant’s killer soundtrack would surely woo Christian.
While Clueless was not cited as the hospitality group’s main source of design influence, Babylon Club of Scarface and Cell Block Club of Cocktail surely were…along with iconic New York City nightclubs of the 1980s such as the semi-underground Paradise Garage.
Doubling down on the retro and film-driven aesthetic, the space is almost entirely made up of expertly sourced vintage finds: Ikea sconces, plates sourced from Etsy, and off-white leather banquettes. Complete with classic Cesca chairs, pink terrazzo flooring, and a suite of prints by Alex Katz, the dining room is a playful masterpiece all its own. Even the bathroom, with its small screen playing fashion shows on a loop, will have you telling the table, “You have to go see it for yourself!”
Patrons may find it difficult to pinpoint which region of the world informed the menu––but that’s the point. Helmed by Chefs Dina Fan and Marc Howard, patrons should feel as though they’re on a holiday of their creation while browsing the menu. From Greece to Goa, West Africa to the Caribbean and Latin America, flavors from far-flung corners of the globe find their place with an emphasis on seafood.
Split some appetizers such as Crab & Artichoke Dip and Chicken Spring Roll, or opt for one of the raw bar offerings, like Hamachi Crudo or Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail. The sushi menu is ever the crowd-pleaser––specifically, the off-menu option of the evening. Entrées riff on surf ‘n’ truf, from Miso Black Cod to Steak Frites. Interestingly, everyone seems to order the Holiday Burger, though a large party of carnivorous friends may prefer the Tomahawk Steak, which arrives on a massive platter overflowing with veggies, potatoes, and salads.
The global focus from the kitchen also made its mark on the beverage program, with wines from Lebanon and China alongside the usual suspects––Italy, France, and California. Martini lovers will be pleased to find there is no shortage of choices. Plus, the sake program was established with sushi bar pairings in mind.
Ultimately, dinner at Holiday Bar is THE one and only activity for the evening. After all, why leave when it has everything one could wish for––seafood, martinis, incredible music, and some of the city’s best people-watching?
Top Takeaways
Location: Greenwich Village, New York City
Address: 10 Downing St, New York, NY 10014
Reservations: Yes – Resy
The vibe: If Cher Horowitz from Clueless were to open a restaurant, Holiday Bar would be it.
Our favorite thing on the menu: Start with the Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice or the Crab & Artichoke Dip. Order the Miso Black Cod or the Holiday Burger as an entrée. Swing by on Tuesday evenings to partake in the $10 Martini Special.
The attire: Smart casual
Breakfast, lunch, or dinner: Dinner: Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
