All this blustery weather has got us jonesing for an upstate getaway. With these cozy log cabin-style bars, there’s no need to skip town for your dose of hygge.
Sink into one of the high-backed leather booths and know that you’re in good hands at the newest low-key cool bar by the crew behind El Cortez and The Commodore. Arrive with a sense of humor — there’s a raccoon dangling from a piece of driftwood mounted on the wall — and indulge your winter wonderland fantasies by gazing at the mountain lake scene behind the bar and eating the food of… the South? Coconut collard greens and a smoked chicken sandwich are among the compact menu, and you can’t beat $9 well cocktails. Just shrug and enjoy.579 Meeker Ave. The Lately
Coming next month, this Chelsea bar from Den Hospitality (The Garret) will be “loosely modeled after an upstate cabin of yore with a fireplace, playful wallpaper and modern flourishes — think ‘Mad Men’ meets ‘Twin Peaks.’” So, slightly spooky with strong cocktails to steady your nerves? On the menu: the classics Don Draper would expect alongside coffee mezcal and coconut avocado margaritas, with casual bar food like wursts and hot pretzels. 357 W. 16th St. Times Square is the last place you’d think of for a relaxing escape in the city, butThe Knickerbocker Hotel has you covered. As long as the cold weather lasts, the Club Room of its St. Cloud bar is ready to welcome you into its modernist cabin complete with birch trees, cozy faux fur blankets and dishes like raclette and a nice hot cup of buttered apple cider. 6 Times Square You can now play the only sport (besides Quidditch) that uses brooms at The Standard, East Village. They’ve decided to extend their winter pop-up forest dotted with heated Alpine yurts (the original winterized cabin) on the outdoor patio of Narcissathrough March 26 and brought in a curling lane, which can be reserved for two hours with its own yurt for an evening of fondue and spiked hot drinks for 6 to 12 people ($500 minimum). Through March 26, 25 Cooper Square, 212-228-3344 As befits the home of “Sleep No More,” The McKittrick is a little bit 1920s glamour and little bit “The Shining.” Wind your way to the roof, where a pine forest has sprung up along with seasonal log cabin bar/restaurant The Lodge. Snuggle up by a fire pit (it’s open air, so dress warmly), lounge in a rocking chair or dine inside your own private bungalow crammed with books and blankets over pizzas and small plates like fried oysters. 542 W. 27th St., Chelsea A working fireplace is the best reason to head to this Boerum Hill bar — because you can roast their s’mores over real flames! Going for more of a summer camp vibe than wintry indulgence, there’s karaoke, board games and plenty of something only the counselors got to indulge in at real camp: cheap beer.179 Smith St. Feel like you’re sitting in the great outdoors without the chill at this mountain-top wonderland. A wall of greenery has sprung up, studded with lights, and snow-capped decor like frosted topiaries surround you amid fur rugs and wooden benches. Sip on warm winter cocktails like Swedish glogg alongside bites like figgy baked brie while gazing out through the picture windows at the snow-dappled city. Dream Midtown, 210 W. 55th St. Eataly Flatiron has brought back its seasonal rooftop winter garden, sprinkling fake snow on spruces and decking the ceilings with garlands, plastering up nostalgic travel posters and setting out Adirondack chairs with faux fur throws. But the vibe is best enjoyed inside the bar’s log cabin at the back (get a group of up to 10 together to reserve it) over a plate of northern Italian fare — heartier food to match the weather. Enjoy it through April. 200 Fifth Ave. Tucked away on the second floor of the new Arlo Nomad Hotel is BARlo, an upstate cabin-style hideaway of wood paneling, fur throws and weekly large-format dinners in addition to the full menu (pan pizzas, savory cannolis) from chef Dale Talde’s downstairs “Italian-ish” restaurant Massoni. By day, relax with Italian-American cocktails over board games and cards; by night, it becomes a party. 11 E. 31st St.
Ride out winter in New York’s log cabin-themed bars
Brandon Hardin
