It's on 3 of my lists. Each entry below is what I wrote about it there, with my verdict on that list, the fullest first.
- SubwayL to 1 Av, 6 min
- Address129 E 18th St, New York, NY
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
Pete’s Tavern opened in 1864, making it one of the oldest bars in New York City. Fun fact. The tavern posed as a flower shop during prohibition. But if history alone isn’t enough to entice you, perhaps the fact that it’s one of the most heavily Christmas decorated restaurants in New York City might.
The bar oozes old-world charm, with hundreds of twinkling lights adding a modern dazzle to the storied establishment. The food is great too and it pairs nicely with pints of cold beers.
Rumor has it, O. Henry wrote The Gift of the Magi at Pete’s Tavern in 1905. The beloved holiday tale makes an appearance every year around the holidays. In the story, two people want to get each other a gift but can’t because of financial hardship. They then sell their own most prized possession to get the gift for the other, only to find the other has done the same thing. Sound familiar?
Unpopular opinion. I’ll die on this hill, you haven’t really experienced NYC food culture until you’ve tried Table of Contents. Christmas Decorated Restaurants in NYC.
I’ve been here in every season. My favorite? Fall, when the light hits just right.
Established in 1864, Pete’s Tavern served New Yorkers for over a century and a half, surviving the Prohibition by moonlighting as a flower shop. In 1969, the historic restaurant was designated a New York City Landmark.
Over its long history, Pete’s Tavern has been a favorite spot for both locals and notable figures, including the author O. Henry, who is said to have written “The Gift of the Magi” at the establishment.
The story has many iterations, like when Minnie Mouse trades her watch to buy Mickey a case for his harmonica. Likewise, Mickey sells his harmonica to buy Minnie a chain for her watch. Even if the name is unfamiliar, there’s a chance you know the story well.
Today, Pete’s Tavern remains a historic NYC establishment, offering classic American fare and serves as one of the oldest New York City restaurants. The bar is full of folks looking to enjoy a cold beer in a cozy, old-world setting.
Pete’s Tavern opened in 1864, making it one of the oldest bars in New York City. In fact, they stayed open through prohibition by posing as a flower shop. It’s also one of the best-decorated Christmas bars in New York City. Hundreds of Christmas lights adorn the quaint neighborhood bar.
It’s also said that O. Henry wrote the famous holiday short story “The Gift of the Magi” at Pete’s in 1905. It’s become a timeless tale of love and sacrifice, where a couple facing financial struggles each secretly gives up their most prized possession to buy a gift for the other. The fun bit of history makes Pete’s one of the best bars in New York City to visit for Christmas.