The holiday season is upon us, so if you’re planning on taking the whole family on a trip down to Manhattan to check out Rockefeller Center’s iconic Christmas tree, chances are you’re already dreading the big crowds.
Skip the city’s infamously long wait times and pop into one of these Westchester spots before piling into the nearest Grand Central Terminal-bound Metro-North train. These spots are within walking distance of Metro-North stations — with options for the Harlem, Hudson, and New Haven lines — and are sure to guarantee a festive, fuss-free meal.
Harlem (Blue) Line
Zero Otto Nove
16 Depot Sq, Tuckahoe; 914.337.6941
This Arthur Ave staple brings the best of the Bronx to the heart of Tuckahoe. Serving up old-world-inspired Italian dishes with a twist, there’s something here for everyone in the family — picky eaters included. You won’t want to miss specialties like melt-in-your-mouth short ribs (which have been braised for hours in Peroni beer and cherry peppers), creamy and cheesy cacio e pepe featuring homemade bucatini pasta, and fresh zuppa di pesce made with mussels, clams, shrimp, and other delectable fish in a tomato sauce. Top the meal off with an 089 Manhattan, complete with Maker’s Mark bourbon, Ramazotti amaro, and bitters, before crossing the street and hopping on a train headed south.
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Pete’s Tavern
18-20 Park Pl, Bronxville; 914.337.9887
Cozy and classic are the perfect words to describe Bronxville’s Pete’s Tavern. Known for extra crispy fries and fry sauce you can’t find anywhere else, this local spot satisfies every single time. Sip on beers at the bar or ask your server for recommended seasonal picks to wash down a crispy buffalo chicken wrap, featuring Pete’s famous sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and bleu cheese dressing. For something lighter, you can’t go wrong with the wedge salad (a crisp head of iceberg lettuce, bacon, and a house vinaigrette) or Pedro’s 5 Bite Tacos made with your choice of protein — grilled chicken, buffalo chicken, crispy fish, or steak — guac, pico de gallo, cabbage, cowboy caviar, and tequila lime aioli.
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Hudson (Green) Line
MP Taverna
1 Bridge St, Irvington; 914.231.7854
Greek food fans will love this modern interpretation of a Greek tavern located just steps from Irvington’s Metro-North train stop. It’s hard to pick just one thing, especially when traditional falafel and beef souvlaki are involved. Whether you try the dumplings (house-made ricotta gnocchi topped with spicy lamb sausage, sun-dried tomato, pine nuts, spinach, tomato, and feta) or the Greek paella (complete with sausage, mussels, clams, shrimp, and orzo), this meal is meant to be savored.
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Half Moon
1 High St, Dobbs Ferry; 914.693.4130
Just a two-minute walk from the Dobbs Ferry Metro-North station lies Half Moon, an upscale American eatery with a catch-all menu. Whether your thing is seafood (the raw bar is excellent), a thick filet mignon, or a really comforting cast-iron skillet full of mac ‘n cheese, you’ll love this Hudson River spot. No matter what you pick, be sure to order the espresso martini (made with the bartender’s secret recipe) before boarding the next train to Rockefeller Center.
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New Haven (Red) Line
Dubrovnik
721 Main St, New Rochelle; 914.637.3777
Expect fresh fish, seasonal vegetables, and a warm, friendly atmosphere when you dine at New Rochelle’s beloved Croatian spot before a visit to Rockefeller Center. Sit inside the main dining room or venture outside to the scenic patio and terrace; either way, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the Mediterranean. Take your pick from the restaurant’s extensive imported wine list and feast on seafood, such as None’s Style Octopus Salad (a dish prepared with capers, red onions, potatoes, Croatian extra virgin olive oil, and red wine vinegar), or grilled salmon with tomato and basil relish and fennel barley-otto (barley risotto).
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Billy & Pete’s Social
121 Myrtle Blvd, Larchmont; 914.909.5289
Serving up Detroit-style pizza a stone’s throw away from the Long Island Sound, Billy & Pete’s Social has become a go-to restaurant for locals and visitors alike. It makes sense, though: The deep-dish pizza can’t be beat — especially the Tipsy Dog, which features spicy vodka sauce and Calabrian chilies. The pizza isn’t the only notable takeaway from the spot: the variety of signature cocktails feature fresh-squeezed juices, like Billy’s Original Blood Orange Crush, made from orange vodka, triple sec, fresh-squeezed blood orange juice, and Jones lemon-lime soda.
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Related: 9 Dazzling Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies in Westchester
