photo by Photographer: Art Gray
Food & Drinks
Turn On Your Auto-Reply: These Are the Best Worldwide Spots for Holiday Gatherings
It’s that time of year again, when your group chat starts blowing up with “We should totally get together for the holidays!” texts. But before you default to partying in somebody’s living room — and risk...
photo by Photographer: Art Gray
It’s that time of year again, when your group chat starts blowing up with “We should totally get together for the holidays!” texts. But before you default to partying in somebody’s living room — and risk a repeat of last year, when there were too many ugly holiday sweaters in one place — why not explore the charm of holiday cafes and hideaways? Check out some of our favorite cozy cafés that are serving up everything your festive heart desires.
Yes, we’re talking twinkling lights that make everyone look like they got 8 hours of sleep, seasonal drinks that taste like December and whipped cream had a baby, and enough comfortable seating to accommodate your entire inner circle. (Even that friend who shows up late with three more people than you expected. And an ugly holiday sweater.)
Step into what feels like the snuggliest corner of Amsterdam. Bakkerij Wolf is a charming spot with minimalist decor filled with the aromas of pastries and baking bread. In winter, when it’s freezing outside, this place feels like it was plucked straight out of a snow globe. Ideal for intimate meetups over warm drinks and sweet treats. The setting can feel so festive that you’ll half-expect to see Santa himself pop in for a coffee break.
Get ready for holiday charm as big as Texas. The Wayback is that rare coffee shop that makes you wonder if you’ve stumbled into your chicest friend’s garden party. The cottage-like coziness is real. The communal tables have witnessed more cheer than a Hallmark movie marathon. And the string lights create an ambience that’s one part rustic hospitality, two parts pure magic. The seasonal menus and farmhouse decor make it perfect for those “quick coffee dates” that turn into four-hour catch-up sessions.
Housed in the historic Adolphus Hotel in Dallas, Texas, Otto’s Coffee and Fine Foods believes every holiday gathering deserves an ample side of sophistication. Whether you’re showing up for afternoon tea or a long-time-no-see coffee catchup, Otto’s European-style elegance hits that sweet spot between refined and approachable. Kind of like wearing your nicest shoes with your comfiest sweater. That’s Otto’s.
Ever see Notting Hill? You know — Hugh Grant, Julia Richards, ’90s rom-com classic? Remember how it made you cuddly and happy-go-lucky? That’s the effect that Farm Girl Café has on people, especially since it’s located smack-dab in Notting Hill. There’s also a location in Kensington, another beautiful neighborhood, but whichever London hotspot you choose will turn seasonal gatherings into an Instagram story waiting to happen. The lavender lattes and hot choc options will draw you in. But it’s the cheerful, festive ambience that’ll have your friends suggesting “just one more round” of mini cakes and bakery goodies.
Apotheke LA approaches holiday cheer like a perfectly calibrated experiment — and we’re here for the results. Picture exposed brick walls, a speakeasy moodiness, and gathering spaces that, over the holidays, feel like a sophisticated winter soirée. The cocktails on the seasonal menu reads like a mixologist’s love letter to winter flavors, crafted with the precision of a chemist but the heart of a holiday enthusiast.
Artisan bites. Hearty dishes. Reimagined cocktails. All on a rooftop lounge in Music City (by which we mean Nashville, Tennessee). What’s not to love about Eddie Ate Dynamite? This establishment brings a quirky energy to holiday gatherings that makes other venues look positively snoozy. The leather booths have seen more memorable holiday meetups than your aunt’s annual cookie exchange (sorry, Rhonda). The Gatsby-era decor and skyline views? Well, they won’t disappoint, either.
Don’t let the name scare you. Despite sounding like the setting of a Tim Burton holiday special, Grave Café serves up such a high-caliber cozy that you’ll want to throw on a snuggie and cancel all other plans. This café is in Paris, and the velvet seating creates the atmosphere of a 19th-century winter parlor, perfect for gatherings where you want to feel fancy but still comfy enough to go for that second slice of orange cheesecake.
Your regular holiday gatherings may channel “family therapy waiting room” energy, but Stonemill Matcha in SF’s Mission District brings zen vibes so strong they could probably stop your Uncle Randy from commenting on your “interesting career choices.” Blending Japanese tranquility with San Francisco cool, Stonemill Matcha succeeds in creating a minimalist holiday atmosphere. Between the high-grade matcha and the serene setting, it’s like counseling for holiday chaos. Just way more delicious. And substantially cheaper.
Did you know that someone took a Parisian palace, stuffed it into a DC bank vault, and sprinkled coffee on top? It’s called Café Riggs, housed in a former bank. With marble columns and enough historic charm to fill a Smithsonian exhibit, this place is perfect for upscale holiday gatherings. Especially since their seasonal menu shows that “sophisticated” and “actually fun” aren’t mutually exclusive.
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Photo by Credit: Bakkerij Wolf
Let’s be real. Your apartment’s one more cookie swap away from a total tinsel meltdown. But you’re in luck. From minimalist matcha moments to grand marble halls that make your bank account feel fancy, there’s a perfect holiday hideout for every family or friend-group.
Just remember to book your spot before someone else claims it. Because nothing kills the festive vibes quite like trying to squeeze 20 people around a two-top table while Bob from accounting starts stress-eating all the peppermint bark. Trust us, your living room (and your security deposit) will thank you for taking the party elsewhere this year.
Just remember to book your spot before someone else claims it. Because nothing kills the festive vibes quite like trying to squeeze 20 people around a two-top table while Bob from accounting starts stress-eating all the peppermint bark. Trust us, your living room (and your security deposit) will thank you for taking the party elsewhere this year.
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