A Perfect Winter Day: Ice Skating at Bryant Park Followed by a Cozy Meal at Sweetbriar
Winter in New York City is a magical time, with the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park taking center stage for seasonal festivities. Open from October 25, 2024, until March 2, 2025, the Winter Village draws in visitors with its holiday spirit and activities. The heart of this winter wonderland is the 17,000-square-foot ice skating rink, which offers free admission to all (bring your own skates!). Skaters glide across the ice, surrounded by the iconic New York City skyline, making it one of the most picturesque and quintessential winter experiences in the city.
In addition to the rink, Bryant Park’s Winter Village offers much more. With over 170 holiday kiosks, you can browse for unique gifts, enjoy seasonal treats, and soak in the festive atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to indulge in holiday shopping, enjoy artisanal foods, and watch the vibrant energy of the city come alive. Whether you’re visiting the park with family, friends, or on a romantic date, the Winter Village offers something for everyone, making it a beloved holiday tradition.
Extend Your Winter Excursion with Sweetbriar
After an invigorating session on the ice and a leisurely stroll through the charming Winter Village, treat yourself to a meal that’s just as special. Sweetbriar, located just a short walk from Bryant Park, provides the ideal setting to continue your winter day with upscale comfort food. At Sweetbriar, the ambiance is warm and inviting, with its signature wood-fired cuisine offering a blend of rich flavors and seasonal ingredients.
Start your meal with a selection of elegant starters, perfect for sharing after a busy day. Indulge in the creamy Wood-Fired Spinach Dip, served with perfectly grilled bread, or enjoy the light and crispy Wild Garlic Panisse, paired with sour cream and onion for a delicate flavor profile. For a touch of something unique, the Coal Kissed Cashews with candied bacon offer the perfect balance of savory and sweet.
As you move to the heart of the meal, Sweetbriar’s menu offers a selection of hearty, upscale entrees that are sure to satisfy after your time on the ice. The Sweetbriar Burger, made from 6 oz. of dry-aged beef and accompanied by crispy potato wedges, provides a satisfying combination of flavors that elevate the classic burger. For something more refined, try the Grilled Maitake served with guanciale, Parmesan, and ricotta gnocchi, offering a beautifully rich and balanced dish with earthy, wood-fired notes.
If you’re looking to truly indulge, the 30 oz. Black Angus Ribeye is a standout offering, cooked to perfection and served with savory oyster mushrooms and crispy potato wedges. This indulgent dish pairs perfectly with one of Sweetbriar’s carefully curated wines, making it an experience to savor.
For seafood lovers, the Whole Branzino provides a light yet flavorful option, complemented by bok choy and a sweet Thai chili sauce that adds a subtle hint of spice to the dish. The Cavatelli and Clams, served with garlic breadcrumbs, is another delicate yet satisfying choice, blending traditional Italian flavors with Sweetbriar’s signature wood-fired touch.
Seasonal Warmth in Every Bite
Sweetbriar’s menu is designed to provide comfort during the colder months while still offering an upscale dining experience. Whether you’re stopping in for a casual bite after a day at the rink or settling in for a more leisurely dinner, the restaurant’s seasonal offerings will leave you feeling warm and satisfied.
To accompany your meal, Sweetbriar offers a selection of sides that are the perfect complement to its wood-fired dishes. The Charred Shishito Peppers with Aji Amarillo BBQ bring a smoky, tangy flavor, while the Wood-Fired Cornbread with honey butter offers a sweet, comforting note that pairs beautifully with any main course.
No winter meal is complete without a sweet finish, and Sweetbriar’s dessert menu doesn’t disappoint. Enjoy a decadent house-made dessert, whether it’s a warm, rich chocolate creation or a seasonal fruit-based dish to cleanse the palate. Pair your dessert with a warm cup of tea or coffee to complete your evening in style.
The Perfect Ending to Your Winter Day
The Winter Village at Bryant Park offers one of New York City’s most cherished seasonal experiences, but your day doesn’t have to end when you leave the rink. A short, pleasant walk will bring you to Sweetbriar, where you can continue the celebration of the season in a cozy, upscale setting. With a menu full of rich, wood-fired flavors and comforting seasonal ingredients, Sweetbriar offers the perfect conclusion to a winter day in the city.
Whether you’re looking to warm up after hours on the ice, enjoy a leisurely meal with loved ones, or simply relax in a comfortable, welcoming space, Sweetbriar is the ideal destination. Let the flavors of the season bring you comfort and joy, and make your visit to Bryant Park and Sweetbriar a winter tradition you’ll return to year after year.
