The most beautiful Christmas decor in a restaurant I’ve seen so far 😍😍😍 Such great holiday spirit and music. The servers are really attentive and nice too and the food arrived quickly. It was completely packed so there was a 15 minute wait for walk-ins. I found the restaurant from all of the Instagram posts and decided to drop by and take a quick look. Their phone number doesn’t work and hasn’t for over a week, probably because it’s very popular, so I didn’t have a reservation. I planned to get something small and simple ~$10, take pictures, and leave after a few minutes, but I ended up having a main entree and spending $50. I’m not a big fan of schnitzel but it was recommended for a meat with vegetables dish and it was fine. The food is standard, but the decorations are so beautiful and worth it!!

+6

Such a great experience. Beautiful atmosphere and the food was amazing. Definitely try the schnitzel and their egg nog cocktail. Dave was an amazing server. Great sense of humor and made sure we had a great time. Definitely recommend the experience

Amazing experience! From a very polite doorman, Jay, to the accommodating host that seated us, to the excellent and attentive waiter, Dave, our dinner experience couldn’t have been better! Thank you, Rolf’s, for making my daughter’s birthday dinner a wonderful event. The decor, music and staff were perfect!

Came here for my wife's birthday, we really enjoyed it. Food was excellent, and expeditious. They could describe the food on the menu a bit better, but overall great food and menu. Beer menu was a bit small for a German restaurant, and nothing that wasn't overly commercialized German beers. Our server didn't check on us very much and we had to flag him down a bit, but based on what we saw, it looks like that problem was isolated to our server, not others. The tables were also VERY close together. They could use 1-2 less 2-top tables in the dining area in the back. Overall good experience, would definitely recommend and I will definitely return.

+1

April KO

We had an amazing holiday lunch with friends. The food was very tasty & came out steaming hot. Our waiter Kelly was very friendly, (Took a photo with us ) knowledgeable about the menu & make our experience extra special. The drinks were also fabulous we had eggnog and mulled wine. It was totally worth the value and we all really enjoyed our meals! The atmosphere was off the charts! We couldn’t stop smiling the entire time wherever you looked it was sparkling & festive. We had a most excellent lunch and totally recommend! Thanks for a lunch we will soon not forget. Cheers

+3

emily malin

Honestly I’m not sure why this is getting such negative reviews! Every thing was amazing!! RESERVATIONS: I called about 3 weeks before our trip to make a reservation on December 17th. I called the number on their website- they picked up, took down my name and that was that. Easy peasy!! Not sure why everyone is saying they don’t answer the phone, they definitely do. The line was busy the first time I called but when I called back it was fine. PRICES: it is right in line with any other tourist trap, around 40$ a meal but it’s hefty food and we had to get a to go box! Yes, drinks are expensive but they’re so so delicious!! I didn’t mind paying about $13 per. EXPERIENCE: it is so fun and gorgeous in here!!! It’s exactly what you expect- it looks like Christmas just threw up all over the walls. This is the reason people go! It fully lived up to the hype. All of the wait staff were super nice except the doorman/host. He was pretty rude and wouldn’t even take our photo which I thought was just odd. But other than that it was perfect! I highly recommend and definitely do recommend the reservations! There was ZERO bar space the entire time we were there- people posted up and stayed about 30-45 min once they got a seat and it’s such a tiny area. We absolutely loved it!

Keenan Grana

What a special experience! The atmosphere was a beautiful Christmas filled atmosphere with ornaments and lights around every surface of the ceiling. Faux garland and lights around the frames and light fixtures. The lighting was dim and perfect! We had the mulled apple cider, Pilsner, French onion soup, pork and veal sausage with masked potatoes, sauerkraut, and gravy. Abdul is an excellent server. The space can be crowded for servers to walk through and he was so patient. His service was personalized even with it being so busy! They are booked out until January. I would definitely recommend coming here :)

Pablo Torres

The Christmas décor was beautiful and the staff was extremely attentive and friendly. Make sure to book reservations in advance if you want to dine in. The food was actually pretty good with great portion sizes — it just could’ve used a bit more seasoning. Overall, a really lovely experience!

Charlotte Saint-Hague

I visited Rolf’s NYC, and the experience was unforgettable from the moment I stepped inside. The first thing people always ask is “Is Rolf’s NYC worth it?” —and honestly, yes, the Christmas décor alone makes it worth seeing at least once. The ambience is insanely festive, covered floor to ceiling in ornaments, garlands, and warm lights, creating that magical holiday atmosphere everyone talks about. Another big question people have is “Do you need reservations for Rolf’s?” —and based on my experience, reservations help a lot because it can get extremely crowded, especially during peak holiday season. The staff handled the rush smoothly, answering questions, guiding guests, and keeping the vibe calm despite the crowds. People also ask “How long is the wait at Rolf’s?” —the wait can be long, but once you’re seated, the service is steady and surprisingly attentive. The drinks are another popular curiosity—“Are the holiday cocktails good?” —and yes, they’re festive, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The food was comforting and rich, exactly the kind of hearty winter meal that fits the theme. Another common question is “Is Rolf’s NYC expensive?” —it definitely leans pricier, but considering the immersive décor and seasonal experience, it feels like part of the holiday tradition. Overall, Rolf’s delivers a warm, spirited, incredibly decorated Christmas atmosphere with solid service, memorable drinks, and that one-of-a-kind holiday charm people search for all year.

Vaneta Mahabir

My experience was outstanding, I love surrounding and the atmosphere and of course the decoration it’s 100/100. It’s amazing love it there, when I’m in Rolf I feeling the Christmas vibes to the max . Love this place and I will definitely go every year

+4

Magdalena K OMahony

Rolf's was great. Definately a must see if you are looking to for a restaurant witb great Holiday atmosphere. We visited on a Sunday just before 1pm. We did not have a reservation and the restaurant was just getting busy after opening at 12pm. We got seated promptly. The place is crammed but what do you expect from a restaurant in NYC, that is a given. Our server, Kelly, was amazing, attentive and very friendly. The christmas decorations at Rolf's is what you go there for. The atmosphere is just magical. The food was just ok, rather overpriced for what you get, definately not the reason to go there. You go to Rolf's for the amazing decorations. Another bucket list item checked!

+2

No wait for us in November. Awesome atmosphere and service. Had a drink and the potato pancakes. Stop here on your New York journey.

No wait for us in November. Awesome atmosphere and service. Had a drink and the potato pancakes. Stop here on your New York journey.

no wait for us in November. Awesome atmosphere and service. Had a drink and the potato pancakes. Stop here on your New York journey.

Rolf’s is a great local New York City bar and restaurant. Especially during this time of year. My friends and I had a great time drinking the Pumpkin Martinis and Dunkel beer on draft. We had the…

Food and atmosphere was amazing! Very authentic German Schnitzel! I will say, they may want to change the “90-minute limit” they advertise and communicate for table reservations if thats not accurate because they were basically rushing us out of our table right at the 1 hour mark and took my full cocktail away. This is really my only complaint and it ruined our experience in the end. Bus waiter proceeded to start an argument with us just for asking why they were rushing us and that we had been told the limit was 90 minutes. Something about how a guy in the basement should have told us this.. what? What basement. Anyway, Paid a lot of money and super rude at the end of the day.

Very cool place. Loved the decoration. Important to go not to close to Christmas. Very expensive drinks. Went just for the drinks and to be there. But still a great experience and worth going for at least one drink. Very cool place

We were only able to stand at the bar and order drinks. The decorations are great and the best part about this place. The mulled wine was okay but overpriced at $20 a glass, plus 20% automatically added gratuity on any drink order (even 1). They don't answer either of their phone numbers but it seems like at least some people are able to get through and make reservations, which are usually made 1.5 months ahead of time. The staff was all really nice but the process was a little confusing and seemed a bit sneaky. The doorman said he could let us into the bar and then we could get a table after that. 15 minutes after we were inside I talked to him again and he said there would probably be no tables for the rest of the day, and it was not even 1 PM yet. So seems like they said whatever to get us in and order drinks at the bar.

+6

You definitely come here for the atmosphere and the over the top amazing holiday decorations. The holiday drinks are expensive though, so be prepared. I ordered the Burndt toasted almond, $30. However, it was REALLY delicious. It was super busy, but worth a visit.

After years of it being on my bucket list, my husband and I finally went this evening for date night. The atmosphere is 5*’s +! It’s everything it’s hyped up to be. So cozy & beautiful. Loved the Christmas explosion we were in the middle of. Service was pretty good. They were attentive. I say they as multiple people serviced us. - - The food, however, ehhh. Not bad, but extremely bland. Three *s at best. My cocktail was delish though, and I’ll be honest - that’s what I care for most. Great place to experience once. Would I go a 2nd? Maybe. Maybe not.

Wow just wow it's absolutely gorgeous. Just walking in put a huge smile on my face. The decorations are awesome. We ordered the potato pancakes and they were okay. I tasted the breading more than anything. For dinner I got the chicken schnitzel. It came with green beans and mashed potatoes. It was very good! The one thing I didn't like was the pop was $6.00 and no free refills. And the glass was a goblet size glass. For the winter months I would definitely recommend making reservations. They also have cheeseburger and fries along with a full German menu

+6

This is one of the best places to enjoy dinner in a festive Christmas atmosphere. The place is decorated to the hilt. The food was delicious and the typical German offerings. My only issue with the place was they really jam the tables in during the holiday season. We were seated at a table in the corner with our backs against the wall and we had to move the table every time someone needed to get up. Also reservations are almost impossible to get.

Had a wonderful experience going out with some friends for a festive holiday dinner. Atmosphere is 5 stars for sure. The food was good but nothing to write home about. I enjoyed French onion soup to start, but the wife was hoping for a darker more thicker onion type of soup. The onions were minced down to almost a paste. For entrees we all had some version of the veal schnitzel. We all enjoyed them, but sides were a little lacking, except the mash potatoes. Highly recommend going for the experience. Book super early in September if you want to get in.

+6

Came here after dinner for drinks. We didn’t have a reservation but were let in straight away to stand at the bar for some drinks. Of course you come here for the atmosphere and Christmas decorations but the price of the drinks were insane. $30 for all cocktails and over $20 for house wine. It’s worth it during the festive time and definitely a place to bring people visiting from out of town.

the food was delicious! as someone who isn't a big fan of german food, it was so yummy! the ambiance so great. Omer was our server and we couldn't have been any happier having him wait on us! def a great spot to check out! can be pricey but def worth it ! highly recommended mint a recreation weeks in advanced !

Angela Armagost

Very unique local restaurant. Serving traditional German food, with over the top Christmas decorations. Fun experience during the holidays. Very cozy inside, definitely make a reservation ahead.

+5

Alonso Pradenas Leiva

In winter time try the hot wine, not excellent but very good. The place is beautiful but it’s more for dinner than just a drink

Neha

HOW TO GET IN: I was actually Lucky enough to just do a walk in at 3 pm on a weekday. Yes, it was an odd time but the place was completely empty. The bartenders were really nice and took pictures of me! I had the eggnog which was really good. The inside is absolutely stunning. The classiest decor for Xmas than any bar I’ve been to.

+38

I was really looking forward to this restaurant. How I wish we didn’t bother going. The food was great, wasn’t hot. The drinks were an absolute rip off. 2 glasses of Gluhwein (Mulled wine) th…

I was really looking forward to this restaurant. How I wish we didn’t bother going. The food was great, wasn’t hot. The drinks were an absolute rip off. 2 glasses of Gluhwein (Mulled Wine) they…

After reading reviews, We were expecting the worst. We did have to wait on a line before we were allowed in for our reservation. Once inside we were pleasantly surprised. We found our server t…

After reading reviews, We were expecting the worst. We did have to wait on a line before we were allowed in for our reservation. Once inside we were pleasantly surprised. We found our server t…

The food was meh? Packed us in like sardines. Waiters couldn’t hardly get to tables. I would definitely skip. ambiance is not worth it.

This was our finale for a first vacation in NYC together. We had a reservation, but still needed to wait in a 'queue' outside in the cold for more than 35 minutes. If we had known we were going to have to wait outside in the cold, we would have tried for an earlier reservation. Not sure it would have helped matters, but at least we would have been eating before 7PM. Once inside, we were promptly seated at a very small table in a very tight location. They were quick to ask us for our order, and the food and drinks came quickly. Nothing to write home about in terms of food, and I have had tastier German food in my time. But, it was good for what it was: salmon and rice dish and meatloaf with cabbage. The salmon was tasty, but the rest, well, I know Germans eat tastier food. They did not really rush us out, but we were ordering dessert. Otherwise, they were clearing the table while we were sitting at it. For all those who complain about the 'mandatory' gratuity (by they way, they calculate in based on the total WITH TAX), well, just tell them you are not paying it. We told them to take it back and bring it out so we can choose our own tip, which we did. In the end, we are very happy we came and ate at Rolf's. It was because we came for the experience of eating beneath a mass of beautiful decorations. I suppose this was enough reason to pay the incredible mark up. It may seem strange to say we are not disappointed, but we will not be back for a second meal. This was indeed a one-time experience for us.

We went there during Christmas holidays. There was a long line outside where we waited for 45 mins before we went inside. It was jam packed inside, not even place to stand. People are constantly bumping into you and there isn’t even a place to put your drinks somewhere. The drinks are extremely overpriced and doesn’t even taste that good. Not worth the hype.

+6

Reservations made over 6 months ago - table for 6 - jammed us in back corner booth for 4 and added chairs at end - while servers and waiters ran over the people at the end of our table every time they went by. Rushed us out as quick as possible, even removing drinks while we were still drinking. Go for the decorations, but the food and service is horrific. You’ve been warned.

My wife and I were looking forward to dining and enjoying this eclectic place. The decor and decorations are over the top cool. The food was terrible, the salmon was so overcooked we could not eat it and the mussels were over cooked so that they were just tiny. The broth was nice but nothing special. The shrimp were way over cooked in the shrimp cocktail and cocktail sauce was nothing special. After dinner we went across the street and got a slice of pizza!

Listen if you want to check this off your bucket list just go to the bar and get drinks so you can take pictures. The drinks are $30 each and that’s definitely not worth it but if you want cute Christmas photos and think that’s worth it then go for it. The food and service is not great so I would save your money and go someone else.

before I came to this photo-generic Instagram- famous restaurant, the overall low average review threw me off, yet I decided to give it a try. the three stars go to the decor and my table waiter’s service. Of course, this place is uniquely famous for its distinctive Christmas decorations. So it’s true. My table service was pleasant. However, the food is less than average German food you can find in Manhattan, not mention it’s over priced (so are the alcohol drinks). not exaggerating, I had the worst Black Forest cake ever. Host at the door who checks in for dine-in table acted like it’s the customer’s honor to be even admitted in. didn’t feel like I came for service but to be ruled. My recommendation is, pick a week day at an an off peak time, just order a drink at the bar, take a few photos, that’s more than enough

+2

Decorations are warm and welcoming but it ends there. Food was average, prices of drinks very high with no prices on the drink menu. For me the automatic 18% gratuity added to every check without mention on the menu, was the turn-off. Luckily I always review the bill otherwise no mention elsewhere, and I’m sure many tip when signing without noticing the gratuity of 18% already added. I am a generous but honestly 12% was sufficient for the service at the bar. No napkin under drinks, bar not wiped down after last customer and he was busy talking with his work buddies. Won’t be returning.

Beautiful restaurant. The food - was priced high for what it is. We shared the sausage platter ($60) pictured. Sauerkraut and sausage really isn’t worth that price but I know we are paying for the atmosphere. The alcoholic drinks were priced average but my son had a sprite that was $10. I’d say it’s worth checking out. At lunch there was no wait.

First time for me. Went for the Christmas decorations, which did not disappoint. Food was okay; usual suspects for so-called German food. Nothing one cannot make at home. Portions are big. Drinks are better. I think this is what people come here for though there were kids beyond the bar area. Very tight space. Only two restrooms (men, women); so there's always a line.

If you love Christmas decorations, this is a great spot. The decor here is so over the top but really beautiful to look at. They have some random creepy dolls placed throughout the bar. I've been here twice and only ordered drinks at the bar. The mulled wine is $22 so seems very overpriced. It would be nice if they printed the prices of the drinks, but I believe they omit them on purpose since it's way overpriced. I would recommend if you want to take cool pictures and enjoy the Christmas lights but be aware that you will over pay.

+2

I really wanted to like this place, but it ended up being a total tourist vibe trap. The Christmas decor is definitely beautiful, but honestly, that’s where the experience stops. Trying to get a reservation was ridiculous, they only take them by phone, the line is always busy, and on the rare chance it actually rings, no one picks up. I get that they’re popular, but at least have a better system in place so people aren’t calling endlessly for nothing. We finally decided to try our luck with walk-in bar drinks, which turned into a whole different disappointment. The drinks are extremely overpriced, and they don’t post prices anywhere, so you only find out after you’ve already ordered. On top of that, the staff was unnecessarily rude, which just killed whatever excitement we had left. Overall, the place is great if you only care about getting a photo under Christmas lights, but the actual experience in terms of service, transparency, value is just not worth it.

Decor is beautiful but that is about the extent of the appeal. Food is mid at best and super expensive. Service left much to be desired. No refills, no check ins….he took our order, someone else delivered the food and he brought the check. A one and done experience.

This was certainly a bucket list type of place. It is over the top decorated & there are so many decorations that it started to feel claustrophobic. The tables are very close together so it feels cramped. The food was OK and bit overly priced but the drinks were REALLY overpriced. My boyfriend & I had drinks at the bar while we waited for our table. He had a Glühwein (mulled red wine) and I had a bourbon eggnog. It was $52 for those 2 drinks which is ridiculous. No issues with the service and the gentleman working the door was very nice. He's practically a bouncer - the place was that crowded. If you order the potato pancakes be aware that each serving is about 2 lbs each!

Kathleen Kralowec

Went for the Christmas decorations. At the door, the bouncer aggressively asked if we had reservations (this was 3pm on a Sunday) we said we’re just getting drinks at the bar, he said no reservations required for standing room only at the bar. We were then confronted by the wall of humans with their cocktails bunched around the bar- as well as the amazing canopy of decorations above. Someone commented “At least we don’t have to wait outside in a line in the snow-“ this is the first time I’m getting in here and yes, I’m aware that usually there’s a line down the block to get in. We ordered the mulled wine off the menu, I overheard a group near us be told their bill for drinks was $130 per person and wondered what the heck they’d been drinking. We admired the decorations and moved to any available standing spot we could find. The decor is splendid, like a Christmas jungle inhabited by doll nymphs in the trees, every inch packed with glitter and sparkle. When we got the bill, $56 for 2 glasses of wine, I checked over the bill to see if there was a mistake- the drinks weren’t actually even listed on the reciept. I thought about asking the bar tender if it was correct, but he was too busy to bother- I later found out from other people’s reviews that yes, that was no mistake. Pretty wild for something I know is $8 a glass most other places. Well, it felt like I paid for admission for 2 to a Christmas carnival and 2 drinks were included… nice to experience once. After realizing there was no mistake about our bill, now I realize that group next to us who had to pay $130 each for only drinks probably didn’t go as crazy as I first thought… that’s between 3 and 4 drinks there lol

Waleed Haso

Nice place and nice food German style. Only thing off is Indian servers you’d expect more German feel to this place but it feels like an Indian restaurant.

+8

Jiyoung Cha

Great restaurant to be in for Christmas spirit and cute photos. But the food is overpriced and the servers are not interested in helping you unless you keep ordering more drinks.

J H

Are you essentially paying for magical Christmas decorations? Yes but go with that in mind and you won’t be disappointed. The food is okay but expensive for what it is. The drinks menu has no prices and I was quite shocked upon receiving the bill. Service wasn’t amazing but not quite so bad as some of the reviews would suggest. The space is also very cramped especially if you have bulky jackets. Overall it’s definitely a one off experience but a special one during the festive season

+8

I’m giving 2 starts for the Christmas decorations! Yes it’s Instagramable my dear friends! Reservation is impossible coz the numbers are always busy. I got my luck on the 10th attempt. Food: very pricey I almost faint 🫣😆 4 medium sausages is $60 are you kidding me? 3 potato pancakes almost $30. Be fair to the people who wanted to dine in and get drinks at your restaurant. Yes I get it! you put so much effort for the Christmas theme but the food you offer to patrons is not worth the price. Come on! So if you’re planning to just take a photo just come here get one drink and take photos and leave. Well they’ll tell everyone to leave at 10pm anyway. Not pleased with the whole experience. Good luck!

+1

The host was beyond rude, and other staff members were rude and acted unprofessional. We had reservations and showed up on time; however, they made us wait outside for 20 minutes. Once inside, there were several open tables available, which they eventually sat us at. The entrees were not tasty and below expectations. I’d recommend just going to the bar if you want to see Christmas decorations and leave soon after. Overall the experience was disappointing. Instagram looks far better than reality.

The interior of the restaurant is very nice — stylish and visually impressive. Unfortunately, that was the only positive part of the experience. The food was not tasty and did not meet expectations at all. Prices are extremely high and completely unjustified for the quality offered. Service was also poor and unprofessional. Overall, the experience was disappointing, and I would not recommend this place based on food, service, and value for money.

PLEASE READ THE REVIEWS BEFORE YOU GO! The place is totally worth it for the Christmas decorations. But: - Food is not good; - Everything is super expensive; - Waiters are constantly rushing you to leave fast; - If you try to take pictures the staff will look bothered and sick of you; - The portions are absolutely massive but is not allowed to share (each person as to order either 1 main course or 2 starters); - They FORCE you to pay 20% gratuity on top of the final bill. If I had read the reviews before hand, I would have gone just to the bar for a drink, ignore the rude staff, take my pictures and leave. Bare in mind that I leave in Dubai, one of the most expensive cities in the world, and after this dinner I felt ROBED.

Get a beer, take a picture and leave. Food is ok at best. It’s a tourist trap with nice Christmas lights. They also force you to buy a certain amount of food. (If you’re looking for German atmosphere this is t it. )

Prices were incredibly high for marginal German food. Way too many tables to service, there was no room for me to even get in and out of my seat. Tons of staff walking through spilling things, we had two drinks spilled on us without any apology or acknowledgment of what happened. Very upset at experience

I really wanted to like this place because the atmosphere is cute, but the lack of transparency around pricing is disappointing. At the bar, my friend was handed a drink menu with no prices listed anywhere. When the bill came, the total was $28.32 for one drink, much higher than expected, and only then did we learn an automatic 18% gratuity had been added AFTER we tipped and were informed by Other customers. They don’t provide an itemized receipt unless you ask for one. While there is a sign mentioning the automatic gratuity, it’s hidden behind liquor bottles behind the bar. You’d have to look for it to notice. It feels intentionally concealed rather than openly disclosed. With the missing prices, the lack of an itemized receipt, and the hidden gratuity notice, the whole experience felt needlessly deceptive. A simple upfront explanation or clear signage would have solved this. Cute space, but the business practices left a bad taste.

Better speed through your dinner. Expect high prices, mediocre food, no room to move around, and the staff to push you out as soon as you’re near being done eating. We spent over $300 in less than an hour to be told we had to finish our drinks at the bar rather than our table.

We were told when We made the reservations we would have one hour and thirty minutes to dine. By an hour and 10 minutes the waiters were surrounding us like seagulls waiting for discarded food at the beach picking up the plates while others were eating. They are instructed by their manager !!! I don’t know why they asked if we wanted dessert when We had 8 minutes to eat! The food was fair however our appetizer was given to us with our entree It was very pretty atmosphere but extremely crowded. Our table was trapped in the corner and we couldn’t move.

I tried to get reservations, they only take phone reservations but it was either busy or rang & rang, so we just went for drinks is at the bar. I gave 2 stars only because the staff did their best given their circumstances & it was beautiful inside. They crammed 45+ people into an area meant for about 10 & charge $26 per each drink. I’m actually glad we did not get the dinner reservations cuz I would’ve been mad if I would’ve been that squashed into a dinning area, if you had to use the restroom too bad! The drinks were ehhh. Not worth the wait or the cost & definitely couldn’t enjoy our overpriced drinks, but made the best of it.

Me and my family went here for my mom‘s birthday. The food was something interesting because obviously it’s not gonna be any other typical food in New York . This is a special food. The food was delicious. The only thing that was not good was the service. The waiters were trying to like Rush us as soon as we got into the place , barely gave us time to look at the menu and to enjoy the place (no it was not busy at all) we try to take pictures because obviously it has decorations everywhere and the waiters were just getting in the way. The place is very tiny and claustrophobic and barely any space. The bathrooms are terrible. Another thing that I found rude was when we finished paying we were on our way to leave until they stopped us because they wanted more tips a.k.a. more money out of us that the tips was not enough. One waiter served us so the tip goes to the waiter not for all of them. They expect you to give a tip for everybody so just be aware of the service overall is a beautiful place for pictures and a unique food that maybe you’ll try once in your life also, we requested them to surprise my mom with cake and sing happy birthday and it was terrible lol. And yes it is a expensive restaurant

I have a feeling that this restaurant is able to stay open from the business of the first time visitors. I can't imagine that anyone would go back. We went for the Christmas decorations and despite reading the reviews that their food wasn't good, I had no idea how terrible the food would be. Giant plates of tasteless food, extremely crammed rooms and tables, and quite expensive prices for just Christmas decoration viewing. It was even difficult to enjoy the atmosphere given how tightly packed it was and how they rushed us throughout our 1 hour stay there. I certainly wouldn't go back.

After having this place on my bucket list for three years, I left disappointed. The Christmas decorations were beautiful. The christmas was too low though. We stood by the bar, but unfortunately the bartenders were not very friendly. What was most uncomfortable was that it seemed as though they were talking about customers—staring at people and then whispering to their coworkers. I noticed this happening with a young woman who was there with her mom, which made the atmosphere feel awkward. The drinks themselves were tasty, though quite overpriced at around $25 each.

Rolf’s is all ambiance and nothing else. The staff was incredibly rude from start to finish, which made the experience uncomfortable and unwelcoming. The food is on par with hospital food, yet somehow priced like fine dining, and the drinks are wildly overpriced for what you get. When people say you come here only for the ambiance, that is absolutely true. Don’t waste your money on a full meal—if you really want to see it for yourself, get one overpriced drink, take in the decor, and leave.

Faruk Canatar

We had Monday evening dinner around 19:00 hours. We made a reservation a week before but when got there only one table was dining. Waiter was friendly but small place and tight seatings. Ordered Wiener schnitzel. Portion was pretty good but spätzle (kind of round noodles) was meaningless and too much. They put 2 lemon 🍋 wedges but no butter on top of the meat. But luckily meat was real thin and tender. Most disappointing thing was mulled wine 🍷 26 dollars just for a glass. Are you kidding me??? My fault did not check the price beforehand. Overall it turned out to be a real tourist trap with an overpriced location. Think twice… wanna pay for the festive decor or food!!!

Melissa Farrelly

The Christmas decor in this place is absolutely gorgeous and stands in stark contrast to the mediocre food and rude wait staff. Made a reservation by phone two months before our visit. We were not told that everyone must order a full entree. My husband and son have hearty appetites and ordered full entrees, but my daughter wanted a bowl of soup and I wanted an appetizer for lunch. We were REQUIRED to order 4 entrees. So weird. Upon our arrival, a bouncer asked us if we had a reservation and we said yes and then had to wait outside in the cold for our table. We got inside and were asked four more times if we had a reservation. The wait staff appeared to be mostly foreign and loudly shouted at each other while setting the table which did not create the ambiance I was looking for. One waiter flat out walked into me while I was online for the bathroom and never apologized. All the staff seemed stressed in a mostly empty restaurant during lunch. I can only imagine their dinner service. The cleanliness of this establishment is questionable at best. They do not change the linens on the table, only the paper placemats so there were gravy stains on the table cloth when we were seated. Food was bland and overpriced. My husband had schnitzel with mashed potatoes and green beans. He said it was fine, but for 38 dollars it should have been good. My son had beef stew and it was fine. It was probably the best item in the table. We had German potatoes salad which was okay. I had the potatoes pancakes which were not good. My daughter had French onion soup and liked it. The restaurant was fun for a picture but I wouldn't return due to the rude wait staff, odd policies, and overpriced bland food.

Reservation time is meaningless. You'll still be forced to cram into the bar area for an undetermined length of time (probably so you'll buy their $30 drinks). Finally left after about half an hour…

reservation time is meaningless. You'll still be forced to cram into the bar area for an undetermined length of time (probably so you'll buy their $30 drinks). Finally left after about half an hour…

The waiters were very rude and kept pressuring us to order more items we didn’t want. There were no prices listed on the drink menu, which felt dishonest and misleading. It seemed like they were try…

The waiters were very rude and kept pressuring us to order more items we didn’t want. There were no prices listed on the drink menu, which felt dishonest and misleading. It seemed like they were t…

Avoid !!! Food is awful undercooked and overpriced , staff are extremely rude and creepy ! Even when you have booked a certain time months in advance it’s is not guaranteed you will be seated at th…

Avoid !!! Food is awful undercooked and overpriced , staff are extremely rude and creepy ! Even when you have booked a certain time months in advance it’s is not guaranteed you will be seated at …

Avoid !!! food is awful undercooked and overpriced , staff are extremely rude and creepy ! Even when you have booked a certain time months in advance it’s is not guaranteed you will be seated at …

Avoid !!! Food is awful undercooked and overpriced , staff are extremely rude and creepy ! Even when you have booked a certain time months in advance it’s is not guaranteed you will be seated at …

It’s unfortunately when the hospitality industry lacks hospitality. I was very excited to experience this place even though we were well aware that the food doesn’t get the best reviews. First ti…

Lovely decor .. that was the only plus. Bland food. Terrible service. Tried to take a second tip when we paid by card. Said they couldn’t accept Apple or google pay even though it worked. wait st…

Disgusting food terrible service very expensive. This restaurant is modelled on the standards of communist east Germany before the Berlin wall came down.

Sadly we booked well in advance, had to queue outside in the rain for 25 minutes and then inside had to wait another 30 mins to be seated. We couldn’t move and were asked to wait in the corner wh…

Terrible, my family and I had a reservation and were a little late, yes, it was on us but we got treated horribly. The workers were rude and kicked us out of the place, denying our reservation an…

If I could give zero stars I would but not for the ambiance or the food. The zero star would be for the poor treatment I saw of a group of women and how the “manager” named “Sam” spoke to them. I w…

Be very careful when paying because they don't give you prices for the drinks and they try to overcharge you. I ordered two drinks and they gave me a bill for $80 for just two drinks. I felt ripped off. I won't go back to a place that gives bad service and tries to steal from you.

We were so excited to eat here for my birthday the other day but were sadly disappointed. We waited nearly 40 minutes to be sat - with a reservation. My mother and I (who is 68) had to stand by the bar the entire time and wait. It seemed as though others were sat before us and there was open tables. We decided to walk out on our reservation as we were worried we would miss our other plans by the time we sat and ate. Another couple that were waiting made the same decision.

Waiter never said hello or introduced himself. The food was bland! The potato pancakes were fried blobs. The Apple crepe didn’t have any apples. The French onion soup was flavorless. The only good item was the butternut squash soup. Our waiter disappeared after bringing our food. When a new person came I asked if I could use a credit card and he said he didn’t know! We did say we were disappointed in the food but there was no offer of a compromise.

Nothing was good except Christmas decorations. I would not recommend this place! Overpriced, overcrowded, food not tasty. 0 customer service at the entrance! Despite of reservations, we were not allowed to sit until entire party arrived and we had only 1 hour and 10 minutes from the time we were seated. Waiter Steve was good, he made our visit little better, otherwise it was horrible experience!

Unfortunate experience, from the start it was a red flag when they made my friends pregnant wife stand outside in the 25 degree weather while we waited for our reservation. We were mainly there for the decorations and were moderately hungry but my wife and I decided we would get an appetizer and share an entree. When we went to order he demanded that we order 2 entrees. Saying “Order your entree, SIR”. We were not planning to spend $200 on a meal and didn’t have the appetite for it. We decided to leave and when we were given the check we were surprised to see a charge of $60 for a mulled wine and beer. We paid the bill and did not leave an extra tip because the waiter did nothing to actually serve us and if anything made the experience worse. There was also already and 15% gratuity added in. When he saw there was no tip he started yelling about us not leaving a tip and got aggressive. I honestly don’t know where the good reviews from this place are coming from.

Incredibly rude staff, horrible food. Went there with my wife today because the place seemed fun! We got drinks then our food, firstly the sour cream for our potato pancakes had something in it, which we didn't care about it's fine, things happen. Then our mains came, totally devoid of seasoning and flavor. Once again, that's OK because we were there for the kitchyness. What was UNACCEPTABLE was when we got home we discovered my wife lost an earring, when we discovered this we called to see if anyone had found it, only to be spoken to with an attitude that could only be described as very tough luck, I'm busy, it's not my problem. If you or your family is planning to go there, don't. The atmosphere isn't worth the horrible food and disgusting service. If I could give negative stars I would.

Really can't give a review about the food because after waiting 40 minutes past our reservation we went next door and ate a fabulous Irish meal. This establishment is very strict concerning patron's requirement to order an entree and only staying at the table for 90 minutes, they should work on their own punctuality.

If I could give this establishment zero stars, I absolutely would. The entire place is a joke—essentially a cramped hellhole covered in Christmas decorations. Do not be fooled by having a reservation. It means nothing here. Despite booking ahead, we were obligated to stand outside in the freezing cold well past our reservation time. It was chaotic; there were about 10 other people waiting with the exact same reservation time as us, and it was obvious there weren't even 10 tables inside to accommodate everyone. They are severely overbooking just to pack people in. Once we finally sat down, the experience got worse. There is no kids menu, and they didn't bother telling us until we were already seated that every single person at the table—children included—is required to purchase a full dinner entrée (minimum $24-$35) or they will literally kick you out. When I questioned this, they claimed they state this policy when you call to book. That is a complete and total lie. I called this restaurant multiple times to add people to my party, and not once was I informed of this ridiculous mandatory spending rule. The menu sucks, the management is dishonest, and the entire operation is driven by pure greed. Highly do not recommend.

The best part about the restaurant is the festive decorations. The food is very OK. The service was very poor. As soon as we said we didn't want desert, the busboy said something in another language, the waiter said "I'll take care of it" and promptly came over and said we had to leave bc they needed to turn the table over.

DO NOT GO TO THIS RESTAURANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Anyone who has given it more than 1-2 stars is lying! This restaurant should be shut down! I have never in my life experienced an outing like it. Why it’s on the ‘top things to do at NYC at Christmas’ I’ll NEVER KNOW - I’m contacting someone to have it removed. I was forced to pay 40% tip and was taxed ON THE TIP TOO! The waiters were aggressive and rude the entire time and when I questioned them about the insane bill…they went nuts, made a scene and told me it was the law to pay. They make up the prices on food and wine so you’ll be shocked when the final bill comes. DO NOT GO. YOU’LL THANK ME LATER.

We went for the Christmas decor. It was very pretty but very small. Basically what you see on social media is all that there is to see. Food was not good. Steak was $75 and extremely tough. Staff was rude and couldn’t care less. Restaurant was crowded and rundown. A huge disappointment overall.

EXTREMELY RUDE STAFF!!! Had to wait for our table for 30 minutes (with a reservation made 2 months prior). Was constantly rushed by the staff. Food was ok. The waiter took our plates as we were still eating. Gave us the bill without us asking, we left $10 as a tip (good considering the awful service). DAVE came to our table twice explaining that it was disrespectful not giving him more. The only good thing was the decoration. Awful experience

The decor of the place was very nice, but they don't list prices on the menu, and when you go to pay, it's excessively expensive. I paid $85 for three mediocre drinks that were very poorly made. I don't recommend this place; it's far too expensive for what it actually is.

If I could give zero stars, I would. Terrible experience from start to finish. I made a reservation back in September for 6 PM in November. I arrived on time with four friends, yet we were kept waiting outside in the cold despite having a reservation. Our table wasn’t ready until 6:50 PM. Then, at 8:05, they started trying to kick us out! The waiter began ripping out our plates while we were still eating and claimed our 90 minutes were up — even though 90 minutes from 6:50 is 8:30, not 8:05. We didn’t even finish our food, which wasn’t good to begin with. The waiter was rude and handed us the bill. We paid for everything but didn’t leave a tip because the service was awful. He then chased after us, told security not to let us leave, and accused us of not paying even though we clearly had. He kept demanding a tip until my friends and I threatened to call the police. Only then did the waiter and security back off and let us go. Demanding tips, having plates grabbed mid-meal, and dealing with such rude behavior completely ruined the evening. I will never return.

Me and my other six family members came here due to the Christmas decorations. We each had to order entree which was a rule we were never warned of. Due to this rule our bill went from $140 to $290 which is unacceptably aabsurd. We even had to pay a gratuity fee for terrible food and terrible service which we also weren’t told. The server was very impatient with us too. He never checked on us, made a mistake on the bill, apologized insincerely and came back.

Can’t even make a reservation without having to deal with horrible service. Why would I want to come in if the first exposure is going to be rudeness? Called in the morning to be respectful of their hours and likely crowds, attempted to make a reservation again being flexible about time and date. Made it very clear I could come based on what works for them on a specific date provided and kept getting push back for a specific time. When I gave a specific time, I then got more snarky responses. Since the food is subpar at best based on past experiences and recent reviews, and just making a reservation is a miserable experience, I won’t spend my money there. I’m sure many others will, but how long can a business survive with employees like this?

It was jam packed. Very small inside. Food was rushed. Given check one hour after just being seated. Not the experience we were expecting. To top it off 3/6 people that attended have very bad stomachs. Would not go back. I can see holiday decorations elsewhere.

Very long wait to get into an overcrowded bar with overpriced drinks. Waiting over 1.5hrs to get in and once inside can barely move or get close to bar. The decorations are nice but very difficult to take any decent photos due to the amount of people inside. Probably better to make reservations but phone numbers did not work when I tried to call. Staff are not very friendly and bouncer was very rude. Cannot order food in bar area. Drinks are $17. Did it once and would not go back.

+6

This place is a complete SCAM, both for tourists and locals. The experience was AWFUL due to the rude behavior of the staff. I went with a group of friends (there were five of us), and we sat at the bar. We ordered three beers and two special Christmas cocktails. At the end, when I handed over my card to close the tab, the server returned it with only the receipt, but no detailed bill. I politely asked for the bill to verify the amount charged, as I wanted to confirm whether the tip was included and to check the prices. Instead of addressing my request, the server told me I just had to “trust him” because, according to him, the beers were $17 each, and the cocktails were $21. However, after doing the math, the numbers didn’t add up to the total charged. After insisting multiple times, I had to be more firm for them to provide the bill. When the server finally handed me a document after about 10 minutes, I noticed that the invoice number didn’t match the one on the receipt I had been given. To me, it seemed like they created a new invoice to match the prices they charged in the end, which is highly suspicious and unprofessional. The experience was completely unpleasant. As beautiful as the decorations may be, they don’t make up for the poor service or the issues with billing transparency. I DO NOT recommend this place AT ALL!

Absolute gorgeous place, the atmosphere is really nice and cute actually. It’s really whimsical and nice to be in, almost like winter wonderland. NOW WITH THAT BEING SAID, the food is over priced and extremely unaffordable. The quality was terrible, tough, bland, flavorless, gross and inedible. I don’t know what’s the point of this place when the food is this bad, why not just use it as a cafe? There’s no point or ordering anything here other than refreshments. AVOID FOOD PLEASE.

So bad. I would rate it a 0 if I could. The Christmas lights are the only good thing this restaurant has. Forced my family of 7 to pay 20% x2 tips since we were a party of over 5 people. Also made us order one dish per person minimum which we had no idea about before coming, does anyone know any other restaurant that does this!? How is it even allowed. Why should my 4 year old order his own plate??? Everything’s over priced and it doesn’t even taste too pleasing. Then the staff proceeded to rush us while eating by saying “are you done yet???” How disrespectful. Would not recommend whatsoever! Just overstimulating and horrible.

Made reservation ahead of time but still needed to wait outside in the cold! A medium lager and warm apple cider was $63!! And when we eventually sat at our table the waiter was so rude and we were rushed out of our table in less than 1hour to eat our food. The decorations are nice but I don’t think it’s worth it

Just paying for Christmas decorations — beyond that, it’s a disappointing horrible experience. We are two New Yorker friends picked this place to have a nice dinner but the service was absolutely terrible. As soon as we sat down server Babul came over no welcoming words, and didn't give us a minute to look at the drink/food menu asking us "what do you want?" So annoying and the rest of the staff seemed solely focused on rushing people in and out, with zero regard for whether anyone actually enjoyed their time there and were rude all the time. The restaurant space is extremely narrow, tables, chairs are so close to each other, only the ceiling decoration makes this place attractive, nothing else. We ordered warm wine, and the server brought only one glass, so it was so unorganized. The food didn't impress us, the apple crepe had 2 small cube apples, and the green salad had too much onion. My schnitzel was tasted boiled and mashed potato didn't have any flavor. By the bay there were no price on the drink menu, so we had to pay $26 for a glass of warm wine, which was very low quality wine. For the food and drink price, it’s an absolute waste of money. Plus 15% Gratuity was automatically added to bill with microscopic letters you won't be able to see. We won't go again and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone so save your money and time. This is a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience, and not in a good way.

Had a reservation for 1:30. We were seated at 2:00(no big deal). Once we were seated server brought our menus. 5mins later asked for our order tried to order appetizers but we're told we had to order apps and entrees together. Apps came out ,5 mins later came entrees. We had our so-so meal asked if we wanted dessert. No lie 3:00 server told us we were done. He said there were a lot of people waiting for tables. The only thing pleasant was the decor. Food was nothing special and service was terrible,servers were rude .Do yourself a favor stay away.

I've never left a review because I truthfully believe we can all experience somewhere having "their bad day". However, I believe from the experience I had I would like to spare someone else from making the mistake of attending Rolf's and making it "their bad day". We made reservations months in advance for our December trip, was excited for food, and a unique holiday experience. Upon entering there was a bouncer like staff who insisted we wait outside and not enter, upon entering we navigated an area that was extremely tight, bumping into each other with no room to move. We were sat with our chairs touching others, unable to move as it was so tight in the restaurant. The food not only the tasted that of hospital food, bland, not warm, half cooked, but it also had 2 hairs in a single dish. Our trip to Rolf's was also welcomed by the most disturbing smell, unsure if it was from another table, being close to the bar, but the mix of how tight, the smell, how loud, the nasty food, and being so compact it was the most undesirable way to spend $200 for lunch and a waste time on our NYC itinerary.

Terrible experience from start to finish. No welcoming atmosphere at all. Despite the restaurant being almost empty, we were seated at the very end, squeezed behind a large table full of people, with tiny tables and no space. When we asked to change seats, the staff had a bad attitude about it. They talked in Hindi to each other and was very unpleasant not understanding! At the new table, the server cleaned crumbs with their bare hands and then brushed them off onto us. Completely unacceptable. The food was just as bad, very dry, unpleasant, and the sausages tasted boiled rather than properly cooked. Overall, terrible service, uncomfortable seating, and poor food. Would not return.

Came to NYC for the first time . With so much excitement ! Wanted to try all the Xmas bars so we visited Rolf’s German on the 3 rd avenue. Worst experience ever ! We had read reviews that the food is not good but the vibe and ambience makes up for it . We had an option of visiting the bar , but we did not want to wait in the line and then stand at bar for drinks so we booked for dinner . We had the worst experience ever ! We paid a bill of 166 $. The waiter asked for tip so my husband offered a generous amount we usually pay back home , but he demanded more .so we respectfully asked him to explain why was it not asked while paying the bill ? When we were leaving he came for it . An Asian man/ manager who was seating the guests practically chased us out of the restaurant and tried to ask for money . When we explained him that we have visited so many restaurants in NYC but no one demanded a tip ,we willing give when as needed . He started shouting on the road , calling us names and saying things like we don’t deserve to eat In NYC. Who the hell gave him the Rights to speak to a customer who is giving him business .a self respected New Yorker will never threat customer for tip . He was an Asian man and sure had not forgotten his Asian roots got the uncouthness , uncultured self to this beautiful city . We have visited other Christmas bars like Oscar Wilde & lilies Victorian such an amazing experience . People please DO NOT VISIT this place . There are amazing Options in NYC. And to the owner of ROLF please sack such people and keep decent manager or servers !!!! It’s not worth to see some hanging ornaments of the ceiling just to get humiliated !

Was sooo looking forward to this but Don’t go there ! I am all about a Christmas decor experience however the food is sub par at best BUT the worst is the staff - sold me a bottle of wine to take it away with informing me they were closing while we had just got our dinner .umm. Wow . Everyone in the restaurant had that experience tonight . Rude staff . Not worth it . Service needs to be better . We want an experience not being yelled at. I didn’t pay to be treated poorly when I booked a dinner reservation at 9pm . Not cool Thumbs down . New your you were beautiful but you need to remember service is everything . People don’t remember what you did or ate but will remember how you made them feel .

The decorations are impressive, but everything else is disappointing. The food is tasteless and overpriced, the staff is rude, and the tables are extremely crowded—servers constantly bump into guests. Despite having a reservation made months in advance, we were still made to wait outside in the freezing cold, yet once seated we were rushed to finish and leave. You are forced to order an entree per person! The restrooms were dirty, which is unacceptable considering how expensive the food and drinks are. The decorations are worth seeing once, but overall this place feels like a tourist trap. You’re better off going just to the bar to see the decorations, but it’s tiny—and even the drinks are overpriced.

Christina Bronetska

This was my second visit to this restaurant, which makes this experience even more disappointing. During my first visit, everything was great — the waiter was friendly, attentive, and took the time to explain the menu clearly. That positive experience is the reason we decided to come back. Unfortunately, this time was very different. We were a group of 7 people, and the way the tip was handled felt uncomfortable and inappropriate. The gratuity was not included in the check, but a 20% tip was circled and the final amount was written by hand, which made it feel as if we were obligated to pay it. The tone felt pressuring rather than respectful. Additionally, the waiter was rude and inattentive. When we asked questions, he didn’t really listen and simply replied that certain items were “not available,” without any explanation or willingness to help. We also waited almost 30 minutes for our food, which is far too long considering the level of service. I understand tipping culture in the U.S., but it should never feel forced — especially when the service does not meet expectations. Sadly, this visit did not reflect the positive experience we had the first time.

Alexia Griffin

The place was a huge disappointment. From the moment we sat down, the experience felt confusing and disorganized. The restaurant couldn’t seem to decide what it wanted to be an Indian cuisine or German and unfortunately, the food reflected that. The dishes lacked seasoning and flavor and tasted as though they were simply boiled. It was nothing close to authentic German cuisine, which was extremely disappointing given the restaurant’s reputation. I ultimately did not eat my meal. Service was equally poor. The atmosphere at the front of the restaurant felt tense and uncomfortable, and the management staff came across as unprofessional and intimidating rather than welcoming or customer-focused. Despite explaining that I did not eat the food, I was still forced to pay. Overall, the experience was frustrating and unenjoyable. Based on the food quality, service, and overall treatment, I would not recommend Rolf’s German Restaurant in New York.

Stephen Henry

Tourist trap. They don’t give you a price for their ‘famous’ xmas cocktail and then charge you 28 bucks per a drink. Feel like they don’t show the price as they charge tourists one price and locals another as they know themselves they are ripping people off. Try the dead rabbit instead, same level of Xmas decorations and exceptionally good cocktails for a lower price.

Chandra Pitamber

The only redeeming quality of Rolf’s is the stunning Christmas decorations — beyond that, it’s a disappointing experience. We dined with 4 adults and 3 kids, and the service was absolutely terrible. The staff seemed solely focused on rushing people in and out, with zero regard for whether anyone actually enjoyed their time there. The space is extremely cramped and overcrowded; it’s impossible to push your chair out without bumping into the next table. This is definitely not a kid-friendly place due to the lack of space and chaotic atmosphere. The food was completely underwhelming — everything tasted boiled and lacked flavor. For the price, it’s an absolute waste of money. If you’re curious about the famous decorations, I’d recommend stopping by the bar for a drink and skipping the food altogether. This is a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience, and not in a good way. I wouldn’t return, and I wouldn’t recommend it to others. Save your time and money for somewhere that actually values its customers.

+6