12 places to watch the Oscars in New York City
Photo courtesy of Metrograph LLC/Minu Han
We’re living in a Netflix, Disney Plus world, and that means that a lot of New Yorkers don’t have cable to watch big events like the Oscars. But if you want to get in on the Academy Awards action this Sunday, fear not. There are tons of bars, restaurants, and theaters hosting viewing parties. Step back to 1920s Hollywood at Metrograph or the Roxy Cinema, take an Oscars-themed cocktail class before the show at Parklife, spoof the nominees at Brooklyn Comedy Collective, and much more. Ahead, we’ve rounded up 11 spots around NYC to watch the 92nd Oscars on February 9th.
Let’s face it, an event is only as good as the food being served, so what better way to watch the Oscar’s than at a food hall? Dumbo’s Time Out Market is hosting a viewing party with complimentary popcorn and prosecco and reserved seating depending on your party size. And, of course, you can always hit up one of the 24 vendors for something a little more substantial. The $25/person event is being hosted by Time Out Media’s global film editor Phil de Semlyen, deputy global editor Dave Calhoun, and New York editor Will Gleason, who will give a talk from 7-8pm.
The gilded, Victorian decor of Nomad’s Oscar Wilde bar may pre-date Hollywood’s heydey, but it sure does feel like you’re stepping back in time. For the second year, the opulent bar/restaurant will hold a viewing party that begins at 6:30 to catch the red carpet pre-show. There will be cocktails inspired by the movie nominees and a “Hollywood red carpet backdrop” to take photos. Walk-ins are welcome, but you can also reserve a four-person table for $260 (it includes food platters, popcorn, and two drinks/person) or reserve seats in the Temptation dining area with a $40/person minimum.
3. Metrograph
Metrograph on the Lower East Side was specifically designed to transport you to “the great New York movie theaters of the 1920s, as well as the Commissaries of the Hollywood Studio back lots,” so it’s fitting that the venue will be screening the Oscars. Guests will be able to watch in both theaters, the Commissary restaurant (it probably makes sense to secure a reservation), and Lobby bar. Doors will open at 6pm and no ticket purchase is necessary.
4. Roxy Cinema
The Roxy Cinema in Tribeca is another 1920s-style movie theater, this one named after an actual film house of the decade. The Art Deco interiors are the perfect backdrop to enjoy “first-run independent films, rare archival prints, and 35mm cult classics,” and this Sunday, for a special Oscar Party. It’s free to attend, but you must RSVP. The event starts at 8 for the living screening, but definitely arrive early to enjoy craft cocktails and gourmet bites at either the Roxy Bar or The Django.
Dinner-and-a-movie destination Nitehawk is hosting a viewing party so you can sit back and order dinner while watching the awards on the big screen. The event is sold out at the Williamsburg location, but a few spots are still available in Prospect Park. There’s a special themed food and drink menu, which includes the Short and Spicy cocktail (inspired by “Little Women”), made of brandy, four roses bourbon, Concorde grape syrup, pie spices, and lime; Pizza Generation (inspired by “Parasite”) comprised of bulgogi beef, kimchi, pickled peaches, mozzarella; and We Are All Clowns (a la The Joker), a key lime custard dessert with graham crust and cherry whipped cream. You must pay for a $30 food/beverage voucher to reserve a seat.
6. Littlefield
Gowanus performance space Littlefield is known for its fun, offbeat events, and this Sunday theskint.com will be hosting a free Academy Awards Screening Party. The Red Carpet screening begins at 6:30pm, but since RSVP does not guarantee entry, it’s probably best to get there as soon as the doors open at 6pm. Wear your most glam attire, as there will be a red carpet complete with a fashionista interviewer, as well as a photo booth. RSVP gets you one complimentary glass of champagne, and there will also be themed drink specials and free popcorn. Plus, whoever wins the online voting ballot gets a special prize.
7. Parklife
Just around the corner from its sibling Littlefield, the massively spacious Parklife is hosting two cool Oscars events. The first one, an Oscars-themed cocktail class for beginners, takes place in the afternoon from 3:30-6pm. You’ll get to make three special drinks, including Once Upon A Time in Gowanus, a version of a Whiskey Sour that Leo’s character drinks throughout the film, I’m a Joker, I’m a Smoker, a colorful concoction that nods to the title villain, and CG-Irishman, which is made with some good old Irish whiskey. The class is $50 and also includes snacks from Parklife’s pastry chef.
After you’ve gotten your cocktail on, stick around for the Oscars Viewing Party from 7-11pm, which is being hosted by comedian Bobby Hankinson. There will also be “themed mini games” during commercial breaks. It’s free, but you must RSVP.
8. Freehold
In Williamsburg, remote workspace-meets-bar Freehold is also rolling out the red carpet and offering a photo booth. There will be theater snacks and bar specials all night, as well as a guest ballot contest. Entry is free, but be sure to RSVP.
Hip Hell’s Kitchen wine bar Ardesia will have a red carpet, a step and repeat, a ballot contest, free popcorn, and sparkling cocktail specials. Entry is free, but you’ll need to reserve a spot in advance. This is a good choice if you’re an oenophile who likes snacking on small plates.
10. 230 Fifth
If there’s a special occasion, you can almost guarantee that the rooftop bar at Midtown’s 230 Fifth will be hosting a special event to match. And the Oscars are no exception, as they’re having a $35/person viewing party. The entry fee gets you one complimentary drink and an hors d’oeuvres station from 7-9pm.
11. Brooklyn Comedy Collective
If you’re looking for something more offbeat that doesn’t take the Oscars very seriously, the shindig at Williamsburg’s Brooklyn Comedy Collective might be right up your alley. “I’d Like To Thank The Academy – An Oscar Watch Party” runs from 8-10pm and features “appearances” from the stars, performances during commercial breaks, a play-along drinking game, and a ballot content. Tickets are $10.
12. Spanish Diner
Part of Jose Andres’ Mercado Little Spain food hall at Hudson Yards, the Spanish Diner–“an Iberian take on the classic American all-day restaurant”–is hosting an Oscar Viewing Party at 8pm. There will be a ballot content, sangria hour specials, and free popcorn. And if you get hungry (which you will once you start seeing the food go around), the full menu is also available. It’s a free event, but reservations are recommended.
