The top spooky and spirited NYC bars to visit this Halloween
Photo courtesy of The Cauldron NYC
New York City’s favorite holiday is back and better than ever, with Halloween traditions and events returning in full force after two years. In addition to the parades, pumpkins, costume contests, and fright fests, many of the city’s bars and restaurants transform into spooky dens decked out in eerie decor and serving spirited drinks and ghostly bites. Make the most of Halloween by visiting one of these freakishly festive bars.
Photo courtesy of Arlo Soho
Arlo Soho
A Halloween extravaganza is taking over the Arlo Soho hotel. On Saturday, October 29, the haunted happenings include a DJ and costume contests on the rooftop at A.R.T. Soho, a burlesque show in the speakeasy bar Foxtail, and an outdoor courtyard to take a break from the spookiness indoors. Tickets start at $89 and include a four-hour open bar from bars on every floor, as well as an hour of passed appetizers at the start of the night. Purchase tickets here.
Beetle House
Of course, the bar where “every day is Halloween” made the list. Located in the East Village, Beetle House offers a Tim-Burton-inspired dining experience paired with unique entertainment from singers, magicians, psychics, and sword swallowers. Festive year-round, the restaurant serves signature cocktails like The Beetle’s Juice and Alice’s Cup O’Tea and a food menu that includes an Edward Burger Hands (with a pair of scissors to keep) and Sweeney Beef. Reservations are encouraged, but walk-ins are accepted.
Photo of the Screaming Banshee cocktail courtesy of the Black Lagoon
Black Lagoon
Brooklyn’s Our Wicked Lady has transformed into the immersive Halloween pop-up bar the Black Lagoon. Describe as having a “goth-metal” aesthetic, the temporary bar will serve blood red and dark black drinks, with names like the Screaming Banshee, Lilith’s Cup, and Closed Casket. Expect a playlist full of your favorite metal, classic rock, and punks songs. The Black Lagoon takeover will run through October 31.
Loreley’s Haunted Beer Garden
The Lower East Side biergarten Loreley has Halloweenified its heated outdoor beer garden. The haunted beer garden is going all out on a pumpkin-flavored menu, serving Southern Tier Pumking beer from a pumpkin keg, pumpkin spice cocktails, and pumpkin spice cold brew cocktails. Other festive fall drinks include hot bourbon cider and seasonal craft cider. There is no cover to enter the haunted beer garden.
Photo courtesy of the Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge at Moxy Times Square
Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge at Moxy Times Square
Known for its pretty-in-pink floral decor and perfect view of the Empire State Building, the Magic Hour Rooftop & Lounge at Moxy Times Square is offering some fun drink specials this Halloween. Starting October 17 through the end of the month, the bar is serving a $20 “Kiss of Death” cocktail, made of Dorothy Parker Rose Petal Gin, Raspberry Tea, Lemon, Prosecco, and a “Flaming Pink Pumpkin,” a pumpkin cake with cream cheese filling and chocolate crumble.
Ras Plant Based
Crown Heights’ super popular Ethiopian restaurant Ras Plant Based has rolled out a special Halloween cocktail menu. Dubbed “A Nightmare at Ras,” the restaurant will serve four spooky $15 cocktails: Dracula’s Kiss (Evan Williams Bourbon, raspberry, rosemary, and lemon), Wicked Witch of Franklin (Espolón Blanco, Grand Mariner, matcha, lime), The Bates Motel (Spring 44 gin, blackcurrant, lime, mint, and gummy candy), and Poltergeist (plantation rum, oat milk, cocoa powder, cinnamon whipped cream).
“Blood of Your Enemies” cocktail; Photo courtesy of The Cauldron NYC
The Cauldron
Tucked away on the historic Stone Street in the Financial District, The Cauldron offers immersive, fantasy-inspired potion-making classes. Throughout October, the wizard-themed bar and restaurant is offering some Halloween-specific events, including a “Spooktacular Potions Experience,” where customers don a robe and magic wand and learn how to brew two cocktails, a “Halloween Wizard Afternoon Tea Experience,” with build-your-own teas and range of “sand-witches,” and pumpkin carving sessions. The venue, which will be covered in cobwebs and full of pumpkins, also offers fun seasonal drinks like “The Three Witches,” served in a bubbling cauldron, and “The Doom,” which is served with fire on a black slate. Book an experience here.
Photos courtesy of The Garret Coctelería
The Garret Coctelería
Nolita bar and restaurant The Garret Coctelería always brings its seasonal A-game. For the second time, the bar will launch Coctelería de los Muertos, an immersive pop-up space that pays homage to the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos. Decked out with custom-built alters, gravestones, and hanging marigolds, the bar is serving a festive menu with cocktails like “Weeping in Queens” (rum, pumpkin, orange bell pepper, five spice), “Certified Sad Boy” (Reposado tequila, pineapple, tamarind, hibiscus), and “Barry Marigold” (tequila, carrot juice, agave, pumpkin seeds, pimento dram, and spiced liqueur). The pop-up will run through November 19. Reserve a table here.
Photo courtesy of The Watermark at Pier 15
The Watermark at Pier 15
To close out its epic Oktoberfest celebration, the Watermark at Pier 15 is hosting a four-day Halloween weekend event, transforming into “fear on the pier.” From October 28 through October 31, enjoy music, Halloween-themed cocktails, and scary decor on the waterfront.
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