If you’re in search of a scary good time, you’ve come to the right place! There are plenty of Halloween themed bars in New York City, and I’m here to point you towards the very best.
Some decorate like they’re Party City loyalty customers and others create creepy cocktails and terrifying treats to go along with the Halloween theme.
And of course I can’t forget to mention the best Halloween parties in New York City, which are hosted at bars all across New York City. We’ll go over it all in this article!
So without further ado, let’s jump right in!
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Best Decorated Halloween Bars New York City
Oscar Wilde
I need to start with Oscar Wilde, the restaurant takes over TikTok and Instagram every Halloween and I’d lose all credibility if I didn’t! And I’ll give credit where credit is due, it’s among the top Halloween bars in New York City.
Every inch of the restaurant is adorned, including the ceilings. The Victorian-era design of the restaurant pairs effortlessly with the Halloween decorations that get strung up every year.
From spiderwebs to animatronics, Oscar Wilde spares no expense in becoming one of the best Halloween bars in NYC. Just walk down to the restroom and see for yourself, they don’t cut any corners!
If I’m being frank the food at Oscar Wilde is good, but not great. They more than make up for it in drinks though, the cocktail menu is extensive and warrants a spot among the best Halloween bars in New York City!
I should also mention that Oscar Wilde hosts an annual Halloween party in New York City (this year it’s on October 28th). Costumes are strongly encouraged, and there’s a $1,000 first place prize for the best costume! But fair warning: tickets go fast so book your ASAP.
Quick history lesson: Oscar Wilde (the person) was a Irish poet and playwright who was a black of sheep during the 19th century. Not only was he gay, his flamboyance and wit were not appreciated while he was alive. Present day the restaurant pays homage to the genius of Oscar Wilde, and the eccentric story of his life.
Address: 45 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001
Lillie’s Victorian Establishment
Under the same ownership group as Oscar Wilde is Lillie’s Victorian Establishment, a joint equally deserving of a spot amongst the best Halloween bars in New York City.
In similar fashion the restaurant is adorned from floor to ceiling in the only type of cobwebs you’d want in a restaurant. Just be sure to watch your head, there’s plenty of creepy critters hanging from the ceiling.
Lillie’s Victorian has two locations, one in Times Square and another in Union Square. They both decorate, but given the choice between the two I personally prefer the Union Square location.
The cocktails are fun and exactly what you’d expect from one of the best New York City Halloween bars. There are more than 20 original cocktails in conjunction with a respectable offering of wine and beer.
Address: 249 W 49th St, New York, NY 10019 (Times Square) & 13 E 17th St, New York, NY 10003 (Union Square)
The Black Lagoon at Pretty Ricky’s
The Black Lagoon is a pop-up bar that partners with local bars all across America to create spooky, Halloween themed experiences. In New York City they’re teaming up with Pretty Ricky’s, a popular bar in the Lower East Side.
By joining forces the Black Lagoon and Pretty Ricky’s become one of the best Halloween bars in New York City. Just bear in mind the anticipated collab will only last from October 17th to the 31st.
You can expect Pretty Ricky’s space to become one of the best decorated Halloween bars in New York City, and there will be plenty of themed drinks to choose from.
There isn’t much information out on this NYC Halloween bar, but as soon as I have more I’ll update the post.
Address: 101 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002
The Cauldron
If you’re looking for the most be-witching 😉 Halloween bars in New York City you can’t afford to miss The Cauldron. Stone Street’s very own magical pub will have you feeling like a kid again thanks to a Hogwartz vibe and “potions” or drinks.
You can make reservations for just food and drinks, which is fun but definitely not the full experience. One of the best Halloween themed bars in NYC, I encourage you to try potion making.
In short, you and your friends will get to choose drinks and make them. The drinks are called potions, thus the name potion making. You get to mix them in cauldrons with steam rising and witch hats.
As one of the best Halloween bars in New York City, The Cauldron has special Halloween potions and decorations. I strongly (emphasis on strongly) recommend booking reservations ahead of time to avoid missing out.
Address: 47 Stone St, New York, NY 10004
Beetle House
Originally opened as a pop-up, Beetle House became so popular the bar became a permanent fixture of the New York City bar scene and expanded to Los Angeles. As the name suggests, the bar plays off Beetle Juice and other popular Tim Burton films but doesn’t have any affiliation with the filmmaker.
Getting a table will require a small miracle, especially in October. Having said that, you should still try to snag one because if you do you’ll be enjoying one of the best Halloween bars in New York City!
The entrance is adorned with a neon sign that reads, “everyday is Halloween” so you should expect the whole nine yards. Decorations from the film (like a giant Jack Skellington head), themed dishes and creepy cocktails are all par for the course at Beetle House.
If you can’t score a table you can always arrive as walk-in and you might get lucky. I’d suggest showing up as soon as they open since this is one of the most popular bars for Halloween in New York City.
Address: 308 E 6th St, New York, NY 10003
Citroën Brooklyn
French restaurants are famous for high-class dishes and sophisticated atmospheres, but Citroën doesn’t just stop there. The restaurant is one of the best Halloween bars in New York City thanks to an array of quirky decorations.
By pairing the spooky decorations (including skeletons that are fixtures at the entrance tables) with French flavor Citroën manages to be one of the best Halloween bars in New York City for date night. While other Halloween themed bars in NYC might sacrifice quality in food for decorations, not Citroën!
The menu also offers a sizeable selection of ingenious cocktails, plus a variety of beer and wine. The dim-lit and quaint restaurant has even flirted with a Michelin rating, being included in the 2021 guide.
Address: 931 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Magic Hour Rooftop
What’s a trip to the Big Apple without visiting a rooftop bar? One of my personal favorites is Magic Hour, which also happens to be one of the best decorated Halloween bars in New York City
The place spared no expense when it comes to decor. It’s vibrantly adorned in a Pink Pumpkin-Patch theme, which isn’t spooky but fun nonetheless. There are Halloween themed treats and drinks to enjoy, too.
Spider apples (like caramel apples), flaming pumpkins and drinks in IV bags are all part of the fun. Hell, the entertaining goodies are reason alone to consider Magic Hour one of the best Halloween bars in NYC!
The entirety of the rooftop is an Instagrammers dream. Magic Hour designs their space with photo-ops in mind, and the Empire State Building in the background will make all your followers envious.
Just bear in mind Magic Hour doesn’t allow cameras (but cell-phone pictures are welcome). Be sure to capture all the memories you create if you visit Magic Hour, one of the cutest Halloween themed bars in New York City.
Address: 485 7th Ave 18th floor, New York, NY 10018
Best Bars to Visit on Halloween Weekend
E’s Bar
E’s Bar is an Upper West Side staple and a go-to for inexpensive brews. On October 28th it’ll also be one of the best bars to visit for Halloween in New York City thanks to their party, Haunting On the UWS.
There’s no cover (which means more money to spend on drinks!), a DJ and even karaoke. But best of all there will be a costume contest at 11PM, and the winner gets a $100 bar tab (even more money to spend on drinks!).
Needless to say, E’s Bar is in the running for the best bars to visit on Halloween weekend in NYC, just don’t forget your costume!
Address: 511 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
House of Yes
As one of the most popular clubs in Brooklyn (maybe even THE most popular), it should come as no surprise House of Yes is hosting one of the best Halloween parties in New York City.
Located in a former ice-making warehouse the dance floors are spacious and inviting. You won’t struggle making friends since costumes are (literally) required for entry and it’s easier to talk to people behind a mask.
House of Yes is hosting an array of events and is one of the best bars to visit on Halloween weekend in New York City. On Saturday the 29th the club hosts House of Hallucinations, Sunday the 29th are the Sunday Scaries and on Tuesday the 31st there will be the Gala of the Gone.
Tickets are required for entry and they’ll likely go up in price the closer we get to Halloween. If you’re hoping to bust a move on Halloween you’ll need to book tickets ASAP!
Address: 2 Wyckoff Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237
City of Gods at Industry City
Run and hosted by Industry City with the help of House of Yes, City of Gods is one of the best Halloween parties in New York City.
The event is ran like a festival, taking place over the course of the 27th and the 28th. There’s interactive art instillations, multiple dance floors and “surprises” spread across the Industry City campus.
Costumes are mandatory and the event is sure to sell out. There are two day passes as well as singles, but you have to act fast before all the tickets sell out.
The McKittrick Hotel Halloween Party
The McKittrick Hotel is sandwiched between Chelsea and Hudson Yards, and every year is hosts one of the premier Halloween parties in New York City. Seriously – this joint puts clubs to shame.
An entry ticket will grant you access to six unique floors, each playing different music and with different art installations. There are ghouly go-go dancers all around and did I mention it’s an open bar?
With so much work going into the event tickets won’t come cheap. On the low end you’re looking at $80 for entry into the party at 11:30PM (yes, you read that right). And on the high end it’ll be $350+, But hey, open bar!
Address: 530 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001
Anywhere in the West Village
If you think I’m being lazy here – hear me out. The West Village hosts an annual Halloween parade that draws folks out in droves. The parade claims as many as 2 million people come out, and a lot of them are in costume.
So it goes without saying the neighborhood is bustling. Countless of the best Halloween bars in New York City are in the neighborhood and their doors are propped open expecting a rush of goblins and witches.
All you have to do is show up and you can choose from any number of the best Halloween friendly bars in New York City. Just do yourself a favor and wear a costume, this is the one time a year you blend in by sticking out!
The parade doesn’t take place on Halloween weekend, but on Halloween night itself.
Best Halloween Bars in NYC (Post Summary)
- Oscar Wilde
- Lillie’s Victorian Establishment
- The Black Lagoon at Pretty Ricky’s
- The Cauldron
- Beetle House
- Citroën Brooklyn
- Magic Hour Rooftop
- E’s Bar
- House of Yes
- City of Gods at Industry City
- The McKittrick Hotel Halloween Party
- Anywhere in the West Village
Best New York City Bars on Halloween (Map)
I hope this article made it easier to find the best Halloween bars in New York City. Enjoy your drinks, be safe and don’t forget to tip your waitstaff! Until next time, cheers.
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