The best Halloween bars in NYC

What is it? Upscale tiki cocktails, most often featuring rum and fruit components, are served in campy vessels amid well-realized psychobilly environs for grown-ups.

Why we love it: Picture a zombie with American Traditional tattoos, plastic vampire fangs, and an immaculate pompadour, whose AMEX Centurion Card is dangling from their Hawaiian shirt’s front pocket. You’re mostly there. With ghoulish personality wall-to-wall, there’s scarcely a corner of Paradise Lost without some kind of fun, oddball stuff going on. With a tidy food menu, it’s easy to suss out the necessaries to keep you upright (wings, dumplings, and musubi). The discursive cocktail menu is where you’ll likely do the most searching. Ranging from safe favorites (a craveable piña colada) to mixological batshittery (Blood Pact - orange blossom gin, prickly pear brandy, dill, fermented milk, and sherbet made from tangerine and real blood), each concoction is delicious—dangerously so at times. The place often features tiki startenders guesting behind the stick, so big talent comes through here. But day-to-day, the staff is exemplary; expert bartenders who may look a tad rough-and-tumble but perform with finesse; mysterious yet welcoming (typical Sagittarius) host, servers who edify with the perfect pinch of attitude.

Time Out Tip The menu conveys how much booze is in each drink (from one to five skulls) and the nature of allergen/left-field ingredients (fish sauce, allium, dairy, etc.,), so read with some care. There’s no storefront, no reservations, and it’s seating room only—if there’s no room, you’re not getting in.

Address: 100 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003

Opening hours: Daily 5pm–2am

Expect to pay: ~$8–$10/beer; ~$14–$16/wine glass; ~$16–$80/cocktail; ~$9–$21/small plates

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What is it? A month-long goth-cocktail takeover where the adorable Boerum Hill neighborhood bar, Someday Bar, undergoes a change.

Why we love it: Black Lagoon is Halloween decor cranked way up: creepy decoration, servers dressed in black, and a SpOoKy soundtrack. But it’s more than that. The pop-up comes but once a year, so that time-sensitive energy really sharpens everything, i.e., you get the sense that this is something special. And it is. Bar owner/proprietor Megan Rickerson lovingly summons up bizzarro glassware, theatrical garnishes, and a homemade Kraken whose tentacles emerge from the room’s fireplace. Black Lagoon is the brainchild of Erin Hayes and Kelsey Ramage–a coupla weirdos who happen to have serious cocktail bonafides and love to spread the holiday spirit coast-to-coast. This is New York’s only outpost for the experience. And no, the metamorphosis is NOT purely aesthetic. The cocktail menu has undergone a horrifying transformation with offerings like the Noctura Colada (A blend of black and gold rums, coffee liqueur, passionfruit, coconut milk, pineapple, and coffee/cardamom bitters served in a zombie mermaid tiki mug). The dreaded affliction has even spread the N/A menu in the form of Death's Door (agave, Pineapple, miso, falernum, lime, and soda).

Time Out tip: All month long, there’s SpOoKy drag every Wednesday at 9pm. And the last Sunday of the month, Disney Villain drag brunch!

Address: 364 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5pm–midnight; Fri 3pm–2am; Sat noon–2am; Sun: noon–midnight

Expect to pay: ~$10–$15/cocktails; ~$10/wine glass, ~$40/bottle; ~$8–$10/draft beer; ~$4–$22/small plates; ~$10–$24/mains 

What is it? Gowanus’ own heavy metal gogo bar institution with a ton of horror-themed decor, inexpensive drinks, hardworking dancers, and lady bartenders who are a ton of fun but tolerate exactly zero bullshit or rudeness. 

Why we love it: Heavy metal and horror go together like rusty cleavers and horny teenagers in remote cabins, so this place is Halloween festive year-round. The (rubber) severed head of GG Allin on the back bar can attest. High up screens constantly play horror and B-movies. But to watch, you’ll likely have to wait until the scantily clad dancer moves on down the bar–her stiletto is planted next to your drink, so you’re gonna want to tip her. They’ve got a short menu of bites: deep-fried bits and bar pizzas. As far as drinks, it’s dive-bar programming, i.e., there’s inexpensive beers, a big selection of liquor, a couple of frozen drinks, some house cocktails–if you can’t find something you like here, it’s a YOU problem. The back room is an event space hosting live music, film screenings, and karaoke. Programming varies, so there’s good reason to check the calendar. This place isn’t nearly as sceney as you might think; you don’t even have to love metal to have a great time. Everyone is welcome. 

Time Out tip: The nightly 4am close makes this a perfect as a second or third (if not first and only) stop. Again, dive bar–if you walk in and it’s crowded: keep it simple–be respectful–and tip well and (like magic!) you’ll find yourself prioritized.

Address: 644 Sackett St, Brooklyn, NY 11217

Opening hours: Daily 2pm–4am

Expect to pay: ~$6–$9/beer; ~$12/house cocktail

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What is it? A lounge that looks like a vampire bordello with vintage furniture, crimson velvet upholstery, and red lighting.

Why we love it: This is an avowedly sexy spot especially for the Anne Rice crowd. Explicitly encouraging libidinous urges, it’s a pool of low-lighting, sultry ambiance, and stiff drinks with refreshingly transparent pricing. It’s not SpOoKy per se, but neither is a vampire until they’re right up on you. It’s perfect for your next costume party or coven meetup, or if you just want to dance yourself sweaty and have a nice time. Cocktails are good, like the Straight up, no I.C.E. (rum, coconut, sherry, bay leaf, licor43, and lime) that leans to the tropical but is a world more complex and interesting than your run-of-the-mill coconut Bay Breeze. The bartenders are charming and gracious and, unlike Lestat, the prices are merciful. The place is already vamp-coded with a finely tuned vibe, so as far as Halloween decor goes, don’t expect plastic skeletons or cotton cobwebs. What you can expect is a lively crowd—on weekends, this place gets packed.

Time Out tip: If you’re looking for an inclusive, sexy bar that’s LGBTQIA+ and kink-friendly but isn’t explicitly a gay bar, this place threads that needle. It’s super welcoming.

Address: 94 W Houston St, New York, NY 10012

Opening hours: Thu, Sun 6pm–2am; Fri, Sat 6pm–3am

Expect to pay ~$16–$18/cocktails; ~$11–$14/glass of wine, ~$44–$56/bottle; ~$6–$10/beer

What is it? Ridgewood’s goth-ish charmer; laid back pub vibes, tongue-in-cheek vampy cocktail names, and a nice menu of pub foods.

Why we love it: In case you didn’t know, the Flying Fox or Pteropus is the world’s largest bat species (they eat fruit, not people) and they’re real cute, which makes them the perfect avatar for this establishment: adorable but a tad SpOoKy in the right light or for anyone who doesn’t get it right off the... The Flying Fox is, at base, a friendly neighborhood pub with some charming, tasteful horror/goth/vampy decor. Think Noel Fielding over Hot Topic mall goth. The drink menu honors famous vampires (Nandor the Relentless, Bunnicula, Queen Akasha, et al) and might sound novelty-forward but are actually just simple, nice cocktails such as the Bela (Strawberry Gin, Grapefruit, Lemon, and Prosecco) and its ilk–well worth the price at $13 per. Seven draft lines and a bunch of bottles will sate the beer drinkers. This is one of the only perennially Halloweeny places that actually serves double duty as bar and casual restaurant with familiar pub-ish fare (including many vegan options–think sandos, burgers, dinner salads, and fried finger food) and brunch on the weekends.

Time Out tip: Weekend nights fill fast—slide in at 6:30pm for seats and the best flow between cocktails and the kitchen.

Address: 6-78 Woodward Ave, Ridgewood, NY 11385

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 5pm–11:30pm; Fri 5pm–1:30am; Sat noon–1:30am; Sun noon–11pm

Expect to pay: ~$13/cocktails; ~$5–$12/beer; ~$10–$12/glass of wine, ~$36–$44/bottle; ~$16–$22/mains; ~$9–$13/small plates

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What is it? A Bushwick neighborhood cocktail bar that dips a cute little toe into the occult. 

Why we love it: Low light, tarot-ish illustrations, and a menu of $13 potions with names that flirt with the mysterious–this is as adorable as the occult gets. It’s a well-executed, friendly neighborhood cocktail bar that isn’t taking itself too seriously but isn’t diving into the deep end of kitsch. The place is undeniably messing with Saturnalia, pagan, and Wicca iconography, i.e., the wild bramble at the doorway, skulls and lunar motifs on the menu, cocktails that read like spells (Practical Magic, Ritual). But it’s all so cozy and nice. It’s somewhere in between Kiki’s Delivery Service and Suspiria. Maybe some Aunt Gladys and Sabrina in there, too. It’s perfect for a Halloweeny date night by flickering candlelight.

Time Out tip: This place is pretty ideal if you’re camping out with a book. Monday night is Karaoke night! Witches LOVE karaoke.

Address: 1312 Decatur St, Brooklyn, NY 11207

Opening hours: Sun–Thu 5pm–midnight; Fri, Sat 5pm–2am

Expect to pay: ~$6–$12/beer; ~$13/cocktails; ~$10/glass of wine; ~$2–$4/snacks

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What is it? A Crown Heights martini chapel. Kind of literally a chapel. A sacrilicious chapel.

Why we love it: Stained glass, candlelight, ornate filigree, and dungeon-like walls—the place’s decor echoes ecclesiastical design language but with a subtle, sinister undercurrent. But maybe that’s nonexistent? Maybe I’m exerting some bias? Is someone calling to me? Hello? There’s goat iconography scattered around and we all know what that means… but make no mistake: this place is tasteful and subtle and elegant. It’s a martini-focused cocktail bar by masterful bartender Phil Ward, so there’s no denying how adult it feels. Besides excellent martinis, there are nice bites like a lobster roll, a burger, and patatas brava. There’s pew-like seating, votives everywhere, some wild pseudo-devotional art splashed across the wall. It’s not putting anything on, there’s no Halloween theming. But go ahead and visit at night, when the back bar is in full effect. Try to deny the effect of those gothic-ish touches. What? Yes, I would like to live deliciously. Where do I sign?

Time Out tip: Weeknights are great for date nights and martini flights; weekends are for late nights and revelry.

Address: 645 Sterling Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11238

Opening hours: Mon 5pm–midnight; Tue, Wed 8am–midnight; Thu–Sat 8am–2am; Sun 8am–midnight

Expect to pay: ~$15–$16/cocktails; ~$17/Martinis; ~$8/Baby martini of the day; ~$13–$14/glass of wine, ~$32–$78/bottle; ~$6–$8/beer; ~$8–$12/small plates; ~$14–$23/mains

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What is it? Ridgewood’s curio cave of taxidermy, antiques, oddities, and gypsy-jazz.

Why we love it: It’s not playing a dungeon or witch’s hut or whatever, but in the right (wrong?) light, The Keep can evoke creeeaaaaky "did you just hear that?!" vibes. No, but seriously, the place is impressive. Owners Stephanie and Diego Castillo have put a staggering amount of time and effort into their beautiful collection, almost all of which is for sale. Drinks are straightforward, that is, three or four ingredients, tasty and fairly priced. Halloween simply amplifies the energy with more costumes, more candlelight, and a patio that feels witchy. 

Time Out tip: Bring cash! And check the calendar for live jazz and DJ nights. And also maybe a pickup truck if you want to leave with some furnishings.

Address: 205 Cypress Ave, Ridgewood, NY 11385

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 4pm–3am; Sat, Sun 1pm–3am

Expect to pay Cash-only; pricing varies by night and pour size but expect it to hover around $15/cocktail

What is it? A Victorian-inspired Upper East Side hideaway with dangling chandeliers, pressed-tin ceilings, and a fireplace that might double as a summoning altar come October. We’ll see how things play out.

Why we love it: It isn’t really creepy, it’s actually really cool and vibey and nice and romantic. Still, I suppose I can see how it could be creepy. Old stuff is creepy. Low light is creepy. Red velvet, art hung salon-style antique mirrors… all potentially creepy. The place does have a kind of spirit about it. And I suppose that is amplified during SpOoKy season by default. If you’re jumpy or attuned to the spirit world or whatever, maybe this place will set off your radar. Those dark reflections in the flickering candlelight, the shadowy corners… 

Time Out tip: There’s no storefront—finding the door feels like riddle. There’s no dress code per se, but DO NOT wear real fur or a baseball cap. Weekends, it’s strictly 25 years old and up.

Address:: 300 E 89th St, New York, NY 10128

Opening hours:: Sun–Thu 6pm–2am; Fri 6pm–1am; Sat 6pm–4am.

Expect to pay: ~$10–$14/cocktail; ~$10/glass of wine; ~$6–10/beer

What is it? A sprawling, indoor/outdoor beer hall with one of the sPoOoOkiEsT locations of any on this list.

Why we love it: All October long, Greg’s Great Pumpkin Patch satisfies your every gourdly need by setting up shop at this beer hall. The tap list here is broad, but they’ve got a good selection of other stuff, too. Cocktails, mocktails, and a food menu that has everything you’re expecting, plus pizza. If you want to watch the game, odds are it’s on. But the clincher for Halloweeny feelings is in the name: Greenwood. You’re mere steps away from rolling hills, peaceful environs, and great views–of the best places in all of NYC to take a long (necro)mantic stroll. If it were any closer to Greenwood Cemetery, this beer hall’s next-door neighbors would be mausoleums. Speaking of neighbors: this place’s address is marked by the neighbor of the beast: 555 7th Ave.

Time Out tip: Do your pumpkin run, then wander Green-Wood’s paths at golden hour before circling back for wings and another round or two.

Address: 555 7th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 3pm–midnight; Fri noon–midnight; Sat noon–midnight; Sun noon–11pm

Expect to pay: ~$13–$15.50/cocktails; ~$9–$10/glass of wine; ~$5–$16.50/small plates; ~$13.50–$20/mains

What is it? NYC’s most entertaining Revolutionary War relic. This is a multi-room tavern replete with creaky floors, clinking chandeliers, and paranormal happenings. There is also an attached museum that leans into the ghostly.

Why we love it: Fraunces is a bit of living history that summons up the dead. October brings special ghostly programming to the upstairs museum, namely candlelit evenings and spooky tours. Fraunces is supposedly one of the most haunted places in the city–a murder/suicide once happened here, among other assorted mishaps and tragedies. So bring your out-of-towners who want a “haunted” New York night that includes dinner, drinks, and a possible ghost-sighting. 

Time Out tip: This place is huge, so don’t be afraid to come with a big party, but if you do, make a reservation first. Everyone will thank you. If you’re really trying to get the ghost lowdown, the Haunted History tour will most certainly edify you.

Address: 54 Pearl St, New York, NY 10004

Opening hours: There are a few different contiguously interconnected bars/rooms inside, and the hours may vary from room to room. Yes, that’s a little annoying but also kind of cool? In general: Mon–Fri 11:30am–11:30pm; Sat, Sun 11am–midnight

Expect to pay: It varies, depending on the bar but to give you an idea: ~$14–$20/beer & wine by the glass; ~$16–$22/cocktails; ~$16–$25/small plates; ~$24–$52/mains.

What is it? The East Village shrine to Tim Burton-y aesthetics and all things horror where “Every Day Is Halloween” and by every day they mean Thurs-Sun. It’s a theme restaurant for the macabre. Also tourists.

Why we love it Dinner is a three-course prix fixe with haunting bells and chilling whistles—nothing actually scary ingredient or preparation-wise; more or less gastropub with frills. Of note are the generous options for those with dietary restrictions, so this is a good place to bring friends haunted by gluten intolerance. The cocktails are similarly themed i.e., nothing actually weird, like the Beetle’s Juice (tequila, cran, blackberry, lime and simple), which sounds more theatrical than it drinks. Speaking of theatrical: be prepared for back-and-forth with in-character servers and performers who commit to the bit. [Insert “It’s showtime!” joke here]

Time Out tip: This is the kind of place where you’re gonna have a bad time if you don’t play along. The key is getting into the (say it with me!) spirit. Book your spot in the dining room in advance. The three-course prix fixe is timed with the performances, so do NOT be late, but the bar is à la carte.

Address: 308 E 6th St, New York, NY 10003

Opening hours: Thu–Sun 4pm–11pm

Expect to pay ~$65 for the dinner experience. ~$16/cocktails

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What is it? High-Victorian fever dream that goes all-in on seasonal installs. This place is owned by The Celtic Developers Group—the same concern behind Papillon and Oscar Wilde.

Why we love it: There are actually two places with the same name, so this is a twofer: one at Times Square and one at Union Square. In the normal course of business, each place is beautifully put together in its own right, so the high degree of theatricality and polish for Halloween is truly impressive. They really go for it. This place understands spectacle. They want you to be awed by how unsettling it all is. Marble, carved wood, and florals–all gets doused in the SpOoKy trappings. This year, the Union Square location’s theme is Creepy Circus, so coulrophobics, beware. The Times Square theme is Victorian Haunted Halls–more of a generic vibe, but nonetheless highly effective. 

Time Out tip: Times Square is a good pre-theater option for an early dinner.  It’s all admirable and nice, but the tourist clientele can make it tough to enjoy unreservedly.

Address: 249 W 49th St, New York, NY 10019

Opening hours: Daily 11:30am–2am

Expect to pay: Prices differ depending on location (the Times Square is pricier, obviously. Tourist Tax), but to give you an idea: ~$18–$19/cocktails; ~$13–$16/mocktails; ~$14–$25/wine glass; ~$8–$10/beer; ~$12–$30/small plates; ~$22–$40/mains