As the autumn air rolls in and jack-o’-lanterns start glowing, NYC transforms into a haunted playground filled with eerie pop-ups, gothic speakeasies, and cocktail cauldrons. Whether you’re craving a ghostly gimmick, vampire-inspired libations, or a full-blown haunted house experience with your drink, the city’s nightlife scene delivers. From dark and moody hideaways to over-the-top haunted haunts, here’s a roundup of the best Halloween-themed bars in New York City.
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The best neighborhoods for first timers +3 to avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s my favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
For more on pumpkin pie guaranteed, see our guide to 10 Spots For The Best Pumpkin Pie in New York City (Guaranteed to Impress).
Best Halloween Bars in New York City
Table of Contents. Top Halloween Bars NYC
Table of Contents. Best Halloween-Themed Bars in NYC
Oscar Wilde
Website.Oscar Wilde
Address. 45 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001
Oscar Wilde takes over TikTok and Instagram every Halloween because every inch of the restaurant is decked-out in decorations, including the ceilings. From spiderwebs to animatronics, the Victorian-era inspired restaurant spares no expense in transforming itself into one of the best Halloween bars in NYC.
If I’m being frank, the food at Oscar Wilde isn’t great. But they make up for it in drinks, the cocktail menu is extensive and the bartenders gets creative with Halloween themed cocktails. I should also mention the annual Halloween party, where costumes are strongly encourage and there’s a $1,000 first place prize for the best!
Lillie’s Victorian Establishment
Website.Lillie’s Victorian Establishment
Address. 13 E 17th Street & 249 W 49th Street
Under the same ownership group as Oscar Wilde, Lillie’s Victorian Establishment also adorns every possible surface with Halloween decorations. The restaurant is covered from floor to ceiling in cobwebs and hanging skeletons, so watch your head.
There are two locations, one in Times Square and another in Union Square, and they’re both brimming with decor. 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 and a decent offering of wine and beer.
The Cauldron
Website.The Cauldron
Address. 127 W 26th Street & 47 Stone Street
If you’re looking for the most be-witching Halloween bars in New York City, you can’t afford to miss The Cauldron, a bar with a unique magic theme. The pub has a wizardly vibe, variety of potions (drinks), and even a potion-making class where guests can brew their own cocktails in a cauldron.
Across its two locations (one in the Financial District, another in Flatiron), the bar hosts various Halloween events. In the past, they’ve had horror-movie trivia, a Sanderson sister drag event, and a family-friendly pumpkin patch and carving class.
The Black Lagoon
Website.The Black Lagoon
Address. TBA
The Black Lagoon is a seasonal pop-up that partners with local bars across America to create spooky, Halloween-themed experiences. In 2023, they teamed up with Pretty Ricky’s, a popular bar in the Lower East Side that they could return to in 2024 unless they found a different locale.
With the pop-ups’ help, the local bars created a themed cocktail menu and set up fun decorations. Just bear in mind the anticipated Halloween pop-up bar in NYC usually only lasts about two weeks, from mid to late October.
Beetle House
Website.Beetle House
Address. 308 E 6th St, New York, NY 10003
Originally opened as a pop-up, Beetle House became so popular the bar became a permanent fixture in New York City and expanded to Los Angeles. As the name suggests, the bar plays off the film Beetle Juice and other popular Tim Burton films (but isn’t affiliated with the filmmaker).
Getting a table will require a small miracle, especially in October, as it’s one of the most popular Halloween bars in New York City. The entrance is adorned with a neon sign that reads, “Every day is Halloween,” and decorations from the film. (like a giant Jack Skellington head), themed dishes, and creepy cocktails are all par for the course at Beetle House.
Unpopular opinion. Controversial opinion. you don’t need a speakeasy to have a great cocktail in NYC.
Local tip. Here’s something most visitors don’t know. the best time to visit is right when they open.
Citroën
Website.Citroën
Address. 931 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
By pairing the spooky decorations (including skeletons that are fixtures at the entrance tables) with an air of sophistication, Citroën is one of the best-themed Halloween bars in New York City for date night.
While some bars sacrifice quality in their food and ride their decorations, Citroën focuses on high-quality French fare. The quaint restaurant has flirted with. The menu also offers a sizeable selection of ingenious Halloween cocktails, plus a variety of beer and wine.
Magic Hour Rooftop
Website.Magic Hour Rooftop
Address. 485 7th Ave 18th floor, New York, NY 10018
Magic Hour rooftop bar is a place you need to try in NYC, especially during Halloween, boasting vibrant Pink Pumpkin-Patch decor and themed treats like spider apples and drinks in IV bags. The bar offers fantastic photo opportunities, with the Empire State Building in the backdrop, perfect for Instagram. While cameras aren’t allowed, cell phone photos are encouraged, ensuring you capture memories of one of the cutest Halloween-themed bars in New York City.
Best Bars to Visit on Halloween Weekend
e’s BAR
Website.e’s BAR
Address. 511 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
e’s BAR in the Upper West Side is a neighborhood go-to for inexpensive brews, and hosts an annual Halloween Party dubbed Haunting On the UWS. There’s a DJ and karaoke, but no cover charge. But best of all there will be a costume contest at 11PM, and the winner gets a $100 credit for the bar .
House of Yes
Website.House of Yes
Address. 2 Wyckoff Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237
As one of the most popular clubs in Brooklyn (maybe even THE most popular), it should come as no surprise House of Yes hosts one of the best annual Halloween parties in New York City. Located in a former ice-making warehouse the dance floors are spacious and inviting. Folks won’t struggle making friends since costumes are required for entry and offer an easy ice-breakers.
My go-to ordering tip. ask the staff what’s popular that day.
City of Gods at Industry City
Website.City of Gods at Industry City
Address. 220 36th St, Brooklyn, NY 11232
Hosted by Industry City with the help of House of Yes, City of Gods has been one of the best Halloween parties in New York City since 2017. The event is run like a music festival, taking place over two days. There are interactive art installations, multiple. Costumes are mandatory, and there are single and two-day passes available.
The McKittrick Hotel Halloween Party
Website.The McKittrick Hotel Halloween Party
Address. 530 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001
The McKittrick Hotel is sandwiched between Chelsea and Hudson Yards, and every year, it hosts one of the premier Halloween parties in New York City. Guests will have access to six unique floors, each playing different music and with unique art installations. There are ghouly go-go dancers all. Tickets generally start as low as $100, but can reach as much as $350+.
Anywhere in the West Village
Neighborhood. Greenwich Village
The West Village hosts an annual Halloween parade that draws as many as 2 million people into the neighborhood, and many of them are in costume. Needless to say, the neighborhood’s bustling after the parade, with costumed locals bopping between different bars. It’s a lively scene, and finding a bar for a drink is easy so long as you follow the stream of goblins and ghouls.
My go-to ordering tip. ask the staff what’s popular that day. They’ll steer you right every time, and you might discover something that’s not even on the regular menu.
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)
Frequently Asked Questions
For Halloween in NYC, consider visiting spooky-themed bars like The Cauldron, Oscar Wilde, and Beetle House for a hauntingly good time.
The best decorated bars for Halloween in NYC include Oscar Wilde, Lillie’s Victorian Establishment, and Beetle House.
On Halloween night in NYC, don’t miss out on the eerie ambiance and themed cocktails at iconic bars like The Cauldron, Oscar Wilde, and Beetle House.
More Helpful Halloween Content
Halloween in NYC. 20 of The Best Halloween Events in New York City in 2024
Family Fun. 12 Terrific Things to Do on Halloween with Kids in New York City
The Best Decorations. 10 Spooky Spots for Halloween Decorations in New York City
What to Do in the Fall. 25 Fun Fall Activities in New York City (Helpful 2024 Guide)
Where to Leaf-Peep in NYC. 10+ Breathtaking Spots for Fall Color in New York City
The Best Treats. 15 Festive Fall Treats in New York City (You Don’t Want to Miss!)
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.
If you liked this, you’ll love my 9 Boozy Cocktail Bars in the West Village (Local’s List). it’s a fan favorite.
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