The best Halloween bars in NYC

What is it? A massively ambitious, fully immersive Halloween cocktail pop-up taking over the East Village's Mezcal Bar, courtesy of Miracle Cocktails Inc.

Why we love it: They understand that Halloween deserves just as much, if not more, obsessive, high-budget holiday treatment as Christmas, and the team behind the popular Miracle and Sippin' Santapop-ups has taken a turn toward the darker side. Their Halloween pop-up, The Haunting, conjures a nostalgic, classic camp aesthetic. Rather than actually trying to give you the heebie-jeebies, they’re encouraging smiles. It’s fun and whimsical–only mildly menacing, like glowing jack-o'-lanterns grinning in the dark. The inaugural cocktail menu, developed by Joann Spiegel, tinkers with unexpected ingredients presented with the kind of theatrical, spooky flair you can expect.

Time Out tip: The pop-up runs throughout October. Costumes are encouraged but not required, whereas reservations are highly advised if you actually want to get in.

Address: 649 E 9th St, New York, NY 10009

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 4–11pm; Fri 2–11:30pm; Sat 1pm–midnight; Sun 1pm-10:30pm

What is it? A complete, seasonal Halloween takeover of the sprawling, 10,000-square-foot Magic Hour Rooftop Bar and Lounge at the Moxy Hotel.

Why we love it: They pitch it as a "spell gone wrong," transforming the already buzzing open-air deck and indoor lounge into a spooktacular. The 18-story-high space is decked out in a creepy aesthetic for your strange and unusual pleasure, but it does come second to sweeping city views. The space is massive, indoor/outdoor. You’re likely going to be wading through tourists and the bridge-and-tunnel crowd, but you wanted to be creeped out, right?

Time Out tip: Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended for seated service.

Address: 485 7th Ave, 18th floor, New York, NY 10018

Opening hours: Mon-Wed 5pm–midnight; Thu 5pm-2am; Fri 5pm-4am; Sat 11:30am-4am; Sun 11:30am–midnight

Expect to pay: ~6/beer;~8/glass of wine; ~10-18/cocktail

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, with an AMEX Centurion Card dangling from their Hawaiian shirt's front pocket. You're mostly there. With a 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 you won’t find anywhere else, 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. 

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. On Halloween, their party will feature free tattoos all night, but it’s first-come, first-served.

Address: 100 Second Ave, New York, NY 10003

Opening hours: Daily 5pm-2am

Expect to pay: ~8-10/beer; ~14-16/glass of wine; ~18-25/cocktail; ~9-21/small plate

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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 decorations, servers dressed in black, and a SpOoKy soundtrack. But it's more than that. The pop-up comes only 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 homespun decorations that show her commitment to the season. Black Lagoon is the brainchild of Erin Hayes and Kelsey Ramage, a coupla weirdos with serious cocktail bona fides who 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 reflects a terrifying transformation.

Time Out tip: This is one of the most popular spooky bar attractions in the city and for good reason, so think about showing up early to experience it without the crowd.

Address: 364 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217

Opening hours: Mon-Wed 4pm-2am; Thu 4pm-4am; Fri 3pm-4am; Sat noon-4am; Sun noon-2am

Expect to pay: ~10-15/cocktail; ~10/glassofwine,~40/bottle of wine; ~8-10/beer; ~4-22/small plate; ~10-24/main

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 feels 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. As far as drinks, it's dive-bar programming: inexpensive beers, a big selection of liquor, a couple of frozen drinks, and 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 it's worth checking 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:~4-10/beer; ~$12/cocktail

What is it? A stylish Victorian saloon.

Why we love it: Oscar Wilde doesn't just decorate, they go in allllll the way. The place celebrates flamboyance in the mold of their witty namesake. And that’s year-round. At Halloween, they’re putting up life-sized animatronics and spinning cobwebs between bronze fixtures. The sheer density of macabre elements promises delight or dread (depending on the person), but either way it’s a conversation starter. Wacky though the environment is, the drinks remain earnest as ever.

Time Out tip: Go during an off-peak afternoon hour if you want to actually examine the decor; prime-time evening crowds make navigating the narrow spaces around the bar nearly impossible.

Address: 45 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001

Opening hours: Mon-Wed 2pm-1am; Thu-Fri 2pm-2am; Sat 11am-2am; Sun 11am-1am

Expect to pay: Expect to pay: ~$20-22/cocktails; ~$28-38/mains

What is it? An LES German beer hall that seasonally reinvents its large outdoor garden.

Why we love it: This place’s decorator, GM, or somebody deserves a bonus. They go for it and nail it every time. The fall aesthetic on their heated patio sees hundreds of pumpkins, spooky skeletons, and all that eerie accouterment in gobs. The central draw is a 60-ounce pumpkin keg. Or maybe it’s a keg pumpkin. It’s a hollowed-out gourd fitted with a tap. Go ahead and pretend you don’t like that warm, fall-spiced beer. This place is built around that German kind of revelry, with dirndls, lederhosen, and shouting Prost! And whatnot; it’s not an atmospheric cocktail hideaway, it’s kind of the opposite. It’s all about beer, sausages, and gourds.

Time Out tip: Reserve a table in advance if you want the pumpkin keg experience. If you truly detest pumpkin-flavored beer, they’ll put whatever you want in that thing.

Address: 7 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002

Opening hours: Mon-Tue noon–midnight; Wed noon–1am; Thu noon–2am; Fri-Sat noon–4am; Sun noon–midnight

Expect to pay: Expect to pay: ~$9-$12/beer; ~$15-$18/cocktail; ~$17-$21/main

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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. 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. Expect 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: Mon-Wed: Closed; Thu & Sun 6pm–2am; Fri & Sat 6pm–3am 

Expect to pay:~16-18/cocktail; ~11-14/glass of wine, ~44-56/bottle of wine; ~6-10/beer

What is it? Williamsburg’s heavy metal bar.

Why we love it: There’s no costuming here. Duff’s is like this year-round, with horror-movie decor and everything. It’s the world that comes around to it once a year. If you’re in the neighborhood and don’t want to mess with plastic skeletons or kitsch, you can drink a cheap domestic brew and knock back shots at Duff’s. While you’re there, marvel at a casket and some torture instruments. Their jukebox is exclusively metal, and the place stays dark, so you don’t have to wait—you can go to Duff's and get a slice of Halloween any damn time you want.

Time Out tip: They charge a steep minimum for cards, so bring cash.

Address: 168 Marcy Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Opening hours: Daily 6pm-4am

Expect to pay: ~$5-$8/beer; ~$7-$10/mixed drink

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 and might sound novelty-forward but is actually just simple, nice concoctions. 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 a 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. Yeah, even goths like brunch.

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-1:00am; Sat noon-1:00am; Sun noon-11pm

Expect to pay: ~13/cocktail;~5-12/beer;~10-12/glassofwine,~36-44/bottleofwine;~16-22/main;~9-$13/small plate

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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 doesn’t take itself too seriously but also doesn’t dive 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. But it’s all oh 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: ~13/cocktail;~7/beer

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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 bravas. There's pew-like seating, votives everywhere, and 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–Sun 8am–midnight

Expect to pay:~18-20/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: Daily 4pm-4am

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 a riddle. There's no dress code per se, but DO NOT wear real fur or a baseball cap. On weekends, it's strictly 25 years old and up.

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

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 6pm-1am; Fri, Sat 6pm-2am; Sun 6pm-1am

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 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. They also have cocktails, mocktails, and a food menu with everything you'd expect, 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-11pm; Fri, 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 multi-room tavern is filled 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 with 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: Mon-Wed 11:30am–midnight; Thu-Fri 11:30am-1am; Sat 11am-1am; 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 a 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 4pm-11pm; Fri, Sat 4pm-1am; 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 get 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: Mon-Thu 10:30am-1am; Fri, Sat 10:30am-2am; Sun 10:30am-1am

Expect to pay: Prices differ depending on location (Times Square is pricier, obviously; tourist tax), but to give you an idea: ~$20-$22/cocktails; ~$13-$16/mocktails; ~$14-$25/wine glass; ~$8-$10/beer; ~$12-$30/small plates; ~$25-$45/mains