The best themed restaurants and bars in NYC

What is it? A honky-tonk dive in ol’ Williamsburg with nightly live country music. 

Why we love it: The honky-tonk theme goes beyond peanut shells on the floor. Skinny Dennis is a labor of love and has been for a while. Seating includes an actual bench salvaged from a 1981 Ford pickup beside a genuine church pew. And they really feature live country or bluegrass, so if you’re a fan of the music, you’ll wanna check this spot out. It has the feeling of evocation more than theme–there’s no mechanical bull or ladies dancing on the bar to discover their free spirit or whatever. It’s a great little bar that tends to the country-and-western sensibility where it counts. The house special is a bourbon-and-coffee slushie named for Willie Nelson and it comes in one of those classic blue paper coffee cups–mixed messages, sure, but true to the place and what more can you ask for? You’re in for beers n’ shots poured for volume; here I tell ya what. And the prices are downright merciful.

Time Out tip: If you want to hear your interlocutor over the music, aim for a random weekday afternoon rather than, say, Friday night. 

Address: 152 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Opening hours: Daily noon–4am

Expect to pay: ~$5/beer; ~$5/mixed drink

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What is it? An Atlantic City-themed bar that stays open late.

Why we love it: This Atlantic City/Shania Twain-themed bar feels alive and buzzing. The design is unique; not quite a theme but close enough. The whole idea is celebration, not so much of Atlantic City per se, but the good times the owners have had there. And good times most certainly can be had at Shania’s Max Bet; they’re open for dancing, drinking, and a general good time well into the wee hours every single night of the week. 

Time Out tip: Order the $10 beer-and-shot combo for a bargain, but the cocktail program here is worth a few extra bucks—fun and retro-inspired with flair. 

Address: 317 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Opening hours: Daily 5pm–4am

Expect to pay: ~8-10/beer;~13-18/cocktail; ~13/glass of wine; ~7-10/small plate

What is it? A punk rock tiki dive with cheap drinks and rockabilly music.

Why we love it: Otto’s Shrunken Head’s theme is rockabilly punk tiki dive. That may sound like a lot, but it’s all actually hand-in-glove. It serves that same gritty rebelliousness of an arm covered in sun-faded Sailor Jerry flash. The drink menu is filled with signature syrupy rum punches served in classic souvenir mugs. And they’re straightforward but potent–of all the tiki places on this list, this is the diviest and proud of it. The sticky vinyl booths have seen better days, but haven’t we all? Money can’t buy that patina. Catching a painkiller buzz while watching an underground rockabilly band is just perfection.

Time Out tip: Cash only, you crazy cats. If you get a drink served in a crazy vessel, you’re paying a $7 deposit, which you’ll get returned once you return the cup.

Address: 538 E 14th St, New York, NY 10009

Opening hours: Tue-Sun 4pm–1am; Fri, Sat 4pm–2am

Expect to pay: ~$6/mixed drink; ~$18/tiki drink in a pint, ~$28/tiki drink in a cool cup (but it’s a $10 deposit on the cup)

What is it? A dive bar à la Americana camp

Why we love it: Trailer Park Lounge is at least as themed as a tiki bar, which is to say, it is a midcentury Americana-themed bar that serves up homages to that kind of food and drink. It leans into camp; the tragically ludicrous, the ludicrously tragic. Not far beneath the tacky trappings is just a dive bar with frozen margaritas and diner fare. But the sheer volume of retro junk on the walls is fun, defying modern minimalism and giving guests something to talk about. The margaritas, as the bartender will tell you, are the star attraction. They’re slushy and gigantic. The salvaged diner booths and bowling alley chairs provide a surprisingly comfortable spot to relax. And the soundtrack is mercifully free from whatever’s arbitrarily gaining traction on social media. Trailer Park offers great value, especially considering how rare a cheap drink is in Chelsea at this point.

Time Out tip: Pay your tab with physical cash to avoid a pesky surcharge applied to all credit card transactions. The mannequins each have their own playlist. That’ll make sense when you go.

Address: 271 W 23rd St, New York, NY 10011

Opening hours: Mon-Wed 4pm–2:30am; Fri, Sat 3:30pm-2:30am; Sun 3pm–2:30am

Expect to pay: ~$6.50-8.50/beer; ~$10.95-17.95/cocktail; ~$6.00-12.95/glass of wine; ~$6.95-11.95/small plate; ~$11.95-16.95/main

What is it? A second-floor tiki bar above Gage & Tollner, built to feel like the inside of a capsized ship.

Why we love it: This tiny tiki bar is shipwreck-themed. Specifically, a shipwreck sitting on the ocean floor. They go for the gusto more than you’d expect from a place sitting atop the dignified Gage & Tollner. Foghorns and the sounds of creaking wood play on unseen speakers, and an itty bitty fog machine gives off puffs of misty ambiance now and then. All of the set-dressing is clearly sourced deliberately; none of this is cheaply done or lazy. That shows a real love for the tiki genre and a commitment to the bit. It’s a rum-forward bar, but there’s variety on the menu, which is organized by nautical depth–extra points for thematic consistency. It’s small, so you can’t bring a big party. And prices aren’t tuned to budget consciousness. But the quality and creativity are high, so as an experience overall, it’s a great time.

Time Out tip: There's no way to reserve a table, so showing up right at opening is the way you guarantee a seat.

Address: 372 Fulton St, 2nd Fl, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Opening hours: Sun–Thu 5pm–11pm; Fri, Sat 5pm–midnight

Expect to pay: ~$16-25/cocktail; ~$6-25/small plate

What is it? An astrology-themed basement cocktail bar.

Why we love it: Someone gave each element of this Zodiac-themed bar a lot of thought. It’s well-realized and tidy, cute and a little mysterious without veering into woo-woo; it’s not alienating for those who don’t subscribe. Cocktails are nicely realized, organized by zodiac element, named for (what I believe but can’t confirm are) aspects of the cosmology. As you might’ve predicted, you can read your horoscope on the menu–a cute conversation starter if nothing else. Who writes these things? Well, who writes any of them? The light fixtures are great and the ceiling is fun to gaze at, but the stairwell leading to the place is the star attraction–walls painted with the constellations in glowing blacklight. The drinks are more often than not, sweet. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find something that isn’t. And the food is Japanese-ish with hand rolls, but they’ve also got a “burger dog” for anyone not into Nori. 

Time Out tip: Don't feel obligated to order for your own sign. The place is merely an inducement to fun and doesn’t bear any real prognosticatory weight. It’s only open Thurs-Sat.

Address: 135 W 30th St, New York, NY 10001

Opening hours: Thu–Sat 5pm–2am

Expect to pay: ~$10-12/beer; ~$22/cocktail; ~$17-22/glass of wine; ~$18-40/small plate

What is it? A psychobilly tiki bar that packs serious cocktail punch.

Why we love it: This psychobilly-themed cocktail bar pulses with a fun, irreverent energy. It’s kind of like if Pee Wee Herman had a Twin Peaks dream. Every drink is themed, the soundtrack is pitch-perfect, the uniform is a punky cutoff vest with buttons and patches; the bathrooms are eerie with a murmuring voice piped in–it’s all smile-inducing. They went for it and stuck the landing. You don’t have to be into any of the thematic elements to enjoy an evening or a well-made, fruit-forward cocktail, but if you grew up going to dive bars and somehow developed a bit of refinement along the way, this place will vibrate on your frequency. Food isn’t emphasized–it’s tasty snacks that do the job handily but don’t add up to a meal per se. Cocktails are the headliner–they trigger flashing light cues and belch dry ice mist. Every classic tiki drink is done well here, but you should do yourself a favor and wade into deeper waters; cocktails include rare rums, pork, exotic fruits, and even blood. Yes, real blood.

Time Out tip: It's walk-in only, so you’ve got to try your luck at the door. But the wait usually isn’t long; most parties hang out for one or two.

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

Opening hours: Daily 5pm–2am

What is it? A neon-lit speakeasy-ish cocktail bar near Times Square.

Why we love it: This spot has a 1980s Times Square theme. You pass through a fake adult video store past shelves of vintage tapes before a bookcase rigged as a VCR display swings open into the actual bar. For anyone who remembers Times Square of old, it’s a funny kind of sanitized version of that seriously seedy scene; this place is decidedly not an evocation of the actual time/place, but a clean, well-curated pastiche. The soundtrack never breaks character from 1987, which is cool. Cocktail names are double entendres and innuendo–they’re on the sugary side with lots of spectacle and ‘wow’ factor. If you’re in the neighborhood, it’s an experience worth having for a drink or two. Keep in mind there’s a time limit on tables. And there is a dress code: no crocs, slippers, slides, work boots, hoods, sweatpants, gym shorts, tracksuits, sunglasses or sheisties. And no singles are allowed entry, period.

Time Out tip: You have to ring a doorbell and say a saucy password to be let in, but they list it clearly on the bar’s website. A little rigmarole is part of the overall experience.

Address: 266 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 5pm–2am; Fri 5pm–3am; Sat 1pm–3am; Sun 1pm–2am

Expect to pay: ~$9-10/beer; ~$19-20/cocktail; ~$10-12/glass of wine; ~$14-20/small plate; ~$20-25/main

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What is it? A bar showcase for homebrew game developers.

Why we love it: Wonderville is kind of astounding: it’s themed as an arcade bar, but it’s actually an exhibit for independent game developers. It is a nightlife spot–they serve booze and stay open late. But every cabinet, retro though it may appear to be, is new–the product of creative devs. And each is free to play, which is a treat. The menu has casual hot dogs and cheap shot combinations, so you can keep focused on breaking a high score instead of the bank. The cocktails are unpretentious, easy to understand–some have cute video game-related names. And they have house-infused liquors, which is a step further than you’d expect. This isn’t a place trying to be all things to all people; it has a specific focus, so if you’re into that, this is the place for you. The sprawling layout offers ample room to navigate, so even when it’s busy, you don’t feel crammed in. But the place is full of click-clacking buttons and the sounds of people celebrating high scores.

Time Out tip: Show up early in the evening if you want to make a quick run through the cabinets to see which you want to go back to.

Address: 1186 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11221

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

Expect to pay: ~$4-13/beer; ~$9-14/cocktail; ~$3-9/snacks

What is it? A Brooklyn tiki fixture with a famously dark room.

Why we love it: Zombie Hut is a classic. Is that a theme? Well, it’s fully dedicated to midcentury island aesthetics with an unabashed commitment to the kitsch. We think that counts. Zombie Hut is wonderfully transportive, immersing you in a bamboo-lined getaway; it’s a mini island vacation right off Smith Street. The drinks are great–lethal, heavily poured. It’s not fussy mixology; there’s not a lot of subtlety when a drink arrives on fire or in a MASSIVE communal bowl. It features a nice, comfy backyard patio–an oasis during warmer months. The sugary, nutty aroma of rum and toasted coconut hangs heavy in the dimly-lit room. And if you have any doubts about the seriousness of the drinking one can do here, let’s just dispel them here. Zombie Hut will get you toasty for a bargain.

Time Out tip: Pace yourself with the frozen drinks; they’re sweet but incredibly high proof. Remember to drink water if you want to avoid a hangover.

Address: 273 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 4pm–1am; Fri, Sat 1pm–2am; Sun 1pm–1am

Expect to pay: ~$9-14/cocktail

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What is it? A bookstore that has a bar/coffee shop. Or a coffee shop/bar with a bookstore component.

Why we love it: Book Club Bar isn’t themed like a bookstore; it is a bookstore. It’s got staff recommendations and everything. But if you wanted to ignore that, show up and just get a drink and read a book you brought with you—100 percent legit. The atmosphere is decidedly peaceful and literary, but we all know what writers get up to. If you show up during the day, you can get cozy and curl up with a coffee drink. But if you stick around, you can get loaded until 2am—that’s the beauty of the place. The shelves are well-stocked with a mix of old and new titles, and the bar has a menu of literary-themed cocktails. There are two locations: East Village–more compact and cocktail-focused, and tending to have more consistent literature-themed programming like readings, and Bushwick–with beer taps and more breathing room. You already know where your next book club meeting is going to take place.

Time Out tip: Secure a leather chair in the back room early in the day, since the comfortable seating fills up fast on weekends.

Address: 197 E 3rd St, New York, NY 10009

Opening hours: Sun-Wed 9am–11pm; Thu-Sat 9am–midnight

Expect to pay: ~$15-16/cocktail; ~$10/glass of wine

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What is it? A gothy neighborhood pub.

Why we love it: Flying Fox Tavern is a vampire-themed restaurant and bar that leans into Victorian gothic aesthetics. If that doesn’t conjure a picture, I don’t know what will. Without taking itself too seriously, virtually every inch of this place pays homage to classic horror cinema. Yes, that includes the menu, which has plenty of vegan options for all you Colin Robinsons out there. The cocktails are clever without falling into the trap of gimmicky recipes. It’s not pyrotechnics, but it still achieves the goal. This is a great place for a gothy dinner date. The velvet upholstery beneath candelabra light practically begs to be caressed.

Time Out tip: Prioritize the plant-based options on the menu, since the vegan comfort food frequently outshines the traditional meat dishes.

Address: 678 Woodward Ave, Queens, NY 11385

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

Expect to pay: Expect to pay: ~$5-12/beer; ~$13/cocktail; ~$10-12/glass of wine; ~$36-44/bottle of wine; ~$8-12/small plate; ~$15-24/main 

What is it? A listening bar tucked behind a Taiwanese restaurant that pays homage to 1980s Japanese pop culture.

Why we love it: 56709 is a retro-futuristic 80s Japanese pop-culture-themed listening lounge. It all makes sense once you’re in there. Stepping inside feels like a Tokyo fever dream. The theme permeates the menu, with specialty drinks named after the era's famous icons. The bartenders apply that famous Japanese cocktail focus, so precision predominates. The space is tight, with room for about 40, give or take. The crackle of vintage vinyl playing classic tracks through beautifully-tuned high end speakers is a treat. It’s pricey, but the immaculate vibes and high-quality ingredients entirely justify the splurge.

Time Out tip: Secure a reservation well in advance. No parties larger than six.

Address: 42-45 27th St, Queens, NY 11101

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 6pm–1am; Fri, Sat 5pm–1am; Sun 5pm–midnight

Expect to pay: ~$6/beer; ~$20-28/cocktail; ~$7/glass of wine 

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What is it? A quiet Trappist monk-themed beer sanctuary.

Why we love it: Burp Castle is a monastery-themed pub where a strict code of silence is enforced by bartenders dressed as monks, unafraid to shush violators. The place has been around for more than three decades, so if you don’t like the rules, that’s on you. This section of the East Village is notoriously chaotic, so a place that prizes peace and quiet is no less than an oasis. The silence isn’t a gimmick; it’s an effort to support appreciation of the world-class beer selection–this place has prized obscurity and coziness since well before social media granted points for such things. Obscure European ales and deeply complex Trappist brews come from the monasteries this place honors. The mural-lined room is snug. You aren’t going to be lounging, but it’s still comfy enough… that is, until the sudden, jarring SSHHHH from the bartender cuts through the murmured conversation. The premium imported drafts cost a pretty penny, but if you’re here, you’re someone who knows the value of this type of curation.

Time Out tip: Keep your voice to an absolute whisper. This is strictly enforced. If you show up and whip out your phone to update your followers, you’re gonna get the boot.

Address: 41 E 7th St, New York, NY 10003

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

Expect to pay: ~$7-22/beer

What is it? A heavy metal dive.

Why we love it: Duff's has the metal/biker/horror theme going. The morbid, chaotic decor isn’t subtle; it’s LOUD, which is exactly what they’re going for and what people in cutoff vests and greasy hair want. The drinks tend to be roadhouse, dive bar fare: cheap beer and generous shots of whiskey. If you order a martini here, you may just get a dirty look and you will have earned it. There’s a lot of texture here, which is to say, evidence of long nights and rough living on everything from the walls to the seats. The incredibly cheap drink specials ensure you get a bang for your buck all night long.

Time Out tip: Hit the ATM before you arrive. You can pay with a card, but there’s a minimum.

Address: 168 Marcy Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Opening hours: Daily 6pm-4am

Expect to pay: ~$3-6/beer; ~$6-8/mixed drink

What is it? A spooky, immersive tribute to gothic pop cinema.

Why we love it: Beetle House is a Tim Burton-themed bar. It’s theatrical and whimsical, with servers dressed in costume and roaming performers. The dedication is admirable, and if you’re into Hot Topic X My Chemical Romance X Jack Skellington leggings, odds are you’ll be delighted by this place. The theme is deep in the menu, which features bubbling potions and presentations straight out of Delia Deetz’s notebook. The dining room feels cramped when the interactive actors roam around. If you don’t want to interact with them, be prepared to make that clear because they will try. It is expensive for what you get, but you’re really paying for the wild, interactive theatrical dining experience.

Time Out tip: Skip the prix fixe dinner if you just want the vibe; anyone can walk into the bar area for a drink without a reservation.

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

Opening hours: Tue, Wed 4pm–11:30pm; Thu-Sat 4pm–2am; Sun 4pm–11:30pm

Expect to pay: ~$16-25/cocktail; ~$65/prix-fixe dinner

What is it? A rock-and-roll dive bar and venue with go-go dancers.

Why we love it: Lucky 13 is a hardcore-themed bar. Pretty general description, yes, but think motorcycles, hardcore punk, metal, horror, and butt-shaking–guests can expect to find all of it any night of the week. The headline feature (aside from inexpensive drinks and lovely bartenders) is the women who dance for tips. These hardworking ladies put on a show, weaving around bottles and glasses before shimmying up and down the pole. To be clear: there’s no outright nudity, but they get about as close as one can. The people who know Lucky 13 love it, and visitors can expect a wild time with a loud soundtrack. The back room has live music and events like hardcore karaoke. The menu is surprisingly varied with something for everyone. 

Time Out tip: Tip these women. All of them. Don’t be a freeloader; imagine what the bartenders and dancers here have to put up with. Even if you’re not into the dancers, you won’t miss that buck or two, but it makes a big difference to their livelihood. And ask their permission before you take any photos, or you’ll risk getting tossed.

Address: 644 Sackett St, Gowanus, Brooklyn, 11217

Opening hours: Daily 2pm-4am

Expect to pay: ~$3-8/beer

What is it? A punk dive bar, plain and simple.

Why we love it: Clockwork isn’t exactly a theme bar, but if it was, that theme would be punk rock. At this point in NYC’s history, we’re shouting it out because there aren’t very many actual avowedly punk bars in the city anymore. You don’t have to wear a leather jacket or Doc Martens to drink here; anyone who wants an inexpensive dive and/or appreciates what CBGB wrought will feel at home. The room’s anarchic aesthetic sports the same attitude as a person with a foot-tall mohawk wearing a tattered vest covered in patches: cultivated indifference that asks you to ignore how much time was spent putting every hair in place. There was a time when a lot of bars downtown felt like this. Well, they’re gone, and Clockwork isn’t. Like Glen Danzig, it’s small but mighty, but the specific romance and allure are obvious if you’re into that kind of thing.

Time Out tip: Order the cheap beer-and-shot combo. Best bang for your buck in the entire neighborhood. And don’t request music.

Address: 21 Essex St, New York, NY 10002

Opening hours: Daily 2pm–4am

Expect to pay: ~$3-4/beer; ~$5-6/mixed drink

What is it? An aggressively playful dive. 

Why we love it: Boobie Trap’s theme is–you guessed it–boobs, breasts, mammary glands. You get it. It’s not gross–it’s playful, funny, as much of a winky acknowledgment of the near-absurdity of society’s preoccupation as an earnest tribute to the life-giving anatomy we all know and love. It’s got just as much to do with kitsch as tits, if not more so—the decor is unabashedly tacky, and the owners are happy to make you crack a smile. It’s juvenile but self-aware, offering crayons, toys, and games alongside beer/shot combos. At its heart, Boobie Trap is a fun little dive bar. The entire menu is astonishingly cheap, letting you make a feast out of hot pockets and chips and cheap drafts.

Time Out tip: This place is woman-owned and operated and super queer-friendly, so don’t assume it’s populated with gross dudes. This is a dive for anyone and everyone.

Address: 308 Bleecker St, Brooklyn, NY 11237

Opening hours: Mon-Sat noon–4am; Sun noon–midnight

Expect to pay: ~$3-7/beer; ~$8-$10/cocktail

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What is it? A James Beard finalist roller rink-inspired bar.

Why we love it: All Night Skate is NOT a skate rink, but an outstanding bar themed like one. Confusing, maybe. But only until you walk in and realize it’s a vibrant nostalgia trip, meticulously designed to evoke a roller disco. The place is flooded with neon lights and throwback tunes, with glittering disco balls throwing light around the room. It feels like a party. The specialty cocktails are creative, utilizing unique ingredients when they could otherwise be standard sugary club drinks–hence the James Beard recognition. The plush, colorful lounge seating makes the vibrant room remarkably comfortable but you’re liable to get up and dance. The pricing isn’t exactly cheap, but it’s reasonable and hits a sweet spot.

Time Out tip: Stop by on a weeknight to catch one of their incredibly popular and wildly entertaining local drag shows. Check the calendar on their socials for details.

Address: 54 Rockaway Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11233

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

Expect to pay: ~$8-10/mixed drink; ~$10-20/main