It’s no wonder that New York City has earned itself the title of the city that never sleeps with its booming nightlife. At any given time there are over 1,000 bars open in the city that range from elegant cocktail spots to dingy pubs. However, this amount of venues means higher competition for bar owners. As a result, many bars have embraced quirky themes to attract tourists and locals alike. There are hundreds of bars with wacky themes to choose from, but we sorted through the list for you and picked out the best one NYC has to offer.
Boobie Trap
This cheeky theme bar is located in the heart of Bushwick, where hipsters come from all the world to pretend not to care. Though the bar is filled with classic games to play like battleship, a bathroom that never runs out of toilet paper, and kitschy boob decor, the bright pink neon sign at the center of the bar keeps the bar from trying too hard.
Where to Stay:
Red Carpet Inn
The Ship
In SoHo, you can find an unassuming door that leads down a flight of stairs and into the belly of a ship! The captains, err, bartenders on this ship pour a mean cocktail, so be sure and avoid sea-sickness with one of their delicious appetizers to go with.
Where to Stay:
NOMO SOHO Hotel
The Syndicated
Sure getting a drink in a themed bar is fun, but ordering your drink while watching a movie is even better. At the syndicated you can choose between grabbing a drink at the bar, ordering food from a table, or combine the two inside their 1970s style movie theater.
Where to Stay:
Bogart Hotel
169 Bar
A Lower East Side favorite to many is the New Orlean’s inspired 169 Bar. Inside you can pretend it’s Mardi Gras any day of the year with palm trees, a leopard print pool table, and hanging lights to set the mood. Enjoy an ice cold daquiri or find some southern comfort in their famous Mac & Cheese as well.
Where to Stay:
Fairfield Inn & Suites New York Manhattan/Downtown East
The Johnson’s
The Johnson’s is the sister bar of Welcome to the Johnson’s, both inspired by a 1970’s living room. I recommend the newer one as it is much bigger and cleaner. Though the bar has jokes about getting bad yelp reviews, the $2 Lionshead beer and cheap Painkillers keep people coming back anyway.
Where to Stay:
Sago Hotel
Pizza Party
With beer bongs hanging from the ceiling of the bar, nostalgic movie posters, and fresh pizza, this bar is a haven for anyone that enjoys acting like a frat boy.
Where to Stay:
Bogart Hotel
Two-Bit’s Retro Arcade
Arcade’s aren’t just for kids anymore. This lower east side bar hosts several classic arcade games that line the walls of this very much grown-up bar.
Where to Stay:
Hotel Indigo Lower East Side New York
Nurse Bettie
Where to Stay:
Holiday Inn NYC – Lower East Side
Beauty Bar
Where to Stay:
Hotel 17
Bemelmans Bar-Carlyle Hotel
Where to Stay:
The Franklin
Where to Stay:
Can’t seem to hyde your split personality? Well, this bar won’t judge you. This west village club embraces the weird and theatrical with butlers whose sole job is to walk around and scare unsuspecting patrons.
Where to Stay:
Washington Square Hotel
Miracle on 9th Street
If you’re one of those Christmas in July types, then this bar is for you. Get in the Christmas spirit 365 days of the year as you sip eggnog from a Santa shaped mug and admire the many holiday decorations that kept up all year round.
Where to Stay:
Hotel Indigo Lower East Side New York
Otto’s Shrunken Head
It’s hard to find a good tiki bar nowadays. Or at least that’s what a few native New Yorkers and one Pittsburghian thought. Located in Manhattan’s East Village, this bar has been serving Piña Colada and island vibes since 2002.
Where to Stay:
Hotel 17
Gotham City Lounge
What would a list of New York City’s top theme bars be without one inspired by Gotham city, the fictional birthplace of Batman that was modeled after NYC? From action figures to murals of batman and superman on the walls, this bar is what comic-book nerds dreams are made of. Though, the $3 beers and inexpensive shots make this an attractive bar to anyone.
Where to Stay:
BKLYN House
What are your favorite Theme Bars in NYC? Or anywhere in the world? Let us know in the comments and we might just include it in a future story!