Halloween Bars Spook Up Big Business in New York City

The "Boo Apple" is experiencing a surge in business as Halloween-themed bars transform New York City establishments into spooky destinations. These limited-edition pop-ups are drawing large crowds eager to enjoy chilling cocktails and immersive, frightful experiences.

Mandy Naglich, a cocktail expert and author, noted that Halloween bars offer a fun departure from minimalist trends, allowing for creative and theatrical drink presentations. "It’s fun to know you’ll be getting a tiki drink made with fake vampire blood. Let us have fun! It’s a bar!" she told The Post.

Seasonal businesses are investing heavily in decor, menus, and unique atmospheres to attract and retain customers. Kavé Pourzanjani, owner of Paradise Lost in the East Village, stated that October is their busiest month. The bar, which opened in 2023, features a tiki-horror theme inspired by B horror films, punk rock, and EC Comics. "We had a love for the nonsensical world of Tiki, and were hoping to get away from a lot of the usual trappings you see in Tiki bars and instead focus on its less-explored aspects," Pourzanjani said.

Paradise Lost offers 25 bespoke cocktails, with an additional eight available exclusively during October and November. A popular choice is The Pumpkin Pie Tie, a rum-based concoction with pumpkin spice and Sichuan peppercorn.

Another notable transformation is The Haunting on E 9th Street, which takes over The Cabinet Mezcal Bar for the month of October. This pop-up features ghosts, goblins, and spooky cocktails like a mezcal-based 'clown pear-anoia' and a whiskey 'poison apple,' some served in skull-shaped glasses. Joann Spiegel, Vice President of Miracle Inc., a company known for its viral pop-up concepts, explained that "Halloween resonates everywhere, and I think that bodes well for building a destination around it."

Miracle Inc. is transforming 40 bars nationwide this year, including another Haunting concept in Bushwick. The company's origins trace back to 2014 in New York City when founder Greg Boehm temporarily decorated a bar with Christmas in October due to construction delays, inadvertently creating a sensation that led to their signature Christmas pop-up, Miracle. This concept later expanded to include a Halloween iteration.

Spiegel described the process of transforming a bar for a pop-up as akin to opening a new restaurant on an extremely shortened timeline, with the entire aesthetic, from hand soap to napkins, changing over a grueling four-day period. Despite the intensive effort, Spiegel confirmed that these pop-ups significantly increase business by providing a unique destination for celebration.

The Black Lagoon, another Halloween pop-up, has taken over Someday Bar in Boerum Hill. Co-founder Erin Hayes described the business as a "kitschy horror fever dream." The space is transformed into a spooky underwater seabed with custom sea monsters. Hayes noted that their busiest days are Fridays and Saturdays, and they maintain a backlog of merchandise to prevent sell-outs.

Cocktail development is a central focus for The Black Lagoon, with Hayes and co-founder Kelsey Ramage creating gourmet twists on classic drinks. "Our favorite from the very beginning was Abyssia’s Obsession, which I would describe as a Pumpkin Spice Pina Colada," Hayes said.

Naglich praised The Black Lagoon's drinks, stating, "Even though the cocktail presentations here are a bit extreme, the flavors of the drinks are dialed in and balanced. You can tell there are veteran bartenders behind the event, not just people trying to cash in."

In Midtown, Dark Magic Hour at Moxy Times Square offers a cinematic and nostalgic experience inspired by horror films, including "Practical Magic." The space features floating candles, tarot cards, and a large 'Wishing Willow' tree. Christian Parker, Director of Marketing at TAO Group Hospitality, noted the goal was to create an immersive and transportive experience that goes beyond a typical bar visit. The menu includes a Bloody Chocolate Fondue served in a black cauldron.