The best Halloween bars in NYC

What might at once appear to be a standard storefront is, in fact, a eulogy to he who shall not be named (It’s Beetlejuice), plus a couple of other characters who might be familiar from some of cinema’s more lighthearted frights. Inside the boozy nod to all things Tim Burton, a narrow barroom is splashed with Instagram-ready decor, including those iconic black and white stripes, Corpse Bride art, and portraits of the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town himself, Mr. Jack Skellington.

This is one of the oldest bars in New York, and it has the antique furnishings, creaky floorboards and aged wood to prove it. But there are spookier aspects of this downtown watering hole than just cobwebs and dust. Fraunces, a national historic landmark, is frequently included on lists of the most haunted buildings in New York. 

New to the East Village, Paradise Lost is loosely themed around the epic poem by the same name, and, accordingly, self-billed as a "tropical hellscape" any time of year. Celebrate and imbibe spirits at the same time with devilishly titled tipples like the archfiend and the Beelz's road soda for a hell of a good time. 

From October 18, Loreley Beer Garden gets haunted with Halloween-themed cocktails and pumpkin kegs made form real-deal gourds scooped to fit pumpkin ale; ale made from pumpkin guts like those that once rested comfortably inside this very vessel. So, you know, that’s creepy, plus Loreley promises more decorative squash and spooky scenery.

This is the second Halloween season for year-round fright fest Flying Fox Tavern, which opened last year, flush with scary movie posters and haunting tableaus. Even off-peak, the full-service restaurant and bar hosts events like Goth prom, horror film and fantasy fiction anniversary parties and Buffy (of the vampire slayer Buffys) brunch bingo. 

Boldly asserting itself as "the sexiest bar in NYC," Madame X is definitely where vampires would gather. Its awash in dim crimson light cascading over sumptuous red velvet and amnimal print sofas. The art and the lampshades are suggestive (yeah, you're like, what, suggestive lampshades? but try to picture it . . . yep, that's the one!) and cocktails like the Goodnight Kiss (cherry vodka, pineapple, blackberry syrup) seal the deal. 

The inside of this subterranean metal dive glows like the burning flames of hell; but don’t worry, it’s just the eerie illumination of red twinkle lights. Sidle up to a resident skeleton, tip back a PBR, play some Cannibal Corpse on the jukebox, and toast the undead.

Unfurl your cloak and mix an elixir with molecular mixology techniques during a potion experience class that mixes sips with a little back of the bar knowledge. Potion making sessions include a welcome drink and two DIY tipples. 

Dangling chandeliers, pressed-tin ceilings and a fireplace decorate this Victorian-inspired spot that could masquerade as a haunted house. Cozy up with a date on the red velvet couches or chat with pals over rounds of draft beers and mixed drinks.