Where to Celebrate Halloween in NYC

Haven’t scored an invite to bob for apples at a house party? Don’t have kiddies to escort around the neighborhood for trick or treat?  There’s no need to resign yourself to a marathon viewing of horror movies in a darkened apartment.  Because Halloween is eagerly and gleefully celebrated at bars and restaurants throughout the city, and here are a handful of events well worth donning a costume for!

Rebelle: They may have earned a Michelin star, but that doesn’t mean this modern French restaurant and wine bar has lost its sense of whimsy and fun.   Case in point — chef Daniel Eddy’s $50 three-course Halloween tasting menu, inspired by (and paired with) Wes Anderson films like “Fantastic Mr. Fox” and “The Royal Tenenbaums.”  And if you dress up like your favorite character, you might just win dinner for two!

Kingsley: Roxanne Spruance has devised a gloriously gory “Blood and Guts” holiday menu, which will be offered from Thursday, Oct-27th through Sunday the 30th (unfortunately the restaurant is closed on Mondays).   Just as market-devoted as Kingsley’s regular roster of dishes, creations include Blood Sausage with caramelized apples, Seared Foie Gras teamed with shallots and peeled grapes (for eyeballs!), Sweetbreads served with sweet potatoes and bananas, and Dirt Pot de Crème poked through with gummy worms.

Analogue: West Village craft cocktail bar, Analogue, is traveling back to the roaring ‘20s for their Halloween night soiree, “No Password, No Party.”  Email the establishment for the secret words that will grant admission to the stylish celebration, which will feature live jazz and classic tipples, including a spin on a rum-spiked Punch Romaine, the last cocktail served to first class passengers on the Titanic, along with Rob Roy’s, French 75’s, Rosemary Maple Rickey’s and more.

Salvation Taco: Halloween provides an excellent excuse for a final hurrah on the roof during Salvation Taco’s annual shindig.  And they’re actually starting the festivities early with an al fresco party on Saturday, October 29th, featuring cocktails like Frozen Pumpkin Spiked Horchatas, and bites such as Pumpkin Tres Leches, and Country Rib Carnitas with grilled pineapple.  But that’s not all — the Mexican cantina is getting into the spirit in the sit-down dining room as well, inviting a DJ to spin tunes well into the night, and patrons to arrive in costume, for the chance to win prizes.

Harding’s: While you’ll generally find burgers, roasted chicken and short ribs gracing the menu at this Americana-celebrating Flatiron spot, they’re moving well outside of their comfort zone on Halloween; supplementing their offerings with Grasshopper cocktails (garnished with actual grasshoppers) and handfuls of Trick-or-Treat Popcorn, tossed with bacon and assorted creepy crawlies.

Turnstyle: Trick-or-treat your way down Columbus Circle’s subterranean food court, Turnstyle, for themed sweets such as Pumpkin Spice Crème Brulee Doughnuts from Doughnuttery, Pumpkin and Nutella Crepes from Crepes by Suzette, and Spiced Pumpkin Brioche Buns courtesy of FIKA.