Island Cool: Where To Sip The Tropics

Enjoy a taste of the tropics when you escape to one of the many amazing tiki bars in NYC. Explore a smattering of venues serving up breezy vibes, frosty rum cocktails, tropical garnishes, plastic straws, and palm-fringed prints.

Gilligan’s

Escape the summer heat in the city and discover Gilligan’s, a hidden paradise in SoHo that is now open for the 2023 season. Indulge in refreshing cocktails, delectable East Coast cuisine, and open-air dining. Don’t miss their signature Frozen Watermelon Margarita or savor ingredient-driven dishes featuring fresh seafood from Long Island’s best farms and fishermen. Gather with friends and relax at the charming picnic-style tables. Gilligan’s is open from May to September and promises to be the perfect salve for your summer cravings.

Happiest Hour

In the West Village, this midcentury Florida-meets-California cocktail bar and full-service restaurant mixes palm-tree wallpaper, warm globe lighting fixtures, and a snazzy horseshoe bar. Saddle up at The Happiest Hour with delicious cocktails like the retro-inspired Pineapple Express with sage, cane, and lime; and using either Venezuelan rum or tequila. Meanwhile, downstairs, the intimate space Slowly Shirley gives patrons ample time to listen to 40’s jazz and sip more bespoke cocktails.

Otto’s Shrunken Head

As its name suggests, Otto’s Shrunken Head is a kitschy, divey East Village institution beloved for its neon lights, curved banquettes, gaudy tropical prints, vintage Hawaiian LPs, and leafy artwork. As for what to sip, a menu of potent Polynesian cocktails appears including pina coladas, margaritas, and mai tais. For the musically inclined, the back cocktail lounge features a small stage where local bands mount vivacious rock n’ roll performances. Lovers of live music — flock to Otto’s for a fun night out.

Broken Shaker

With locations in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Chicago, Broken Shaker has developed a name for itself as one of the best places to visit for a tiki drink. You’ll find the New York location in the Freehand Hotel in Kips Bay. Stop by and grab a fun tiki cocktail and some delicious snacks in a cute and tropical oasis.

Gitano NYC

Those seeking to escape the city to a faraway beach resort for a much-needed holiday will enjoy the excitement of Gitano NYC. Serving up Tulum vibes on Governor’s Island, this modern Mexican restaurant and mezcal bar and waterfront lounge will set you straight into vacation mode. Open from May through the summer, Gitano NYC is ideal for groups celebrating a special occasion or couples looking for a weekend adventure. Dine with lavish cocktails in the jungle.

Surf Bar

A Williamsburg staple, Surf Bar has been around for years serving locals and tourists tasty tiki drinks in an island setting. Featuring surf decor and sand-covered floors, Surf Bar whisks you away from the city and onto the beach so much so that you’ll forget you’re in New York. Grab one of the delicious cocktails served up in kitschy glassware like a bikini mug. Hungry? Check out the full menu of seafood items like shrimp tacos and mahi-mahi burgers.

Zombie Hut

Authentic and stylish, Zombie Hut is a perfect place to escape the humdrum of the city and enjoy a tiki cocktail in a cheerful atmosphere. In the warmer months, head outside and sit on the back patio, perfect for afternoon hangouts with friends. During the winter, you can still taste the tropics inside. Grab a drink at our dimly lit bar, great for a date or solo time after a long day at work.

Escape reality and head to a tropical paradise — visit some of the best tiki bars in NYC for rum-filled cocktails with parasol decorations in quirky mugs that help set the mood. Embrace the tiki decor and feel transported to island time at one of these top picks.