Find this creepy lady at Haven.
Credit: Haven
There’s so much to do in NYC this Halloween, it’s scary. Whether you’re looking for the trendiest costume parties, most authentic restaurants, or just a good old fashioned horror movie marathon, we’ve rounded up the best activities to liven up the ghostly occasion.
Parties
Pounds & Ounces (160 Eighth Ave., 646-449-8150) is throwing a B-tchin’ Halloween Bash this Oct. 31 at 9 p.m. Lucky for us, it’s Britney Spears-themed. While there’s no entry fee, $25 gets you two drinks and a raffle ticket for a chance to win two tickets to Britney’s new Las Vegas show, “Britney: Piece of Me.” A portion of all proceeds will benefit Unicef.
The Sanctuary Hotel New York Haven Rooftop (132 W. 47th St., 212-466-9000) is hosting its annual Haunted Haven Soiree. Spend All Hallows’ Eve high above Manhattan for $20. DJs will spin live on the roof all night, and prizes will be awarded for the best costumes. An open bar and hors d’oeuvres will be available from 6-7 p.m. For reservations, email events@sanctuaryhotelnyc.com.
Sons of Essex (133 Essex St., 212-674-7100) resurrects the age of the Bowery Boys, a street gang that dominated downtown in the 1800s. Partygoers are encouraged to pay tribute by wearing their best 19th century attire, such as stovepipe hats, boots and black vests. Come ready for costume contests and drink specials. A portion of all proceeds will benefit Bowery Mission, which aids homeless and hungry New Yorkers. Bring a nonperishable food item or an article of clothing and get a voucher for a free drink or appetizer.
Gran Electrica (5 Front St., Brooklyn, 718-852-2700) knows that the only thing better than a Day of the Dead party is dinner and a Day of the Dead party. The Mexican restaurant will serve dinner at 6 p.m. on Oct. 31, and the fiesta starts at 9. There is no entry fee, and guests can attend the party without coming for dinner. Expect a busy night with a DJ, a Mexican brass marching band, makeup stations, cocktails and dancing under the Brooklyn Bridge.
Wythe Hotel (80 Wythe Ave., Brooklyn, 718-460-8000) is teaming up with record label Ghostly International for a spooktacular party. Two floors will be transformed into lairs of the dead, where Ghostly-curated DJs will perform live all night. Tickets are $15, and the costume-required party kicks off at 9 p.m.
Day of the Dead dinners
Halloween doesn’t have to end on the 31st. Mexican restaurant Maya (1191 First Ave., 212-585-1818) is celebrating the Day of the Dead for the full weekend, offering specials from Nov. 1 through Nov. 3. They’re highlighting an assortment of tamales and a Margarita del Diablo.
Not to be outdone, Ofrenda (113 Seventh Ave. South, 212-924-2305) is offering a Day of the Dead menu all October long. Specials include three-course meals, including dishes like tacos de cabeza (braised veal head) and robalo para la catrina (pan-seared grouper). Dia de los Muertos cocktails are a given, too.
From Oct. 31 through Nov. 2, Hecho en Dumbo (354 Bowery, 212-937-4245) will be offering a $40 prix fixe Dia de los Muertos menu. Aiming to please the adventurous and novice foodie, chef Danny Mena has included several fright-worthy dishes, from bone marrow and beef tongue tacos to chicken tacos with a sweet and spicy chile chipotle marinade. Mena will also serve up Dia de los Muertos deals through the same dates next door at Salon Hecho (356 Bowery, 212-937-4245), which will have live music tonight beginning at 9, as well as at his other NYC restaurant, Sembrado (432 E. 13th St., 212-729-4206).
