Themed NYC Restaurants and Bars to Check Out Right Now
While it may be considered tourist-y, almost everyone loves a themed dining destination, and this list will give you ideas (beyond Hard Rock Cafe, maybe that’s too tourist-y) for a place to explore, take pictures at, and maybe even find a new furry friend.
All Night Skate
Photo from TimeOut
This Brooklyn bar captures the essence of a retro roller rink, minus the rink itself. A neon lit space that serves up an exciting cocktail menu is the perfect spot to bring a group of friends on a Friday night. Customers who wear skates get 10% off drinks, so lace up and check out All Night Skate! Read an interview with the bar’s owners from GrubStreet here.
Duff’s
Photo from MySpace NYC
Jimmy Duff is the brain (and brawn) behind Duff’s in Brooklyn. This heavy metal bar is a great hangout for headbangers and locals alike. Decorated with hard rock artifacts, deep red lighting, and posters all over the place, this bar keeps a clear theme and creates a unique environment for patrons. Check out this interview with Duff for more information on the backstory of this bar.
The Cauldron NYC
Photo from Thirsty Mag
Calling all Harry Potter fans! This potion themed bar caters to fans of the wizarding world. Attend a “potion-making” mixology class, or a wizard afternoon tea, at this location that advertises working wands and witchy decor. Check out this Insider article to see what a night at The Cauldron looks like.
Trailer Park Lounge
Photo from Manhattan Sideways
The name is a bit of an oddity in itself, and seems an odd theme for a restaurant. However this bar, covered in Vegas-strip decor, creates a really fun, colorful vibe that stays true to a theme of outdoor signs, lawn ornaments, and vintage diner elements. The Trailer Park Lounge, started by a Florida couple, also boasts the best margaritas and burgers in NYC. Read Gothamist’s review of the Lounge here.
Rolf’s German Restaurant
Photo from 6sqft
This German restaurant is decorated for Christmas up until late May, offering a festive experience during the holiday season, and a fun, unique experience if you go any other time. Rolf’s offers a menu of German and French inspired food, but this place is known for the decor before anything else. Rolf’s is ranked at #73 in NY Magazines’s Thousand Best.
The VNYL
Image from Eater New York
An acronym for The Vintage New York Lifestyle, this four story 70’s themed lounge behind a record store and coffee shop offers up a luxe reflection of 70’s living spaces. Check out more photos of the space here.
Koneko Cat Cafe
Photo accessed from Koneko Cat Cafe
This cafe comes with a fun, furry twist. Book a 30 minute time slot ahead of your visit to come in, enjoy a drink or pastry, and hang out with a group of adoptable cats roaming throughout the space. If this premise interests you, check out Koneko’s website for pricing and availability, or take a look at this list of other cat cafes in the city.
Hope you can enjoy one of these themed resturants/bars/cafes if you’re ever looking for a fun experience to switch things up!