Otto's Shrunken Head
New York, NY 10009-3347
Phone: (212) 228-2240
- Cross Street:
- Between Avenue A and Avenue B
- Directions:
- L at 1st Ave
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri 11am-4am, Sat 6pm-4am, Sun 4pm-4am
Editorial Review for Otto's Shrunken Head – by Erin Behan
The Scene
Every inch of the long narrow space screams kitschy tiki bar. Light-up blowfish lanterns, leopard-print bar stools, Hawaiian-inspired wallpaper, shiny red leather banquettes, faux grass edging, a "Simpsons" pinball machine--newcomers will need a strong mai tai to help soak it all in. The laid-back punk and rockabilly crowds who frequent the place most often have a beer in hand, but that shouldn't intimidate you from exploring the fun and tasty drink menu.
The Draw
This lone bar on a quiet stretch of 14th Street is a chameleon. One moment, punk bands shriek from the back stage; the next, CD DJs mix up '80s and early-'90s ballad rock. Popular weeklies--which range from industrial gothic punk nights to acoustic jam sessions but vary night to night--include comedy shows on Wednesdays. Every night, you'll find friendly bartenders and potently sweet tiki drinks. Try Otto's Octane, a careful mix of pineapple rum, Kahlua and banana liqueur.
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Insider Tips
The ExtrasDon't forget to pose for shots in the rare vintage black-and-white photo booth--it's four pictures for $4.
Know Before You GoHand over a $5 deposit and you'll enjoy your tiki drink in a tiki, pirate, trashy hula girl or shrunken head mug.
What to DrinkOtto's does hot drinks, too. The Mexican coffee, spiked with tequila and Kahlua, should wake you up.
User Reviews for Otto's Shrunken Head
05/30/2008 Posted by NYCSux
The last of a dying breed of great rock bars with a take no $&*t bartenders that serve up mean drinks with meaner attitudes. This manhattan refuge has great nights featuring rockabilly, surf, death rock and garage music. Drinks are reasonable and crowd is cool but not too cool for school. Tiki vibe is great for parties and I was there for a birthday party where big flaming drinks knocked me on my butt!
Pros: Cool Rock bar, great music, no yuppie Ludlow st. vibe, Like NYC used to be
Cons: Hangovers from Tiki drinks
05/29/2008 Posted by victoria47
Overall this is a good spot. I only con I had about the place is the red-headed bartender. She is snobby and rude and carded me twice even though she gave me my first drink! I would recommend that if she is there, go somewhere else. Other than that, the drinks are creative and the place is a nice unknown spot in ABC city.
Pros: Great Drinks, Nice space
Cons: The snobby red head bartender
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