The freaks come out at night. And whether you like to watch the fun or actually provide the laughs, everyone's got a little bit of freakydeek in them. When darkness falls and the urge to terrorize the neighborhood overtakes you, free your inner freak at these wonderfully weird spots.
Otto’s Shrunken Head
538 E. 14th St. (Aves. A & B)
East Village 212.228.2240
Tiki bars like
Otto’s sound like harmless fun full of piña coladas and flower necklaces. But Tuesdays here are home to the
Dark Water party—it’s the bash for the native creatures (the locals) where Goth music and horror flicks play, and vendors show off their freakish wares.
Contempt
Location varies
This roaming Goth/punk party happens once a month at a changing venue. Parties are usually BYOCD, so bring the music you hope to hear and you just might. Everyday is Halloween, so just a black trench coat ain’t gonna cut it here. And while wearing corsets and costumes is encouraged, showing up just to ogle those donning them is not. You freaks can stay at home.
Duff's
N. 3rd St. (@ Kent Ave.)
Williamsburg 718.302.0411
If you’ve ever had the urge to drive a hearse for fun, this is the bar for you. Owner Jimmy Duff, who previously owned the original Hell’s Kitchen freak fest Bellevue Bar, keeps his parked outside. And inside you’ll find the place decorated with skulls, baby doll heads, guys with beards long enough to make ZZ Top jealous, and the largest selection of heavy metal music this side of Mulletville.
The Eagle
554 W. 28th St. (10th & 11th Aves.)
Chelsea 646.473.1866
To call The Eagle a leather bar would be an understatement. Thursday’s “
Code” night at the chain-link decked out club means that the fetish dress code is strictly enforced. So only those clad in leather fetish-wear need apply. Think collars, harnesses, jockstraps, and gas masks. Don’t have one? Stop by the gift shop on your way in. Yes, the boys here mean business.
Rififi
332 E. 11th St. (1st & 2nd Aves.)
East Village 212.677.1027
Home to
Salvation, a party set up by the crew that hosted
Albion’s weekly Goth party. On Saturdays, the black and maroon walls of Rififi act as the bread in a death metal sandwich with white makeup and spikes a plenty. Goth, industrial, and death rock music dominate the soundboards and at the end of the creepy night, you just might be asking to be saved.
~Fabiana Santana
Photo: Duff's (Alecia Reddick/Shecky's Media, Inc.)
