Searching for Halloween Spirits in Midtown
The other morning, my walk to the subway seemed ordinary,but something felt off. A soundtrack of muffled construction and quiet morning chatter outside the bagel shop set the ambiance per usual. Bikers sped by, I dodged a puddle, and then—crunch. My shoe landed on a pile of leaves. That’s when I realized why I felt uneasy: it felt chilly. I probably should’ve worn a jacket. Looking up at the orange and yellow tree above me, it hit me…we’re deep into October.
By now, you’ve probably watched a scary movie or two, your costume is almost ready, and your block’s Halloween decor has set the mood. If you’ve lost track of time like I did, the only thing missing is a themed cocktail or two to complete your spooky season.
To fix that, I went hunting for Halloween bars in Midtown—yes, Midtown. What’s more terrifying than being surrounded by tourists, suits, and overstimulating capitalism, with a headless Times Square Elmo lurking nearby? Plus, no matter how hard we try to avoid it, Midtown is like the town in From—you think you’ve escaped, but somehow, you’re back again. So whether you’re catching a show, at work, or entertaining visiting family at the M&M’s Store, here are three bars worth haunting.
The Mean Fiddler
Next to the Lena Horne Theater on 47th St., The Mean Fiddler is a modern Irish pub decked out for Halloween and serving festive fall cocktails. As I stepped down the few stairs inside, the lighting dimmed, giving the sleek sports bar a cozy, local-pub feel—perfect for post-work drinks.
This time of year, the darker ambiance and Halloween decor make it an ideal low-key haunt. My Apple Cider Margarita hit the spot—sweet and crisp. A group in costumes across the bar added to the vibe. I could have done without the life-sized Conjuring Nun figure that appeared from behind my friend’s head and I swear kept staring at me. I could’ve stayed all night. There’s a DJ on weekends with plenty of space for dancing. But, it was time to move on.
Fernando’s Hideaway
If a pub isn’t your style and you prefer something sleeker, Fernando’s Hideaway on the second floor above Bartley Dunne’s (54th St.) is your spot. This groovy cocktail bar is transformed for Halloween with a Wicked theme. There’s no yellow brick road. But, follow the pink pumpkin trail upstairs to a glam world of pink, green, red, and crystal—where Wicked meets Art Deco disco.
Their “Which Witch Are You?” brunch runs with the theme. I was a little late for brunch, but the tapas floating by looked divine.
Haswell Greens
Our final stop was Haswell Greens, just three blocks away on 52nd St. Nestled among theaters, it radiates Broadway energy. We walked into a two-level space alive with music and crowds—an energetic finale to the crawl.
Though less Halloween-saturated than the others, the cocktails made up for it. The Maple Bacon Old Fashioned was a playful twist on a classic, and my sweet tooth couldn’t resist “My Lil’ Pumpkin.” I couldn’t tell you what was in it, but it was the perfect way to end the night.
I didn’t find any ghosts, but the Halloween spirits are alive and well in Midtown this season.
