Arlo x Mona Creative recommends the best places to pretend its summer in NYC.
Miss Lily’s: With its retro, colorful decor and casual Jamaican party vibes, Miss Lily’s makes for a fun Caribbean oasis all year around. Go in the evening for the food with dishes like Jerk Chicken, Hot Artichoke and Callaloo Dip and Oxtail Stew, and stay for the late-night dance party, there’s always a DJ at both the restaurant in Soho and in the East Village on the weekends. 132 West Houston St, New York, NY 10012 & 109 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009, (212) 812-1482
Mother of Pearl: Mother of Pearl redefines the tiki drink with sophisticated cocktails that still know how to have fun. Drinks are all served in fun vessels, such as the Instagram-famous Shark Eye, which comes in a glass shaped like a shark’s head (think Jaws movie poster). We love Mother of Pearl for an island cocktail and Polynesian-inspired bites from the vegetable-focused menu. 95 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009, (212) 614-6818
Tropical 128: In a new category all it’s own, we deem this spot “tropical-dive bar”. Best for a late night out with friends, Tropical 128 has a slushy machine, pool table, music, Polynesian-inspired decor and decent wings. It’s a solid dive for faux-summer vibes. 128 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10013, (212) 925-8219 | (646) 355-7337
El Cortez: These may have some of the best nachos and tiki drinks on the planet (no really tho). Combining a hip 70s vibe with 60s tiki feels, 90s music and a mean Tex-Mex menu, El Cortez is one of our favorite places in Bushwick to grab a drink or stay the night. 17 Ingraham St, Brooklyn, NY 11206, (347) 599-2976
Dromedary: Walking into Dromedary gives you that same feeling of walking down the beach to a tiki bar after a few hours of lounging in the sun. Except here, you’re sitting on the sidewalks of Brooklyn. Dromedary offers an array of unique, fun cocktails you’d enjoy with your feet in the sand, complete with the Dreaded Tiki Punch Bowl perfect for sharing. To top it off, Dromedary offers a can’t-bear happy hour for food and beverages from 5-8pm. 66 Irving Ave, Brooklyn, New York 11237, (347) 715-4255
Royal Palms Shuffle Board: This place is the perfect excuse to round up your friends and get tipsy on a Saturday afternoon — even when there’s a “wintery-mix” outside. Gather your friends and create a team, or grab a cocktail, lounge on the sidelines and get an up close look at Brooklyn’s finest athletes. On your way out, make sure you take a selfie (or two) in the ultimate Florida-inspired, flamingo-wallpapered bathrooms. 514 Union St, Brooklyn, NY 11215, (347) 223-4410
Surf Bar: Located in the heart of Williamsburg, Surf Bar has sandy floors, tropical drinks and a lively back patio with a super fun tiki bar vibe. Order small plates like the tahitian ceviche or camerones with tostones, large plates like the fish burrito or shrimp tacos, alongside cocktails like frozen mojitos, margaritas or daiquiris and say aloha and goodbye! 139 N 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249, (718) 302-4441
The Rusty Knot: The Rusty Knot transports you with its nautical decor, tiki style cocktails and a view of the Hudson River. With upscale bar food like the pretzel dog, paired well with a Tecate if we do say so ourselves, along with fish po boy, and tacos with fillings like bbq beef, al pastor and chicken, this is our dive bar for a late, “summer” night. 425 West St, New York, NY 10014, (212) 645-5668
