Otto's Shrunken Head

- 538 E 14th St, New York, NY 10009

Step into a tropical escape right in the heart of New York City's East Village. Otto's Shrunken Head is a legendary bar that stands as a vibrant and unforgettable staple of the neighborhood's nightlife. This is no ordinary pub; it's a rock and roll tiki bar, a truly unique blend of two distinct cultures that creates a lively, entertaining, and slightly surreal atmosphere. From the moment you walk in, you’re transported to a world of exotic drinks, live music, and a community of fun-loving people.

Otto's is much more than a watering hole; it's a creative and social hub. It's known for its live bands, DJs, and a calendar of eclectic events. A customer review highlights a "Subway to Skaville" event, showcasing the bar's dedication to hosting different genres, from ska and reggae to dub and rocksteady. This variety in live performances, along with the option for dancing, makes every night at Otto's a new adventure. The bar also embraces its rock and roll identity, providing a stage for up-and-coming and established acts alike, solidifying its place in the city's music scene.

The unique tiki theme is central to the experience, complete with custom cocktails served in festive mugs that you can either keep or return for a deposit. Drinks like the 'Flying Fish' and 'Wicked Willie' are not just beverages; they are a part of the immersive fun. Otto's is also a welcoming and inclusive space, known to be a "transgender safespace" and a great spot for both groups and tourists. It's the perfect destination for a birthday celebration or a private party, with a dedicated back room that has hosted "countless birthdays and dance parties," according to a happy customer. In a city of countless bars, Otto's Shrunken Head offers an experience that is truly one-of-a-kind.

Otto's Shrunken Head is conveniently located at 538 E 14th St, New York, NY 10009. This spot is in the East Village, a neighborhood celebrated for its dynamic and diverse nightlife. Its location on E 14th St places it within easy reach of multiple subway and bus lines, making it highly accessible from various parts of the city. The L train at 1st Avenue and the 4, 5, 6, N, Q, R, and W trains at Union Square are all within a reasonable walking distance, ensuring a simple trip to and from the bar.

The bar is also committed to accessibility for all patrons, offering a wheelchair-accessible entrance and restroom. This thoughtful feature ensures that everyone can comfortably enjoy the atmosphere, music, and drinks. For those who prefer to drive, the area offers paid street parking. While parking can be competitive in this popular part of the city, the strong public transportation links make it a stress-free choice for most visitors. The bar's presence in the vibrant East Village adds to its allure, placing it right in the heart of one of New York's most creative and lively communities.

Otto's Shrunken Head offers a straightforward and high-energy service model centered around the in-person bar experience.

• Dine-in: The primary service is dine-in, as the bar is built for an immersive and social experience. The space includes a front bar area and a separate back room for live bands and private events.
• Live Performances: A major part of their service is the live entertainment. The bar hosts a variety of live bands and DJs, providing a constant stream of high-quality music and a lively atmosphere for dancing.
• Bar Service: With a focus on fast service, the bar staff is attentive and friendly, ensuring that you can get your drinks quickly even on a busy night.
• Reservations: While not required, the venue is super welcoming to private events and parties, allowing groups to book the back room for birthdays and special occasions.
• Payments: Otto's makes it easy to pay for your drinks, accepting credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

The services are all designed to create a fun, memorable, and hassle-free night out for every customer.

Otto's Shrunken Head stands out in New York's nightlife scene due to its unique and compelling features.

• Live Music and Performances: This is a major highlight. The bar's commitment to hosting live bands and DJs, from rock and roll to reggae and ska, ensures a dynamic and exciting atmosphere.
• Tiki Theme and Cocktails: The bar's rock and roll tiki theme is a defining feature. The unique, tiki-inspired cocktails like the 'Patty's Poison' and 'Shrunken Skirt' are served in collectible mugs, adding a fun and memorable element to the experience.
• Great Cocktails and Beer: Beyond the tiki drinks, the bar is praised for its great cocktails and wide selection of beer, ensuring there’s a drink for every taste.
• Inclusive and Welcoming Atmosphere: The bar is known for being a "transgender safespace" and an inclusive spot for all crowds. This welcoming environment, noted by a customer, makes it a comfortable place for everyone to relax and have a good time.
• Venue for Private Events: The separate back room is a key feature, making Otto's a perfect location for private events, birthdays, and dance parties. The staff is known for being accommodating and helpful with these events.
• Fast Service: Despite the lively and sometimes crowded atmosphere, the service is consistently fast and friendly, a point highlighted in a customer review.
• Casual and Cozy Vibe: The atmosphere is a perfect blend of casual, cozy, and trendy, creating a space where you can feel both comfortable and part of a cool scene.

Address: 538 E 14th St, New York, NY 10009, USA

Phone: (212) 228-2240

For New Yorkers seeking a bar experience that goes beyond the ordinary, Otto's Shrunken Head is a top-tier choice. What makes it worth choosing is its one-of-a-kind combination of a lively rock and roll music venue with a fun, escapist tiki theme. The atmosphere is vibrant and inclusive, a welcome change from more generic bars. The live music, from reggae to rock, provides a constant source of entertainment and excitement, making every visit feel like a special event.

The drinks themselves are a major reason to visit. The creatively named tiki cocktails, served in unique mugs, are a playful and delicious highlight. While a customer noted that the drinks can be pricey, the experience and quality are well worth it. The bar’s commitment to providing great cocktails and a solid beer selection ensures that all patrons can find a drink they love.

Finally, the sense of community and the bar’s accommodating nature for private events make it an excellent choice for celebrations. The fact that a customer has hosted "countless birthdays and dance parties" there speaks volumes about the venue's reliability and appeal. For a fun, memorable, and inclusive night out in the East Village, Otto's Shrunken Head is a destination that delivers on all fronts, providing a truly unique slice of New York's nightlife.

Otto's Shrunken Head

538 E 14th St, New York, NY 10009, USA