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Chairs and tables arranged next to a brick wall Alex Staniloff/Eater [Official Photo]

17 Tropical NYC Restaurants and Bars That Feel Like a Vacation

Escape to these lush oases when an actual getaway isn’t possible

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If a vacation to somewhere balmy and beachy — not simply swampy, as New York City is prone to becoming in the depths of summer — isn’t on the docket right now, there are still plenty of ways to get into an out-of-office state of mind without leaving town. Just head to one of the city’s surprisingly plentiful restaurants and bars with ultra-lush surroundings, and often food and drinks to match.

The bulk of these vacation-like places serve food and channel the environs of various Caribbean countries in lush, tropical climates, as well as Pacific-inspired Tiki spots that nod (with varying degrees of “authenticity”) to Polynesian culture. Others simply serve up the escapism factor, with plentiful greenery and flowers, both real and faux.

Ahead, check out 17 of these transportive settings, ideal for grabbing a cocktail and taking a (very brief) tropical vacation of sorts in the process.

Note: This map was originally published in 2018 and has been updated.

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Victor's Cafe

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One of the city’s finest Cuban spots, Victor’s Cafe is situated in a lush, light-filled space draped in dangling greenery and accented with colorful murals and turquoise chairs. Don’t miss the ropa vieja, Cuba’s national dish of slow-cooked, pulled beef, braised in tomatoes, garlic, onions, and peppers. The restaurant dates back to 1963, when Havana restaurateur Victor del Corral opened it on the Upper West Side. It has since moved to Midtown, and is a fantastic brunch option, too.

Victor’s Cafe Victor’s Cafe [Official Photo]

Reunion

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This quirky, surfer-themed bar quickly transports one from tourist-engulfed Times Square to a colorful, wood-filled space that channels a low-key beach town’s local watering hole. Reunion is often bustling post-work with the happy hour crowd, which includes specials like $6 palomas and $3 Pilsners. Happy hour also runs all day on Sundays.

Reunion Reunion [Official Photo]

Broken Shaker

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Perched atop Gramercy’s Freehand hotel, this Miami transplant is packed with plants, a vibrant color palette, and a reggae-heavy soundtrack. The gorgeous space has two bar areas indoors decked out in a mishmash of wicker chairs, wood panels, and brightly patterned walls, and there’s nearly double the seating outdoors. The seasonal craft cocktails are accompanied by just as colorful Caribbean-Middle Eastern fare. Prepare for lines.

Di An Di

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This Greenpoint gem is known just as much for its gorgeous design as it is for standout Vietnamese fare. It’s an extremely lush, plant-filled space, with lots of light pouring in from skylights overhead. The greenery pops out against the restaurant’s white walls and booths, and the food — Vietnamese clam pizza, beefy pho, and spicy lemongrass soup (bún bò huế) — is just as vibrant as the decor.

The plant-filled dining room at Di an Di Alex Staniloff/Eater

Otto's Shrunken Head

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East Village Tiki bar Otto’s Shrunken Head opened in 2002 to address the dearth of tropical spots in NYC after the closing of Hawaii Kai and Trader Vic’s. The unapologetically kitschy space has big red tufted booths, floral patterns on the walls, and zebra-print chairs. There’s an eclectic range of live music on offer, plus the occasional open mic night, film screening, or live band karaoke.

Otto’s Shrunken Head Otto’s Shrunken Head [Official Photo]

Indochine

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The venerable Noho restaurant opened in 1984 and has long been a canteen for a cool, fashion-centric crowd. Its iconic palm frond wallpaper, glossy green leather booths, and gorgeous actor-model stable of servers might be more famous than the food itself, but the Vietnamese fare is still tasty, though pricey. It’s one of the few restaurants left with a definite Sex and the City vibe.

Miss Lily's

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This popular Jamaican joint has a vacation-friendly rum shack vibe. This location, right on the cusp of Soho and Greenwich Village, is snug, filled with vibrant hues and reggae records lining the walls. The food is excellent, too: try the oxtail stew, hot pepper shrimp, and sorrel-glazed pork ribs. By contrast, the East Village outpost feels like more of a party, thanks, in part, to a rum bar stocked with pours from all over the Caribbean.

Mother of Pearl

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This standout Tiki cocktail bar comes courtesy of Ravi DeRossi, the restaurateur and cocktail bar mastermind who’s also behind critically acclaimed fine dining vegan restaurant Avant Garden. Mother of Pearl opened in 2015, in the former Gin Palace space, also run by DeRossi, and it’s filled with floral print-upholstered seating, totem pole bar stools, and punchy wallpaper.

Mother of Pearl Mother of Pearl [Official Photo]

Café Habana

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It’s always packed at this popular and affordable Nolita restaurant, where much of the menu of Cuban and Mexican dishes is priced under $15. Head here for a weekday breakfast between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. for the shortest wait (if any wait at all). At any hour, try the excellent Cubano sandwich or the Mexican-style grilled corn. Pair with a tropical drink like a guava daiquiri or mango margarita.

Lemon’s at the Wythe Hotel

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Step away from the buzzing city for a drink at this recently opened rooftop summer lounge that’s supposed to evoke an alfresco cocktail party on the Italian Coast. Fruity, warm-weather cocktails like boozy lemonade are poured alongside food from the acclaimed chefs behind Greenpoint bistro Chez Ma Tante. Aidan O’Neal and Jake Leiber are behind a menu of day-drinking friendly fare such as Italian salumi, grilled calamari, a grilled cheese sandwich, and tuna carpaccio on cracker crisps. Plus, spiked popsicles are also on offer for a real beachy vibe atop the hip Wythe Hotel.

The plant-filled bar at Lemon’s at the Wythe Hotel Lemon’s [Official Photo]

Tropical 128

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The ultra-kitschy signage and interiors are half the fun at this dive bar and pool hall hybrid. It’s a welcome respite from the aggressively cool, Instagram-geared spots lining nearby stretches of Kenmare, Broome, and Bowery streets. There’s tons of fake plants scattered throughout the space, plus a big fish tank. Stick to basic mixed drinks and the ilk at the bar, plus a game or two of pool, if desired.

A post shared by ropical 128 (@tropical128nyc) on

Clyde's

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Clyde’s is a compact, atmospheric rum bar, owned by the team behind local comfort food spots Sweet Chick and Pop’s. Plus, it’s partly owned by Major Lazer’s Christopher Leacock, a.k.a. Jillionaire — the bar is an ode to his native Trinidad, with a soundtrack of soca, dancehall, and reggae music. Next door is Pearl’s, a Trinidadian restaurant, and behind the two venues, there’s a backyard patio with pastel chairs and picnic tables, reserved for Pearl’s diners when it’s busy but open to Clyde’s customers when it’s not. Try the strong punch bowls or rum flights with a group, and there’s a small menu of Trinidadian bar snacks to sample, too.

Surf Bar

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Satiating a seaside seafood shack craving sans the trek to the beach is possible in the middle of Williamsburg, thanks to Surf Bar. Housed in the former Hurricane Hopeful space, there are a number of surfboards suspended from the ceiling, a menu with options like chowders, fried seafood, and grilled fish, plus a back patio with seating that even has sand. It’s a tiny but effective escape from reality, at least for the duration of a plate of seafood and a few cocktails.

Brooklyn Surf Bar Brooklyn Surf Bar [Official Photo]

Zombie Hut

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This whimsical spot in Carroll Gardens is a Tiki bar tricked out with a festive-feeling, bamboo-trimmed outdoor patio that makes it an ideal setting to linger over a couple of potent cocktails. Choose from the Singapore Sling, Mai Tai, or Blue Hawaiian, or if one’s feeling particularly adventurous, get the Scorpion Bowl, a strong and mysterious mixture billed as the “kitchen sink of Tiki drinks.” If it’s a hot summer day, go for the frozen drinks.

Bogota Latin Bistro

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It always feels festive at this colorful, lively pan-Latin Park Slope restaurant. There’s a large covered back garden that’s fun for a big group, and the extensive menu has plenty of Colombian-inspired options for all sorts of diners and generous portions suited to sharing. Brunch is also popular; try the traditional Colombian Breakfast spread, with scallion and tomato-studded scrambled eggs, calentado (pork, red beans, and white rice), and a butter- and cheese-topped arepa. At lunch or dinner, opt for the Bandeja Paisa, a platter of basically the same delicious, filling slew of ingredients.

Super Power

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At this Tiki bar in Crown Heights, there are lots of rum-based cocktails to choose from, some served inside coconuts for even more flair and many garnished with bright straws twisted into shapes, in addition to paper umbrellas and a smattering of fruit. Drinks include a Galangal daiquiri, a riff on the old-fashioned called the Super Fashioned, and frozen Painkillers, packed with rum and coconut. There’s a nice outdoor space, too, with mod blue chairs and some greenery.

A post shared by Super power (@superpowerbk) on

Jade Island

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This Polynesian spot in Staten Island has been around for a few decades now. It started off with a Cantonese menu, founded by four brothers who had worked in Chinatown kitchens prior. Much of the menu still leans toward Americanized Chinese dishes, though there are indeed Tiki-inspired drinks, decor, and some nibbles (like a deep fried pu pu platter). It has a sort of Disneyfied, over-the-top take on the Tiki theme that looks a bit like cruise ship decor, with colorful totem sculptures and bamboo accents throughout. Drinks, predictably, come with paper umbrellas and some are served in hollowed-out pineapples.

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Victor's Cafe

One of the city’s finest Cuban spots, Victor’s Cafe is situated in a lush, light-filled space draped in dangling greenery and accented with colorful murals and turquoise chairs. Don’t miss the ropa vieja, Cuba’s national dish of slow-cooked, pulled beef, braised in tomatoes, garlic, onions, and peppers. The restaurant dates back to 1963, when Havana restaurateur Victor del Corral opened it on the Upper West Side. It has since moved to Midtown, and is a fantastic brunch option, too.

Victor’s Cafe Victor’s Cafe [Official Photo]

Reunion

This quirky, surfer-themed bar quickly transports one from tourist-engulfed Times Square to a colorful, wood-filled space that channels a low-key beach town’s local watering hole. Reunion is often bustling post-work with the happy hour crowd, which includes specials like $6 palomas and $3 Pilsners. Happy hour also runs all day on Sundays.

Reunion Reunion [Official Photo]

Broken Shaker

Perched atop Gramercy’s Freehand hotel, this Miami transplant is packed with plants, a vibrant color palette, and a reggae-heavy soundtrack. The gorgeous space has two bar areas indoors decked out in a mishmash of wicker chairs, wood panels, and brightly patterned walls, and there’s nearly double the seating outdoors. The seasonal craft cocktails are accompanied by just as colorful Caribbean-Middle Eastern fare. Prepare for lines.

Di An Di

This Greenpoint gem is known just as much for its gorgeous design as it is for standout Vietnamese fare. It’s an extremely lush, plant-filled space, with lots of light pouring in from skylights overhead. The greenery pops out against the restaurant’s white walls and booths, and the food — Vietnamese clam pizza, beefy pho, and spicy lemongrass soup (bún bò huế) — is just as vibrant as the decor.

The plant-filled dining room at Di an Di Alex Staniloff/Eater

Otto's Shrunken Head

East Village Tiki bar Otto’s Shrunken Head opened in 2002 to address the dearth of tropical spots in NYC after the closing of Hawaii Kai and Trader Vic’s. The unapologetically kitschy space has big red tufted booths, floral patterns on the walls, and zebra-print chairs. There’s an eclectic range of live music on offer, plus the occasional open mic night, film screening, or live band karaoke.

Otto’s Shrunken Head Otto’s Shrunken Head [Official Photo]

Indochine

The venerable Noho restaurant opened in 1984 and has long been a canteen for a cool, fashion-centric crowd. Its iconic palm frond wallpaper, glossy green leather booths, and gorgeous actor-model stable of servers might be more famous than the food itself, but the Vietnamese fare is still tasty, though pricey. It’s one of the few restaurants left with a definite Sex and the City vibe.

Miss Lily's

This popular Jamaican joint has a vacation-friendly rum shack vibe. This location, right on the cusp of Soho and Greenwich Village, is snug, filled with vibrant hues and reggae records lining the walls. The food is excellent, too: try the oxtail stew, hot pepper shrimp, and sorrel-glazed pork ribs. By contrast, the East Village outpost feels like more of a party, thanks, in part, to a rum bar stocked with pours from all over the Caribbean.

Mother of Pearl

This standout Tiki cocktail bar comes courtesy of Ravi DeRossi, the restaurateur and cocktail bar mastermind who’s also behind critically acclaimed fine dining vegan restaurant Avant Garden. Mother of Pearl opened in 2015, in the former Gin Palace space, also run by DeRossi, and it’s filled with floral print-upholstered seating, totem pole bar stools, and punchy wallpaper.

Mother of Pearl Mother of Pearl [Official Photo]

Café Habana

It’s always packed at this popular and affordable Nolita restaurant, where much of the menu of Cuban and Mexican dishes is priced under $15. Head here for a weekday breakfast between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. for the shortest wait (if any wait at all). At any hour, try the excellent Cubano sandwich or the Mexican-style grilled corn. Pair with a tropical drink like a guava daiquiri or mango margarita.

Lemon’s at the Wythe Hotel

Step away from the buzzing city for a drink at this recently opened rooftop summer lounge that’s supposed to evoke an alfresco cocktail party on the Italian Coast. Fruity, warm-weather cocktails like boozy lemonade are poured alongside food from the acclaimed chefs behind Greenpoint bistro Chez Ma Tante. Aidan O’Neal and Jake Leiber are behind a menu of day-drinking friendly fare such as Italian salumi, grilled calamari, a grilled cheese sandwich, and tuna carpaccio on cracker crisps. Plus, spiked popsicles are also on offer for a real beachy vibe atop the hip Wythe Hotel.

The plant-filled bar at Lemon’s at the Wythe Hotel Lemon’s [Official Photo]

Tropical 128

The ultra-kitschy signage and interiors are half the fun at this dive bar and pool hall hybrid. It’s a welcome respite from the aggressively cool, Instagram-geared spots lining nearby stretches of Kenmare, Broome, and Bowery streets. There’s tons of fake plants scattered throughout the space, plus a big fish tank. Stick to basic mixed drinks and the ilk at the bar, plus a game or two of pool, if desired.

A post shared by ropical 128 (@tropical128nyc) on

Clyde's

Clyde’s is a compact, atmospheric rum bar, owned by the team behind local comfort food spots Sweet Chick and Pop’s. Plus, it’s partly owned by Major Lazer’s Christopher Leacock, a.k.a. Jillionaire — the bar is an ode to his native Trinidad, with a soundtrack of soca, dancehall, and reggae music. Next door is Pearl’s, a Trinidadian restaurant, and behind the two venues, there’s a backyard patio with pastel chairs and picnic tables, reserved for Pearl’s diners when it’s busy but open to Clyde’s customers when it’s not. Try the strong punch bowls or rum flights with a group, and there’s a small menu of Trinidadian bar snacks to sample, too.

Surf Bar

Satiating a seaside seafood shack craving sans the trek to the beach is possible in the middle of Williamsburg, thanks to Surf Bar. Housed in the former Hurricane Hopeful space, there are a number of surfboards suspended from the ceiling, a menu with options like chowders, fried seafood, and grilled fish, plus a back patio with seating that even has sand. It’s a tiny but effective escape from reality, at least for the duration of a plate of seafood and a few cocktails.

Brooklyn Surf Bar Brooklyn Surf Bar [Official Photo]

Zombie Hut

This whimsical spot in Carroll Gardens is a Tiki bar tricked out with a festive-feeling, bamboo-trimmed outdoor patio that makes it an ideal setting to linger over a couple of potent cocktails. Choose from the Singapore Sling, Mai Tai, or Blue Hawaiian, or if one’s feeling particularly adventurous, get the Scorpion Bowl, a strong and mysterious mixture billed as the “kitchen sink of Tiki drinks.” If it’s a hot summer day, go for the frozen drinks.

Bogota Latin Bistro

It always feels festive at this colorful, lively pan-Latin Park Slope restaurant. There’s a large covered back garden that’s fun for a big group, and the extensive menu has plenty of Colombian-inspired options for all sorts of diners and generous portions suited to sharing. Brunch is also popular; try the traditional Colombian Breakfast spread, with scallion and tomato-studded scrambled eggs, calentado (pork, red beans, and white rice), and a butter- and cheese-topped arepa. At lunch or dinner, opt for the Bandeja Paisa, a platter of basically the same delicious, filling slew of ingredients.

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Super Power

At this Tiki bar in Crown Heights, there are lots of rum-based cocktails to choose from, some served inside coconuts for even more flair and many garnished with bright straws twisted into shapes, in addition to paper umbrellas and a smattering of fruit. Drinks include a Galangal daiquiri, a riff on the old-fashioned called the Super Fashioned, and frozen Painkillers, packed with rum and coconut. There’s a nice outdoor space, too, with mod blue chairs and some greenery.

A post shared by Super power (@superpowerbk) on

Jade Island

This Polynesian spot in Staten Island has been around for a few decades now. It started off with a Cantonese menu, founded by four brothers who had worked in Chinatown kitchens prior. Much of the menu still leans toward Americanized Chinese dishes, though there are indeed Tiki-inspired drinks, decor, and some nibbles (like a deep fried pu pu platter). It has a sort of Disneyfied, over-the-top take on the Tiki theme that looks a bit like cruise ship decor, with colorful totem sculptures and bamboo accents throughout. Drinks, predictably, come with paper umbrellas and some are served in hollowed-out pineapples.

Related Maps