By Marie Hansen-Lehmann
Finding a place to dine around Halloween can be scary. Fortunately, New York City is home to three horror themed establishments all owned by Eerie World Entertainment. Although the restaurants are open year-round, the Halloween season is, of course, their most active season. Here’s a run-down of each restaurant to help you plan a spooky October feast!
The four-floored Jekyll & Hyde Club located in midtown is the most famous of the three restaurants. Just walking into the restaurant is an experience all its own with a moving ceiling and eccentric “guide” to lead the way. There are several animatronic creatures that perform and interact with the diners—everything from a wise-cracking gargoyle to a statue of Zeus.
In addition, actors dressed as Victorian mad scientists walk around, engaging people in bizarre conversation. The mood is less creepy and more like dining on the set of Young Frankenstein, making it the perfect location to bring the kids.
There are video games upstairs to play while you wait for your meal. The food is slightly more upscale than your typical chain restaurant variety but the hefty price is made-up for by the entertainment. When available, the pumpkin cheesecake is worth every cent! Reservations cannot be made ahead of time, but the wait isn’t usually too long. One small warning: they only accept American Express credit cards.
If you have never been to the Jekyll & Hyde Club, it is definitely something to experience at least once, especially with children!
Jekyll and Hyde Pub is a toned-down, more adult version of the main restaurant. The focus is mainly on the drink menu, which boasts over 52 American Beers as well as a wide range of international brews. The food is a similar menu to the Jekyll & Hyde Club and I would suggest sticking close to the burgers menu to get the best value vs. quality. The main entertainment is the animatronics rather than actors, including the re-animation of Frankenstein’s monster that drops down from the center ceiling. It’s a great place to go with friends, even if to just grab a drink!
If you are looking for something more romantic, The Slaughtered Lamb is your best option. There are no animatronics or actors, but there is a deliciously creepy atmosphere centered mainly on the werewolf legend. In fact, the restaurant’s name is a nod to the movie An American Werewolf in London!
There is a cozy fireplace, a relaxed quiet atmosphere, and if you are feeling adventurous, head down to The Dungeon to check out the decor. The food is the best out of the three locations—the pumpkin tortellini is a must try! Be warned: the weekends tend to attract more of a tourist-bar crowd, so head down during the week if you are bringing a date.
Marie Hansen-Lehmann is a Young Adult Librarian. She has reviewed books for School Library Journal and has a blog about teen lit, librarianship, and sometimes music called The Cupcake Witch. She is part of the anthology Cassette From My Ex (St. Martin’s Griffin) and had a show on 90.1 fm WUSB for six years. She currently lives in Queens and works in the Village.
Jekyll & Hyde Club
1409 Avenue of the Americas
212-541-9505
Jekyll and Hyde of Greenwich Village
Restaurant and Bar
91 Seventh Avenue South
212-989-7701
The Slaughtered Lamb Pub
182 West Fourth Street, near Jones Street
212-627-5262
