ISLAND COOL: WHERE TO SIP THE TROPICS
Remember, New York City is an island. So for visitors looking to sample a taste of the sultry tropics in the Big Apple, you’re in luck. Below, a smattering of downtown venues with breezy vibes, frosty rum cocktails, tropical garnishes, plastic straws and palm-fringed prints.
In the West Village, this midcentury Florida-meets-California bar mixes palm-tree wallpaper, warm globe lighting fixtures and a snazzy horseshoe bar perfect for saddling up for drinks like the retro-inspired Pineapple Express with sage, cane and lime; and using either Venezuelan rum or tequila. Meanwhile, downstairs, the intimate space Slowly Shirley gives patrons ample time to listen to 40’s jazz and sip more bespoke cocktails.
With views of the Hudson River, drop by this campy, nautical-flared West Village mainstay for a fix of rattan furniture, blonde woods, faux Tiffany lamps and checkerboard floors. There’s also a jukebox belting out island tunes. To drink, order from a bevy of rum-spiked tiki drinks a la the Singapore Sling or the refreshing namesake Rusty Knot— a refreshing mix of rum, mint and ice. Hungry? Dive into the salty pickles, fish po’boys and pretzel dogs.
Like its name suggests, this kitschy, divey East Village institution is beloved for its neon-lights, curved banquettes, gaudy tropical prints, vintage Hawaiian LPs and leafy artwork. As for what to sip, a menu of potent Polynesian cocktails appears including pina coladas, margaritas and mai tai’s. For the musically-inclined, the back lounge features a small stage where local bands mount vivacious rock n’ roll performances.
Inside this cheery Avenue A venue draped with breezy linen white-linen curtains and pop of teal, find island-inspired drinks like the Spring Tea (gin, Aperol, rhubarb and matcha) and a Shark Eye cocktail blended with bourbon and passion fruit with Maraschino and served in a highly-Instsagrammable shark shaped glass. Meanwhile, Polynesian vegan food snacks include a sharable pupu platter.
It’s hot outside. Looking to stay inside the cool confines of The Roxy Hotel? Pop over to the lively Roxy Bar and cool off with a frozen Dark and Stormy and enjoy live jazz and spinning vinyl.
Words by Kate Donnelly
