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Otto's Shrunken Head, New York (Manhattan), NY (bar) |
tikidrummer
Tiki Centralite
Joined: Feb 04, 2003
Posts: 61
From: new jersey
|  Posted: 2004-01-28 6:34 pm Permalink
Name:Otto's Shrunken Head
Type:bar
Street:538 E. 14th St. (Bet. Ave's A & B)
City:New York (Manhattan)
State:NY
Zip:10009
country:USA
Phone:(212) 228-2240
Status:operational
Description:
You can feel Otto's good vibes lingering in the air as soon as you round the corner onto 14th street. Perhaps it's the green and yellow neon sign that creates a glowing halo around its foggy glass windows, or the alluring trio of giant tikis that huddle in the faux-beach windowfront, beckoning you to come in for a cold drink. Or maybe it's the beautiful exotic sounds that you hear in the distance as you approach the door, or the smiles that you see on the faces of everyone inside. You're not sure what it is, but something tells you that this is a special place before you've even entered.
Upon entering you notice a raised DJ booth in the right corner, and a fully stocked bar along the right wall, complete with bamboo trim, jungle print stools, multi-colored blowfish lanterns hanging from the ceiling, and a menu of some of their original and traditional concoctions painted on the wall, which resembles an ancient driftwood carving. While their list of cold and frozen drinks (most of which come in their own special glass) is staggering, Otto's also specializes in several hot drinks to help you survive New York's winter tundra. The floor is covered in the original mid-century tile dating back to when the space was used as a pharmacy. Note the Rx tile relief in the entrance way. On your left are 4 1950's lounge-style booths covered in comfy red vinyl/leather, and the walls above the booths are adorned with framed tiki-themed fabric print. After you order yourself a 'Shrunken Skirt' (an original Otto's mixture of mango rum and secret flavors created by Nell, one of Otto's bartenders) you make your way towards Otto's rear lounge. On your left, past the booths, are a classic pinball machine and other forms of appropriate video game entertainment, as well as a photo booth for capturing moments from your special night. Across from them are the bathrooms; the doors painted with different exotic patterns. Every inch of available wall space is covered with classic exotica album covers, postcards, memorabilia, photographs, paintings-- one of Otto's strengths is its attention to detail. Owner Steve Pang is constantly adding to his bar's alluring charm and atmosphere. You continue into the back lounge and begin questioning your latitude as you take a sip of cold 'Shrunken Skirt'. All of the walls are covered in bamboo, there are several tables in an L shape along 2 walls, and a cozy stage in the opposite corner with an exotic-print drumset and a sound system whose speakers are made out of Crazy Al's own handcarved tikis. Otto's features a complete backline. (guitar & bass amps, drums, PA) There is typically live music 7 nights a week, and Otto's has a pretty regular built-in crowd. Catch The Fisherman's Vibraphonic Exotica Trio every Monday night featuring DJ Philthy Phil, or Frank Wood Presents every Sunday. Otto's offers a wide variety of genres; from exotica, surf, and lounge to punk, garage, rockabilly, and psychodelic rock & roll. Behind the tables, classic portraits of beautiful, exotic women drape one wall; it's adjacent wall features a blue light projecting onto a long silver sheet gently moved by a fan, creating the illusion of oceanfront waves. Otto's has a total of 7 handcarved tikis, one of which expels smoke through its nose on command. All of Otto's fixtures and glasses are in beautiful condition, and never for a second do you doubt the bars authenticity. The only thing you doubt is what time zone you're in!
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crazy al
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jun 25, 2002
Posts: 1783
From: CA
| Posted: 2004-02-26 11:38 pm Permalink
check out pics of the Fisherman's trio and my tikis here
http://www.tikiroom.com/tikicentral/bb/viewtopic.php?topic=7852&forum=4&9
also here
http://www.tikiroom.com/tikicentral/bb/viewtopic.php?topic=7705&forum=4&10
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lynxwiler
Tiki Centralite
Joined: Jun 22, 2003
Posts: 20
From: downtown L.A.
| Posted: 2008-01-18 10:45 pm Permalink
Trip report!
A recent trip to New York took me to Otto's Shrunken Head where I hardly spent enough time. In town for business, my days were hectic and nights exhausting, but I had to stop in for at least one drink and I'm very glad I did. The drinks were spendy but worthwhile and, yes, I did buy the tiki mug my drink came in. I don't find a $5 deposit on the tiki mug to be a bad thing, especially when it's a $5 dollar bargain and I wind up taking the mug home with me.
The crowd was friendly and the music fantastic. I was so glad to see The Outpatients in person as their music carries a smooth surf vibe no matter the tune. I wish I could have spent a little more time there, but I had to head back to the hotel and rest up for another big day. Thankfully, the rum helped ease that pain.
Enjoy the pics!
[ This Message was edited by: lynxwiler 2008-01-18 22:48 ]
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TikiPirate
Tiki Centralite
Joined: Jan 03, 2007
Posts: 15
From: Baltimore, MD
| Posted: 2008-07-14 11:14 am Permalink
Aw, sweet! Unsteady Freddie was there! His surf shows are the best. Plus, with a name like "Otto's Shrunken Head", one would have to ckeck it out!
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-Mike
"No matter where you go, there you are"
-Buckaroo Banzai
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SilverLine
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Mar 02, 2004
Posts: 608
From: Kansas City
| Posted: 2010-07-20 09:00 am Permalink
Was in NYC last week and Otto's was on my list! Despite some locals trying to discourage me, I had to see for myself. I was kinda surprised at how few Tiki Bars (two) there are in the "BIG" Apple.
Because of our schedule, we wound up stopping in just as they opened at 2:00. We had the advantage of being the only customers, so we got the grand tour and I really liked what I saw. This place is just plain FUN! What Otto's may lack in refined mixology, it more than makes up for in escapist atmosphere. Bottom line, no matter your mood upon entering, you'll find a smile on your face inside.
Me enjoying the signature drink.
My traveling partner, business client, friend and drink model, Silver Fox.
If Otto's was in MY town, I'd be a regular!
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Classic Silver Line Boats
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Kita St Cyr
Tiki Centralite
Joined: Dec 27, 2009
Posts: 22 | Posted: 2010-10-25 12:34 pm Permalink
So~ apparently there was a fire at Otto's this weekend?
http://evgrieve.com/2010/10/breaking-early-morning-fire-at-ottos.html
http://evgrieve.com/2010/10/ottos-to-reopen-by-weekend.html?showComment=1288029036499
Hope they keep us updated 
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exquisitecorpse
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Feb 26, 2009
Posts: 196
From: philadelphia
| Posted: 2010-10-25 1:46 pm Permalink
i hope everyone and everything is alright.
i love otto's!
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sneakyjack
Tiki Socialite
Joined: May 25, 2004
Posts: 988
From: NYC Area
| Posted: 2010-10-25 2:45 pm Permalink
I'll let Steve and or Nell comment. But no one hurt the back room is in a bit of disrepair. The front or main part of the part was to be reopened tomorrow (Tuesday 10.26.10). There are a few pics on facebook of the damage. But no one was hurt and I'll let the people closest/owners to the bar report officially.
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sneakyjack
Tiki Socialite
Joined: May 25, 2004
Posts: 988
From: NYC Area
| Posted: 2010-10-27 6:28 pm Permalink
different thread from Nell -
http://www.tikiroom.com/tikicentral/bb/viewtopic.php?topic=38248&forum=1&3
better answers
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tcrush
Member
Joined: Apr 12, 2011
Posts: 1 | Posted: 2011-04-20 12:34 pm Permalink
I've been hoping to go to Ottomans in my visit to New York. Does anyone know if the
Park Central Hotel NYC is close? or are there better New York Hotels to stay at?
Im stoked to hear some good music and dance!
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TIKI DAVID
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Apr 07, 2004
Posts: 1904
From: North Coast
| Posted: 2011-04-20 1:13 pm Permalink
Quote:
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On 2011-04-20 12:34, tcrush wrote:
I've been hoping to go to Ottomans in my visit to New York. Does anyone know if the
Park Central Hotel NYC is close? or are there better New York Hotels to stay at?
Im stoked to hear some good music and dance!
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the 'W'
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Quince_at_Dannys
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Mar 29, 2004
Posts: 146
From: Command Records International HQ
| Posted: 2011-04-20 1:15 pm Permalink
The Park Central Hotel isn't really close, but it has the distinct advantage of being literally on the N. I mean, walk outside and there's the station. Take that to the 14th St. / Union Square, switch to the Brooklyn bound L and get out at 1st Ave. From there it's another long block or so east. Very easy.
Be sure to make the trip further downtown into the East Village and check out Painkiller and Death and Co. which are two of the best bars I've ever been to. And since you're taking the L line anyway, it might make since to head over to Williamsburg (Brooklyn) and stop in at Dram. Depends on how much bar-hopping you wanna do.
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PurpleXombie
Member
Joined: May 25, 2011
Posts: 5 | Posted: 2011-06-11 8:36 pm Permalink
I live in NJ and want to go to Otto's and Painkiller but can't get any of my friends to go with me. Does anyone want to meet up? NJ sucks for Tiki bars.
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