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Tiki Central / Locating Tiki / Otto's Shrunken Head, New York (Manhattan), NY (bar)

Post #73225 by tikidrummer on Wed, Jan 28, 2004 6:34 PM

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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!