For the unaware or simply the uninitiated, the fishbowl is not only an extremely social drinking experience to be enjoyed with some of your favorite people, but it’s also a great way to get everyone buzzed without breaking the bank.
From the decorated and thematic to the knock-you-on-your-ass booze bomb, finding a truly worthwhile fishbowl can be the difference between a memorable jump-off for a night out or a watery trap that will have you belly up before anything even starts.
Whether it’s a drunken celebratory night on the town or a fun meal with close friends, fishbowls are an exciting and unusual way to get the party going.
Just make sure you pick the right one for you, your group and your night. Drink up, kiddies! Just don’t attempt any of these by yourself. Yeah, that's an official warning.
1. "Volcano Blast" at Otto’s Shrunken Head (538 East 14th Street)
Otto’s boasts one of the hottest fishbowls you can find in town, mostly because the oversized cocktail is literally on fire.
Going along with the Tiki bar theme the restaurant is known for, the Volcano Blast is among most colorful and entertaining of the fishbowl presentations, complete with happy tropical umbrellas and an erupting “volcano” dead center.
For $30, it serves three or four “brave souls,” at least according to Otto’s words of wisdom.
2. "Swamp Water" at Brother Jimmy’s (416 8th Avenue)
What’s more fun than a fishbowl exploding with dozens of colorful oversized straws? Seeing who finds the plastic alligator hidden in the “waters” of this giant concoction!
Served in a 64 oz. fishbowl, this $25 Swamp Water bucket 'o' fun has just the right amount of sweet to mask the clever kick concealed in this house recipe.
One of the best parts of ordering it? It arrives at your table heralded by a whir of whistles by your server, high school gym coach-style, so everyone dining can know which table the party is at.
3. "The Zombie" at Surf Bar (139 North 6th Street - Brooklyn)
Despite the alcohol content warnings on the menus, many dare to try and down this solo because of the steal of a price it is (only $11), much to their chagrin.
Easily enjoyed by two people, the Zombie is made with light and dark rum mixed with apricot brandy, lime juice, orange juice and topped with a Bacardi 151 floater, which comes to a grand total of five shots of rum in this ghoulish potion.
It’s clear to see how this Williamsburg bowl got its name; just watch your friends when they try to stand up and leave.
4. "The Amateur" at The West End Lounge (955 West End Avenue)
Whether you find a place by the lively front bar, or duck into the cabaret room for more intimate dim-light seating and one of their nightly drag shows, the Amateur is a fishbowl worth taking a dive into.
Colored a sweet candy blue with exaggerated twisty straws for elongated table reach, this is definitely one of those “sneak up on you,” $26 drinks.
By the time you know what hit you, your table is on their third one, and the outside wrap-around patio has become a social hotspot shared between the all-too inebriated and those cautiously watching the show, sipping slowly. Amateurs.
5. "Isle of Manhattan Fizz" at Cienfuegos (95 Avenue A)
This spicy East Village eatery is on top of their fishbowl game with options depending on your crew size and the kind of night you want to have.
Dining with just a friend or two? The “Con un Amigo” size serves two or three for $38. If you have a bigger table, the “Toda La Familia” liquors up to five diners for a hot $74, and if you’re going all out with a party table, a $114 “The Royal” will get you and up to ten buddies buzzed like no one’s business.
Though there are a number of group drink options, the Isle of Manhattan Fizz deserves a nod for its dynamic mix of coconut, lime, pineapple, soda and subtle orange flower water with a Chairman’s Reserve Silver Rum and Plymouth Gin back.
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6. "Mad Donkey Fishbowl" at Mad Donkey Bar & Grill (32-07 36th Avenue - Queens)
One of Astoria’s most notable watering holes, the Mad Donkey boasts much more than an impressive beer list.
Their novelty Donkey Fish Bowl is not only a house favorite, Polaroid pictures of those who dared to finish two of the strong, $25 punch drinks alone (and succeeded) decorate the bar’s rustic ceiling.
The fruity mix goes well with any of their surprisingly well crafted bar appetizers and entrees. Will you prevail in taking on the two-time Donkey Dare?
7. "The Crusade" at The Drink (228 Manhattan Avenue - Brooklyn)
An East Williamsburg bar with a nautical seafaring theme, it’s no wonderThe Drink made this concoction big enough for a whole pirate ship’s crew.
Made with fresh herbs, juices and homemade syrups, The Crusade delves out at least ten full cocktails, perfect for high-volume imbibing that will make you wonder how all that booze went to down Davey Jones’ so quickly. It's $43 for a reason. Don't undertake The Crusade alone.
Old Monk rum, Rooibos Earl Grey tea, lemon, peppermint, clove, pink peppercorn, allspice and Angostura bitters give this fishbowl not just a more unique but a classier alternative to the too often abrasive and unforgiving fishbowls to be found elsewhere.
8. "Happy Bowl" at Calico Jack’s Cantina (800 2nd Avenue)
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This aptly-named alcoholic abyss dispenses 96 oz. of good times from its gigantic and vibrant fishbowl perfectly blended with Calico Jack’s shamelessly tacky and bright atmosphere.
If at first you’re worried about finishing it all, their massive straws will have you taking more down the hatch than you might have bargained for.
It’s recommended to take a crack at this fishbowl with at least five friends (which make it even more economical at $25 a pop), if you want to avoid alcohol poisoning that is, and help you decide between their three house mixes: tropical vodka, rum punch or margarita.
9. "Days of Thunder Punch" at Clover Club (210 Smith Street - Brooklyn)
Started by a select group of Philadelphia journalists who, from 1882 until the 1920’s, met monthly at the Bellevue Hotel to eat, drink and converse, Clover Club exudes a classic feel of Old New York with plush red leather seats, dark wooden accents and low hanging chandeliers.
But don’t let their uber chic appearance fool you; they’re all for getting you plastered.
Their elegant yet dangerous Days of Thunder Punch offers a refreshing take on the loaded fishbowl. With Lillet rose, Aperol, gin, grapefruit, lemon and cucumber, it’s the perfect group ($46 means group) libation to beat the New York City summer heat.
10. "La Bete Noir" at The Bourgeois Pig (127 MacDougal Street)
For those who want to partake in a group libation, but want to avoid the slurring and stumbling that usually accompany it, make your way down to the champagne mecca of The Bourgeois Pig, where bubbly is the best bet on their menu.
Their sophisticated take on a fishbowl, La Bete Noir, combines sweet muddled blackberries with maraschino and lemon for a champagne fishbowl that is like none other. Don’t let the lofty, $40 fizziness fool you. You’d best order an app or two to help keep your dignity.
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