Escape to a unique tiki oasis with spectacular, fiery cocktails, though the food may be pricey.
Step into a different world at this East Village tiki bar, where the ambiance is king and the cocktails are showstoppers. While the food may be a bit hit-or-miss and on the pricier side, the unique, transformative decor and entertaining, often fiery, drinks make it a memorable experience. It's a place that excels at creating an immersive escape, with some cocktails even rivaling those at renowned tiki establishments.
The food at Paradise Lost receives mixed reviews, with the Spam Musubi being a notable standout that some customers order a second serving of. However, other items like rum spudlets, dumplings, and Nashville Hot Jerk Chicken Tenders are described as just okay and overpriced. While the kitchen's offerings are not consistently praised, the cocktails are a major draw, with many highlighting their creativity and presentation, including fiery drinks and specific mentions of the Beel'z Road Soda.
"The Spam Musubi is frequently mentioned as a must-try, with one reviewer ordering it twice. The Beel'z Road Soda cocktail is also highly praised."
Customers generally have a positive sentiment towards the restaurant, particularly praising its unique atmosphere, strong cocktails, and entertaining presentation, though some find the food offerings to be just okay and pricey.
Important Note
Some customers find the food offerings at Paradise Lost to be just okay and on the pricier side, with specific dishes like rum spudlets, dumplings, and Nashville Hot Jerk Chicken Tenders not meeting expectations, and prices for items like Spam Musubi and Mai Tais being a point of contention for some.
"This user suggested Paradise Lost as a romantic restaurant option."
Positive"Paradise Lost was suggested as a place that could likely make a banana daiquiri."
Neutral"The commenter suggested Paradise Lost, a known tiki bar, as a place that might be able to make a banana daiquiri."
Neutral"Emths recommends Paradise Lost in the East Village as a tiki-themed spot likely offering frozen drinks, noting it operates more as a bar."
Neutral"While preferring Sunken Harbor Club's drinks slightly more, the commenter finds Paradise Lost cool, especially for its location and unique entry corridor."
Neutral"The commenter strongly recommends Paradise Lost for tiki drinks, stating a preference for it over Otto's and Sunken Harbor Club."
Positive"The commenter recommends Paradise Lost for tiki drinks."
Positive"Agrees that high prices like at Paradise Lost are common in NYC, providing context that a burger and fries often cost $20 before tax and tip at many sit-down restaurants."
Neutral"Considers the $10 price for Spam Musubi at Paradise Lost to be "criminal", noting that they make them at home easily in a few minutes."
Negative"Defends Paradise Lost's prices, stating that a $25 Mai Tai is worth it for the quality and atmosphere compared to cheaper, mediocre alternatives, considering it normal for top NYC bars."
Positive"Finds the $10 price for Spam Musubi at Paradise Lost 'off' given its humble origins, comparing it to paying $15 for a BEC, although they are still willing to try it."
Neutral"Highly praises Paradise Lost, saying it "slaps." Although initially put off by the high price tag, they found the ambiance dope and the drinks strong, leading to a great time for their birthday."
Positive"Comments that Paradise Lost's high prices, like $10 for spam musubi, are unfortunately typical for most NYC places and mentions seeing $30 cocktails elsewhere."
Negative"Questions the high prices at Paradise Lost, specifically for a Mai Tai ($25) and a single Spam Musubi ($10), and wonders if the place can sustain itself with these prices."
Negative"Recommends Paradise Lost for cocktails, suggesting a 'bang bang' with Noreetuh for food. Wishes Paradise Lost's kitchen lived up to its bar, as they haven't liked any food there except popcorn. Specifically praises the Beel'z Road Soda cocktail."
Positive"Highlights the 'cool bathroom' at Paradise Lost as a notable feature, mentioning a light show and demons."
Positive"Impressed by Paradise Lost's transformative interior, likening it to stepping into a different world. Agrees the food is just okay, but believes the flashy cocktails are definitely worth the admission price."
Positive"Calls Paradise Lost a "good spot". Notes some occasional misses on their cocktail menu but their highs are as good as renowned tiki bars like Smuggler’s Cove, and is glad to have Paradise Lost for A+ tiki drinks."
Positive"Agrees that the food at Paradise Lost is fine, but considers the drinks and ambiance to be A1. Mentions feeling transported on a cold rainy night and appreciating the dedication to details."
Positive"The Original Poster visited Paradise Lost in the East Village. They enjoyed the Spam Musubi and found the cocktails and a mocktail amazing, but other food items (rum spudlets, dumplings, Nashville Hot Jerk Chicken Tenders) were considered just okay and pricey."
Neutral
