Stranger Things may take place in Hawkins, Indiana, but there are countless creepy places in New York City that could be part of the Upside Down. And though Stranger Things filming locations are mostly in Atlanta, Georgia (with a few spots in Albuquerque, NM this season), we found certain NYC spots that are also stuck in the ’80s decade…or at least paying homage to it.
Here are five places across New York City that remind us of filming locations from the show — with all of its other worldly hauntings, ’80s nostalgia, and a hint of history and charm!
1. Rink-O-Mania: DiscOasis, Central Park
Roller rinks were a staple of the ’80s and Rink-O-Mania was home to some important scenes for characters in Stranger Things. In New York, Central Park’s Wollman Rink has been transformed into a roller disco derby for the summer. Aptly named, the DiscOasis boasts a huge dance floor, massive disco balls, food and beverage options and some groovy entertainment. Though it’s more ’70s than ’80s, it still get the job done!
The DiscOasis is open between 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Wednesdays through Sundays until Oct. 1; you can find more detailed info here. Let’s groove!
Where: Wollman Rink, 830 5th Ave, New York, NY.
2. Surfer Boy Pizza: Surf City Pizza, Coney Island
While there are plenty of ocean side pizza joints in New York, Surf City Pizza might be the most similar to the show’s Surfer Boy Pizza. Located on Surf Ave. in Coney Island, Surf City Pizza in Brooklyn gives reliable, old-school pizza joint vibes and it’s a short walk to the beach. Along with slices and pies, they serve up pasta dishes, wraps, seafood dishes and more. The beloved character Argyle just might work and eat here.
Where: 837 Surf Ave, Brooklyn
3. Creel House: Kreischer Mansion, Staten Island
Located on Staten Island, the history of the Kreischer Mansion just might give the creepy Creel House a run for its money. The spooky structure is said to be haunted by original owner Edward B. Kreischer, who shot himself in 1894. Over a century later, the mansion became the home to mob activity and the death of Roberty McKelvey in 2005, according to the Staten Island Advance. With decades of death in this mansion, the supposed house of horrors definitely reminds us of some spine-chilling moments in Stranger Things.
Where: 4500 Arthur Kill Rd., Staten Island
4. The Nina Project: Vessel Floats, Greenpoint
Tap into your inner Eleven and float weightlessly in a sensory deprivation tank. At Vessel Floats, you might not be able to read minds when you relax, but it will help with achy muscles. Each tank is filled with 1.5 tons of saltwater heated to 93.5 degrees. This spa in Brooklyn just might be Eleven-approved!
Find more info on their website here.Where: 101 West St, Brooklyn
5. Hawkins Cemetery: Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn
A very pivotal scene in Stranger Things Season 4 took place at Hawkins Cemetery (relive it here!), and we couldn’t help being reminded of Brooklyn’s own National Historic Landmark, Green-Wood Cemetery. Founded in 1838, Green-Wood Cemetery holds over 500,000 people buried across its 478 acres of land. From businessmen to war heroes and everyone in between, some notable figures from New York are buried here, including artist Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Where: 500 25th St, Brooklyn
Bonus:
Hawkin’s Lab: The Strecker Laboratory, Roosevelt Island
Built in 1892, the Strecker Laboratory was the first lab in the U.S. dedicated to pathological and bacteriological research. Located on Roosevelt Island, the small Romanesque building was right next to a (now demolished) City Hospital, which it served as a lab for. The New York City Transit Authority has renovated the building’s exterior. Allegedly, the structure is still in use as as a power conversion station for the E subway line, according to New York State’s website.
Where: Southpoint Park, Roosevelt Island