You’re walking down 3rd Avenue in Murray Hill, dodging delivery bikes and feeling that specific Manhattan exhaustion. Then you see it. A sign that feels entirely out of place. Joshua Tree. If you’ve spent any time in the California desert, your brain probably jumps to dusty trails, U2 albums, and twisted Yucca trees. But this isn't the Mojave. This is Joshua Tree New York NY, and honestly, the two couldn't be more different if they tried.
One is a serene, silent expanse of desert. The other is a loud, neon-soaked 80s time capsule where someone is almost certainly screaming the lyrics to "Living on a Prayer" at 1:00 AM.
The Identity Crisis of 513 3rd Avenue
Basically, if you come here looking for a quiet craft cocktail or a place to discuss the geological history of the Mojave, you've made a terrible mistake. Joshua Tree in New York is a bar. It’s a very specific kind of bar. It's the kind of place where the floor is a little bit sticky, the music is exclusively from the Reagan era, and the bottomless brunch deals are the stuff of local legend.
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Located right in the heart of Murray Hill at 513 3rd Avenue, it has survived the brutal churn of the NYC hospitality industry for years. That’s no small feat. Most spots in this neighborhood die out within eighteen months, replaced by a generic salad chain or another smoke shop.
Why the 80s Theme Actually Works
People love to hate on Murray Hill bars. They call them "fratty" or "basic." But Joshua Tree leans so hard into its 80s aesthetic that it almost circles back to being charming. You’ve got the memorabilia. You’ve got the video screens playing old music videos.
It feels like a basement party from 1985, but with better plumbing. Mostly.
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The music is the real draw here. In a city where every rooftop lounge is playing deep house or generic "lo-fi beats to study to," Joshua Tree just gives you the hits. Whitney Houston. Bon Jovi. Journey. It’s unapologetic. It’s loud. It’s exactly what you want after a ten-hour workday when you just need to turn your brain off and drink a light beer.
The Bottomless Brunch Survival Guide
Let’s talk about the brunch because that is why most people find themselves at Joshua Tree New York NY in the first place. For about 25 bucks—plus the cost of an entree—you get ninety minutes of unlimited mimosas, bellinis, or sangria.
It is a sprint, not a marathon.
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The food is... surprisingly fine? Usually, bottomless brunch spots serve you eggs that look like they were cooked in a microwave on a low-battery setting. Here, the mac and cheese and the burgers actually hold their own. You aren't getting a Michelin star, but you’re getting a solid base for the four mimosas you're about to consume.
- The Crowd: Expect a lot of recent college grads in Patagonia vests.
- The Vibe: High energy. By 2:00 PM, the volume is at an eleven.
- The Strategy: Make a reservation. If you show up with six people on a Saturday without a plan, you’re standing on the sidewalk.
It’s Not the Desert—And That’s the Point
I’ve seen tourists get genuinely confused by the name. They search for "Joshua Tree" and think they’ve found some sort of boutique nature-themed hotel or a vegan cafe inspired by the national park. Nope.
If you want the real Joshua Tree experience—the one with the stars and the silence—you need to buy a plane ticket to Palm Springs and drive sixty miles north. If you want a place to play drinking games in a back room while "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" blares from the speakers, you stay on 3rd Ave.
There used to be another location—Joshua Tree Bar & Grill over on West 46th Street. That one is permanently closed now. The 3rd Avenue spot is the last man standing, a sentinel of 80s kitsch in a neighborhood that is slowly becoming more polished and less fun.
What to Know Before You Go
Honestly, Joshua Tree isn't for everyone. If you’re over 35, you might feel ancient the moment you walk in. If you hate loud music, you’ll have a headache within six minutes. But for a specific New York experience, it’s a staple.
It’s the "Old Reliable" of the Murray Hill nightlife scene. It’s where memories are made—or more likely, where memories are lost after too many $5 happy hour drinks.
If you are planning a visit, keep the happy hour in mind. It’s one of the more generous ones in the area, usually running until 8:00 PM. In a city where a single cocktail can cost twenty dollars, finding a spot where you can actually afford a second round is a win.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
- Skip the Fancy Dress: This is a casual spot. Jeans and a t-shirt are the standard uniform. Don't show up in a suit unless you want to feel like a lost narc.
- Check the Game Schedule: Joshua Tree is also a sports bar. If there’s a big football or basketball game on, the 80s music might be paused in favor of game audio. Check their schedule if you’re specifically going for the dance vibes.
- Karaoke Nights: They do karaoke. It is exactly as chaotic as you imagine. If you’re going to sing, go early. The list fills up fast and the liquid courage in the room makes everyone think they’re the next Freddie Mercury.
- The Back Room: There is often more space in the back. The front area gets jammed with people standing around the bar, but if you push through the crowd, you can usually find a corner to actually breathe.
Next time you find yourself in Midtown East with a group of friends and no plan, give this place a look. It’s not a national park, and there isn't a single tree in sight, but it's a piece of New York's bar history that refuses to quit. Just don't blame me when you have "Total Eclipse of the Heart" stuck in your head for the next three days.