A Local’s Guide To The Best Bars In Queens NY

Queens is a vibrant and diverse borough of New York City that boasts some of the most exciting bars in the city. With a multitude of bars spread out across the borough, you can easily find a place to relax, grab a beer or cocktail, and socialize with locals.

Whether you are looking for a cozy pub, a rooftop bar, or a beer garden, Queens has it all.

In this article, we will be exploring the best bars in Queens, NY. From Astoria to Forest Hills, we have scoured the borough to bring you a list of must-visit bars. So, grab a seat, and let’s explore Queens, one bar at a time.

Top Bars in Queens NY

Forest Hills Station House

This iconic neighborhood pub is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. Forest Hills Station House exudes the character of a timeless local pub with its rugged brick walls, wooden bar, and inviting ambiance.

The bar offers an extensive selection of craft beers and whiskeys from around the world. With 16 draft lines, over 25 bottled beers, 100 whiskeys, and many artisanal cocktails, there is something for everyone. Despite its narrow layout that only accommodates 80 people at any given time (60 at tables and 20 at the bar), the wait times are usually not too long due to efficient staff and seating arrangements.

The menu features popular items like smoked country pork ribs, jumbo wings, braised bacon and jalapeรฑo cornbread, burgers, sandwiches and more. Itโ€™s also a great spot for beer and whiskey enthusiasts, with an extensive selection of craft beers, wines and whiskeys to choose from.

Its unique location, in the heart of Forest Hills Station, makes it a great spot to grab a drink and catch up with friends.

Sweet Afton

Located in the heart of Astoria, Queens, Sweet Afton is a cozy and inviting bar that will make you feel right at home. With exposed brick walls, an industrial vibe, and vintage furniture throughout it is easy to see why this place has become such a local favorite.

The menu offers unique and tasty options like beer-battered McClureโ€™s fried pickles, brioche french toast sticks, breakfast burgers and homemade biscuits. In addition to their delicious food they also feature classic cocktails like frozen strawberry margaritas as well as craft beers from local breweries.

To top off the experience they have outdoor seating on the sidewalk along with a garden in the back for those who prefer to enjoy their drinks al fresco. Whether youโ€™re looking for an intimate evening with friends or a date night, Sweet Afton is definitely a great spot to check out.

Nowadays bar

Nowadays is a one-of-a-kind indoor-outdoor dance club and bar located on the border of Bushwick and Ridgewood. This 5,000 square foot venue offers an escape from daily life with its unique aesthetics, flavor-packed food and drink options, top-notch sound system and sophisticated dinner menu.

Visitors can enjoy cultural performances, games such as ping pong and cornhole, as well as sunset movie screenings while local DJs spin into the night.

Admission requires reservations of up to 10 people with a fee of $5 per person, and special reservations for the Tuesday & Wednesday sunset movie screenings are also recommended to book in advance. There’s something for everyone at Nowadays – come for an unforgettable

Dirty Pierre’s

If you are looking for a cozy and intimate bar, then Dirty Pierres is the perfect spot. This neighborhood bar has a laid-back vibe, with friendly staff and a great selection of beers and cocktails.

The bar has a pool table, dartboard, and a jukebox, making it a popular spot for locals to unwind after a long day.

Neir’s Tavern

Neirโ€™s Tavern is a beloved neighborhood bar in Woodhaven, Queens that has been open since 1829. Itโ€™s the oldest bar in Queens and one of the oldest in all of New York City. The tavern is known for its vintage interior which includes a classic mahogany bar and a coal-burning stove. Neirโ€™s serves up a wide selection of craft beers on tap as well as local brews and signature cocktails.

The food menu features classic pub fare like burgers, sandwiches, and wings as well as daily specials such as fish tacos and pulled pork sliders.

Its history includes Mae Westโ€™s first performance and scenes from Goodfellas. The tavern has become an important part of Woodhaven’s identity with its close-knit community, uniting residents from all races and ages. It has been the center of many milestones in life, from weddings to birthdays, even sponsoring little leagues.

Alewife Brewing

Alewife Brewing in Sunnyside is a fantastic place for beer enthusiasts. This bar offers an impressive range of beers, with around 28 beers on tap, including unique creations and collaborations with other breweries. In addition to beer, Alewife Brewing also offers an excellent food menu with a focus on American comfort food.

Their ambiance is cozy, with rustic wood decor and plenty of natural light. If you’re looking for a chill night out with friends or a date, Alewife Brewing is the place to go.

LIC Beer Project

The LIC Beer Project is a popular brewery and taproom located in Long Island City. This spacious venue features a large bar area, plenty of seating, and a rotating selection of craft beers brewed on-site.

The brewery’s beers are creative and unique, and there’s always something new to try. The LIC Beer Project also has a food menu, with items like pretzels, sandwiches, and charcuterie boards to accompany your brew.

Donovan’s Pub

Donovanโ€™s Pub is an iconic Irish pub located in the Woodside neighborhood of Queens, NY. Founded in 1966, this classic establishment has been a local favorite and staple for many years.

Their signature craft beer is the Donovanโ€™s Red Ale, which is brewed in-house and served on draught. They also have a rotating selection of craft beers on tap, as well as an extensive wine list for those looking for something a bit more refined.

The bar offers one of NYC’s quintessential hamburgers as well as traditional Irish fare such as cod fish and chips, corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, and a full Irish breakfast on weekends. Other pub favorites include wings, jalapeno poppers, baked clams, and burgers ranging from the classic to the spicy Jack burger with chipotle mayonnaise. With its swivel bar stools and roaring fireplace in the family-oriented dining room, Donovanโ€™s is the ideal spot for an old-fashioned, nostalgic night out.

The Deep End

The Deep End is a unique and trendy bar located in the heart of Ridgewood, Queens. The bar has a spacious and industrial feel with exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and large windows that let in plenty of natural light.

They have an extensive selection of craft beers, which includes both local and international brews. The bar also has an impressive selection of cocktails, with a menu that ranges from classics to innovative creations.

The Deep End’s food menu is also worth noting, with a selection of tasty bar bites that pair well with the drinks. Some of the standout dishes include the sweet potatoes fries, skinny chicken sandwich, and the grilled chicken tacos.

The bar’s outdoor space is another highlight. The large backyard has plenty of seating and is surrounded by greenery, giving it a laid-back and relaxed atmosphere. There’s also a second bar outside, so you won’t have to wait long for your drink.

The Deep End has plenty of entertainment options including often hosting live music and other performances.

Dutch Kills

Dutch Kills Bar, located in Long Island City, is a craft cocktail lounge opened by Richard Boccato and the late Sasha Petraske in 2009. It has become one of the cityโ€™s most sought after destinations for drinking due to its semi-secret sandwich shop, Hendu’s, which serves outsize heros that have been praised by the Underground Gourmet.

The drinks are not cheap, around $15 each, but they offer house and seasonal cocktails that make up for it in quality. The bar is open until 2am during the week and 3am on weekends and offers Happy Hour specials until 7pm. It is the perfect place to get a high-quality craft cocktail before heading out for dinner in Long Island City.

The Bonnie

The Bonnie is an inviting bar and restaurant in Astoria, NY that offers a range of local beers, bespoke cocktails, delicious comfort food, and live music. It also boasts a spacious outdoor area with picnic tables perfect for summertime catch-ups.

The weekend brunch menu has great dishes such as shrimp and grits, burgers with eggs, and bacon-topped tater tots. There is also a sidewalk patio and a bar garden which hosts events and celebrations with varied menus. A bottomless brunch is offered with 90 minutes of Mimosas, Bloody Marys, sangria, beer, or an IPA included for just $25 per person. This is the perfect place to have a fun night and relaxed time with friends.

Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden

Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden is one of the most iconic beer gardens in Queens. This beautiful outdoor space has a relaxed atmosphere, with picnic tables, fairy lights, and plenty of greenery.

Bohemian Hall serves a range of Czech and American beers, as well as traditional pub food like bratwurst and sauerkraut. The beer garden is especially busy during the summer months, with live music and events happening regularly.

There are so many great bars in Queens that it can be hard to choose just one. There are plenty of spots to explore and plenty of drinks to try! Whether youโ€™re looking for a cozy neighborhood pub or a few cocktail bars, youโ€™ll find what youโ€™re looking for in Queens. Have fun exploring some of the Top bars in Queens New York! Cheers!

And be sure to check out our other posts on things to do in Queens and the best restaurants in Queens for more ideas of where to eat and drink.

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