Astoria is a Queens neighborhood that can feel suburban at first, but after spending some time here, you’ll find out that it has a vibrant community of artists and cultures. It’s also home to a number of high-quality bars, which serve a range of cocktails and beers.
Enjoy a whiskey cocktail at The Bonnie
Bar, Cocktail Bar, American, Pub Grub
The Bonnie brings the artisanal quality usually associated with Williamsburg to Astoria. In addition to its large selection of beers and wines, The Bonnie offers a host of cocktails, including the Congo Player, a tequila and mezcal mixture with smoked tea and chipotle, and the Sweet Handshake, an Irish whiskey and Scotch affair with pineapple, fig, coconut cream and a dash of cinnamon. The Bonnie also has diverse brunch and dinner menus as well as a spacious garden.
Sample Czech food and drink at Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden
Bar, Restaurant, Czech
Astorians should already have been to Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden a dozen times, but if you’re new to the neighborhood, this is where you have to start. With its superb beer list, Czech food, plump bratwurst and huge outdoor space, Bohemian Hall is one of New York’s best-loved beer gardens (as well as its oldest – the place opened in 1910).
Relax in Sek’end Sun’s backyard
Bar, Cocktails
The vibe of Sek’end Sun may be playful, but it does not joke around when it comes to its cocktails – just try The Hobbit’s Cobbler, which features apple brandy, Scotch, cherry, lemon and honey, and the Staycation, a mesh of vodka, cucumber, lemon and pineapple. In the backyard you’ll find a red-neon sign proclaiming “QUEENS,” so you can let all your Instagram followers know exactly which borough you are partying in.
Grab a pint at the SingleCut Beersmiths brewery
Brewery
The SingleCut Beersmiths brewery is the go-to for Astorian beer lovers. This brewery produces year-round beers for loyalists, like the hoppy Half-Stack IPA and the sweet and citrusy Jan Alpine White Lager. Plus, its seasonal beers will keep you coming in every month to try what’s new. You can take a tour of the brewery, buy a keg for your next party, or enjoy a pint or two at the SingleCut bar, The Tap Room. The Tap Room’s bartenders also act as DJs, spinning vinyl as they see fit for a comfortable and communal experience.
Try the wings at Sunswick 35/35
Bar, American
Sunswick 35/35 claims to take its name from the Native American word sunskisq in homage to the creek that used to run from the East River to Astoria. The bar’s name references the focus on community, a critical part of its ethos. With a rotating selection of beers running from 25 taps, plus mouthwatering burgers and wings, Sunswick 35/35 is the perfect place to chill out with friends.
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Mosaic is Astoria’s craft beer specialist
Bar, Wine Bar, American, Pub Grub
Astorians flock to Mosaic for its wide range of domestic and international beers – over 170 in total – and community vibe. Grab a seat on one of the antique couches and enjoy a drink at a relaxed pace.
Take a trip back in time at The Last Word
Bar, Cocktail Bar, Cocktails
Behind a fake hardware storefront lies The Last Word, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar. The dimly lit space is immaculately furnished, but it’s the drinks here that steal the show, with highlights including the Fat Monk, which features pear-infused tequila, and the Guilty Pleasure, which is made with rum, pineapple, cinnamon and lime.
Sweet Afton’s brunch will cure any hangover
Bar, Irish, Pub Grub
Sweet Afton is a local favorite in Astoria mainly due to its stellar drinks menu, which features cocktails like the Frozen Chai Whiskey Sour and the Dirty Pickle Martini. The bar can get crowded, but for a fun night out in Astoria, this place is a must-visit. It’s also great the morning after thanks to a hangover-dispelling brunch menu.
The Sparrow Tavern is an Astoria staple
Bar, Restaurant, American, Pub Grub
The Sparrow Tavern is a no-nonsense bar playing a soundtrack of nostalgic hits. This neighborhood staple is a more low-key option than the well-known Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden across the street. With a solid food menu and great drinks, The Sparrow Tavern is a spot for locals or visitors who want to have a great time but don’t want to share the bar with a million people on Tinder dates.
Parrish Turner contributed additional reporting to this article.
Caitrin likes her coffee black, her martinis dry and her art relevant. As a rising senior at The New School, she studies the ancient art of procrastination by frequenting IFC center, dancing in performance pieces and convincing her friends that she really has found the 'best dumpling place ever' this time.