Astoria is best known for its Greek food, but in recent years the Queens borough has expanded beyond gyros and saganaki and developed an impressive selection of places to enjoy adult beverages.
From beer gardens to speakeasies, these diverse watering holes rival anything you’ll find in Manhattan or Brooklyn. Whether you’re a local looking for a new go-to or just visiting from another borough, here’s your guide to the best bars in Astoria.
Sweet Afton
Sweet Afton, brought to you by the team behind Wilfie & Nell and The Wren, is one of Astoria’s hippest hangouts. Housed in a former smoke shop, the dimly lit, industrial chic-style space is charming with its exposed brick, antique light fixtures and bar made from reclaimed shipping crates.The thoughtful cocktails are crafted with house-made, infused alcohols, and the locally sourced bar food is comforting and capable of absorbing the stiff drinks. Happy hour takes place on weekdays 3PM to 7PM, and the cozy backyard garden area is the perfect place to spend a summer afternoon.
The thoughtful cocktails are crafted with house-made, infused alcohols, and the locally sourced bar food is comforting and capable of absorbing the stiff drinks. Happy hour takes place on weekdays 3PM to 7PM, and the cozy backyard garden area is the perfect place to spend a summer afternoon.
30-09 34th St., 718-777-2570, www.sweetaftonbar.com
Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden
Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden — the oldest beer garden in New York — should be on every New Yorker’s bucket list. The traditional Czech-style beer garden is a quintessential summer hangout with a massive outdoor space and large picnic tables perfect for big groups.
But the bar’s wide range of beers and its traditional Czech food can — and should — be enjoyed year round. Affordable drinks and a laid-back atmosphere make Bohemian Hall a neighborhood favorite for all types.
29-19 24th Ave., 718-274-4925, www.bohemianhall.com
Sunswick 35/35
Sunswick 35/35 is somewhat of a hidden gem in Astoria, but it’s a spot that once discovered quickly becomes your go-to. This laid-back bar boasts 25 taps featuring a rotating selection of craft beers plus a solid selection of specialty bottled beers. In addition to all the unique beers, the food — like the wild mushroom fritters and beer-braised pork bellies — is much more than just your average pub grub.
35-02 35th St., 718-752-0620, www.sunswick3535bar.com
Sek’end Sun
Sek’end Sun is a homey Astoria hangout known for its original cocktails and mouth-watering bar bites. Comfy banquettes, exposed brick and reclaimed wood paneling throughout will make you feel right at home in this rustic neighborhood watering hole. During the warmer months, post up in the spacious backyard where a large neon sign that says Queens is on display. With fun events and specials all throughout the week, you’ll never run out of reasons to stop by Sek’end Sun.
32-11 Broadway, 917-832-6414, www.sekendsun.com
The Last Word
Having just opened in August 2016, The Last Word is one of the newest additions to Astoria bar scene. Located on Ditmars Boulevard, The Last Word looks like a hardware store that actually existed a few blocks away until 2015, but the facade is just a disguise. Once inside, you’ll find a prohibition era-styled, intimate speakeasy with hip bartenders, Edison bulbs, and a tin ceiling.
The cocktails are sorted by levels of complexity, such as Easy Drinking, Know Your Spirits and Feeling Adventurous, and the options are seemingly endless.
31-30 Ditmars Blvd., 718-440-3378, www.tlwastoria.com
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