Where to Drink Cocktails in Queens
Reporting by guest writer Kat Odell
Over the last decade, Queens’ bar culture has expanded beyond pubs and sports bars to count thoughtful drink destinations serving some of New York’s most sophisticated drams. Early pioneers like Dutch Kills and M.Wells paved the way, and proved that those in the borough have an appetite for quality. And today, there are more great places than ever to grab a tiki drink, a classic cocktail, or even a glass of natural wine. Below, seven great Queens bars that are elevating the game.
Long Island City
Photo Credit: Natalie Jacob
It’s fair to say that no other bar in Queens that has received as much acclaim as Dutch Kills¬¬–– proprietor and barman Richard Boccato’s dark, wood-bedecked drinking den that’s consistently deemed one of the best bars in all of New York. Now, having celebrated more than a decade of business, Dutch Kills was Queens’ first bar to offer elevated cocktail touches like crystal clear hand-chipped ice, which chilled sophisticated tipples both old and new. Think a Moscow Mule made with Japanese vodka, house-made ginger syrup, fresh lime juice, and soda water, and the mezcal, amontillado sherry, passionfruit, and cinnamon flavored Obvious Choice.
Ridgewood
Photo Credit: Oriel Pe’er
DJs Justin Carter and Eamon Harkin debuted this sprawling (at least by New York standards) indoor/outdoor venue six years back––it’s a place to watch movies, listen to live music, and, of course, eat and drink, with a strong focus on the latter. Because of covid, right now the focus is on outdoor experiences, and the space is equipped with picnic tables, hammocks, and even a dance floor. Swing by to try local beers (Grimm, Evil Twin) on tap, alongside twists on classic cocktails, such as the house-favorite dark rum party punch, made with dark rum, pineapple, lime, Angostura bitters, and soda.
Ridgewood
Photo Credit: Adam Friedlander
Founded by a team (Howard Kalachnikoff, Rafiq Salim, Paul Wetzel, Ben Howell) that hails from one of Manhattan’s most iconic restaurants, Gramercy Tavern, Rolo’s is the seven-month-old wood-fueled, neighborhood restaurant, bar, and market offering elevated takes on familiar American fare. With a quality and ingredient-minded approach, both in the kitchen and behind the bar, grab a space at the 12-seat bar (or outdoor patio) for well-executed takes on classic cocktails, alongside martinis, and tiki drinks. Expect everything from a spicy pineapple margarita to Italian martini to a Zombie, and even a spate of natural wines.
Long Island City
Before New York experienced the current swell of top-class Mexican joints, there was Casa Enrique, the casual, regional Mexican eatery that has earned one Michelin star. In addition to excellent takes on ceviche and mole, grab a seat at the bar for a deep collection of agave spirits, with a focus on tequila. Don’t miss any of the fresh ingredient cocktails, from a classic salted margarita to a Paloma or Mezcal con Piña.
The Rockaways
Photo Credit: Kyle Knodell
The gentrification of The Rockaways continues with hip boutique property The Rockaway Hotel, which debuted one year ago. The property’s signature restaurant, Margie’s, claims the ground floor and serves as a colorful and welcoming neighborhood place with a seafood-leaning, Italian-American menu. By way of drinks, think fresh, seasonal libations that pay tribute to the hotel’s seaside locale. Grab a space at the eight-seat bar for fresh, citrus-forward drams like the spicy house-favorite Shark Bite, made with ghost pepper-infused tequila, cucumber, watermelon, lime and Tajin.
Long Island City
Photo Credit: Jesse Winter
M.Wells hit Long Island City eight years ago, bringing with it a unique bistro concept deriving inspiration from Europe, the US, and even North Africa, with a focus on ingredient quality and seasonality. Here, drinks span from classics to newer creations that complement what’s coming out of the kitchen, from a rum and Cognac-spiced Milk Punch, to the Arak Cooler, which calls for the namesake Anise-flavored spirit, plus Aperol, grapefruit, and mint. In addition to the eight-seat bar, guests can also lounge on the outdoor patio.
Ridgewood
Photo Credit: Sundown
Jaime Eldredge and John Ortiz debuted their cute, minimalist-designed cocktail bar four years back with the intent to bring Ridgewood a simple place to sip great drinks. Right now, there’re offering 12 bar stools inside, plus more seats on the sidewalk patio, where one can pop in for natural and biodynamic wines, in addition to a mix of classic and newer libations like Cherry Colored Funk, made with a cherry-basil shrub and a smoked rhubarb amaro. Pro tip: While Sundown does offer small snacks, for a more comprehensive meal order from next-door Café Plein Air, which servers will bring over to Sundown.