These are the winners for the best bars, cafes, coffee, and tea (including bubble tea). Cheers!
(Please note that the winners in LIC are listed alphabetically.)
ASTORIA
The Shillelagh Tavern
47-22 30th Ave, (718) 728-9028, shillelaghtavern.com
Survey says: “Great vibes, awesome bartenders, amazing shows.”
Heart of Gold
37-14 31st Ave, (718) 255-1844, heartofgoldnyc.com
Survey says: “This place has class without pretentiousness. Well-decorated atmosphere inside, and supremely cozy, romantically-lit backyard outside. Bonus: space heaters in winter!”
The Wolfhound
38-14 30th Ave, (718) 204-2111, wolfhoundnyc.com
Survey says: “Variety of events and great friendly staff/music.”
LIC
The Gutter Bar LIC
10-22 46th Ave, (929) 328-0409, thegutterbarles.com
They have walk-in bowling at all times. Bowling is first come first serve. There is also a large bar with TVs, pinball and foosball to enjoy as well.
LIC Bar
45-58 Vernon Blvd, (718) 786-5400, licbar.com
Google says: “Friendly staff, great space, good location, and reasonable prices.”
M. Wells
43-15 Crescent St, (718) 786-9060, magasinwells.com
Google says: “Awesome atmosphere, food, cocktails and impeccable service.”
ASTORIA
The Shillelagh Tavern
47-22 30th Ave, (718) 728-9028, shillelaghtavern.com
Survey says: “Great variety. Great bartenders!”
Heart of Gold
37-14 31st Ave, (718) 255-1844, heartofgoldnyc.com
Survey says: “Heart of Gold carries exclusively local craft beers and the staff is very knowledgeable about the stories behind each beer/brewery. Selection is constantly changing so it’s an ideal place to try new beer!”
The Bier & Cheese Collective
35-11 Ditmars Blvd, (718) 255-6982, bierandcheese.com
Survey says: “So many beers on tap which often change so you don’t get bored of the menu, and excellent staff.”
LIC
The Baroness
47-18 Vernon Blvd, (718) 255-1336, thebaronessbar.com
Google says: “Awesome atmosphere, burger selection, beer selection, music and staff!”
Fifth Hammer Brewing Company
10-28 46th Ave, (718) 663-2084, fifthhammerbrewing.com
Google says: “Great beer, great space, friendly staff and atmosphere, kid and dog friendly!”
The Huntress
24-03 41st Ave, (718) 685-2922, thebaronessbar.com
Google says: “Great wings and bar food, good beers unique cocktail selection and fast service!”
ICONYC Brewing
43-63 11th St, iconycbrewing.com
Google says: “Great selection of interesting, delicious beers across a variety of styles.”
ASTORIA
Sweet Afton
30-09 34th St, (718) 777-2570, sweetaftonbar.com
Fun, hip bar/pub/restaurant with brick-and-beam interior and garden in the back. There is also a nice dining structure outside in front. The cocktail menu is extensive and has around 15 drinks on it.
Diamond Dogs
34-04 31st Ave, (929) 522-0061, instagram.com
Google says: “Craft brews and inventive cocktails presented in a vibrant setting with a yard and BYO food policy.”
The Last Word
31-30 Ditmars Blvd, (718) 440-3378, tlwcocktailbar.com
Google says: “This formerly hidden speakeasy-style bar serves refined cocktails & snacks.”
LIC
Dutch Kills Bar
27-24 Jackson Ave, (718) 383-2724, dutchkillsbar.com
Google says: “Classic and newly-invented craft cocktails served with hand-cut ice in a dark, throwback-style space.”
ASTORIA
The Shillelagh Tavern
47-22 30th Ave, (718) 728-9028, shillelaghtavern.com
Survey says: “Great for sports especially English Premier League Soccer and NFL.”
Katch Astoria
31-19 Newtown Ave, (718) 777-2230, katchastoria.com
Survey says: “They have something like 60+ TVs. I mean come on!!!”
Break Bar
32-04 Broadway, (718) 777-5400, break-ny.com
Survey says: “Play sports, watch sports, you’ve got it all.”
LIC
The Shannon Pot 2
10-50 44th Dr, (917) 396-1828, instagram.com
Irish Pub and Grille that has multiple HDTVs.
ASTORIA
Heart of Gold
37-14 31st Ave, (718) 255-1844, heartofgoldnyc.com
Trivia Night is Wednesday at 8pm.
Survey says: “Fun trivia, not annoying trivia with obscure answers that are too niche to be enjoyable.”
The Wolfhound
38-14 30th Ave, (718) 204-2111, wolfhoundnyc.com
Trivia Night is Wednesday at 8pm.
Survey says: “Great categories and format. Fun atmosphere.”
ASTORIA
DiWine
41-15 31st Ave, (718) 777-1355, diwineonline.com
Survey says: “Fantastic selections with the coziest atmosphere.”
Mosaic
25-19 24th Ave, (718) 728-0708, mosaicastoria.com
Google says: “Stylish yet relaxed bar offering fine wines and 150+ craft brews, along with cheese & meat plates.”
Vesta Trattoria & Wine Bar
21-02 30th Ave, (718) 545-5550, vestavino.com
Google says: “They offer a nice selection of Italian wines.”
Yes Chef Wine Bar
44-10 30th Ave, (718) 433-9794, yeschefwinebarastoria.com
Survey says: “It’s the ONLY place in Astoria with unique wines that other places do not sell which makes it amazing.”
Survey says: “Always a party!”
ASTORIA
The Shillelagh Tavern
47-22 30th Ave, (718) 728-9028, shillelaghtavern.com
Happy Hour is Monday to Friday until 7pm, with $1 off drinks (except PBR).
Survey says: “So cheap!!”
The Wolfhound
38-14 30th Ave, (718) 204-2111, wolfhoundnyc.com
Happy Hour is Monday to Friday until 7pm with $5 beer, wine and well drinks, as well as a beer and burger special.
Survey says: “Burger and beer special, great drink specials, and the food is GREAT.”
Judy & Punch
34-08 30th Ave, (718) 626-3100, judyandpunch.com
Happy Hour is every day the bar is open until 7pm, with $5 16oz drafts, wine, Proseco and well drinks.
Google says: “Laid-back bar offering indie beers, cocktails and small bites, plus occasional events.”
Sek’end Sun
32-11 Broadway, (917) 745-0745, sekendsun.com
Happy Hour is every day, 4–7pm, $2 off drafts, wine, and well drinks.
We love this place. The servers are friendly, there’s a nice ambiance and relaxed vibe overall. It’s great for brunch (the omeletes are the best we’ve had), Happy Hour and drinks. Don’t forget to take a pic of the iconic Queens sign!
ASTORIA
Heart of Gold
37-14 31st Ave, (718) 255-1844, heartofgoldnyc.com
Survey says: “A pandemic survival story. Opened in Summer 2020, and has sustained throughout, and has built a loyal fanbase.”
Survey says: “The best establishment to open to the area! I love craft beers and the bar feels like family.”
Burger Village
40-17 Broadway, (929) 296-9700, burgervillage.com
Survey says: “A great selection of wines, beers, and teas. A great place to chill with health conscious friends who might want a tea, but also be able to enjoy a nice selection of beer and wine.”
Hutch Astoria
35-07 31st Ave, (347) 832-0661, hutchastoria.com
Google says: “Sleek and roomy, with delicious cocktails and tasty menu.”
LIC
The Huntress
24-03 41st Ave, (718) 685-2922, thebaronessbar.com
Google says: “Great food, drinks, decor, ambiance, and service!”
The Infamous
22-01 Jackson Ave, (347) 266-7473, infamouslic.com
Google says: “Great vibes, tasty cocktails, cool location – would recommend.”
ASTORIA
Tea and Milk
32-02 34th Ave, (347) 921-2056, teaandmilk.com
Survey says: “Most creative independent bubble tea shop.”
Kung Fu Tea
30-10 34th St, (917) 396-1734, kungfutea.com
Survey says: “Yummy Bubble Tea. The owner even explained the recipe and the process to me of how their bubble tea is made.”
The Teapsy
33-17 30th Ave, (929) 328-0090, theteapsy.com
Google says: “Comfy spot, delicious drinks and really nice staff.”
LIC
Mango Mango Dessert
47-43 Vernon Blvd, (347) 396-5385, mangmangdessert.com
This place has a lot of really great bubble tea flavors, as well as an extensive dessert menu. The interior of the space is light and beautifully designed, and there is a fun giant mango swinging chair that you can sit in.
ASTORIA
OK Café
22-04 33rd St, (718) 440-8789, okcafeastoria.com
Google says: “Quirky, warm coffee shop serving organic brews in diverse flavors, plus locally sourced baked goods.”
Cafe Renis
47-14 30th Ave, (718) 255-1730, caferenis.com
Google says: “Cute little shop with tasty coffee and treats.”
Madame Sousou Cafe
31-05 33rd St, (718) 710-6577, instagram.com
Google says: “A nice cozy place with smiley people, both staff and customers.”
Omonia Cafe
32-20 Broadway, (718) 274-6650, omoniacafe.com
We like the ambiance in this place, including the colorful lights outside. The waitstaff will certainly not rush you to leave, so you can leisurely enjoy your drink, food or dessert.
LIC
Black Star Bakery & Cafe
2-10 50th Ave, (718) 433-9189, blackstarbakery.com
The cafe is light, airy, and comfortable to be in. There is a huge menu of hot beverages, and the pastries are amazing; we haven’t had one that we haven’t really liked.
ASTORIA
Kinship Coffee
23-92 21st St, (718) 777-9663, kinshipcoffeeisbrewing.com
Google says: “Excellent coffee and service. Good prices for quality product, highly recommend.”
Mighty Oak Roasters
28-01 24th Ave, (718) 777-9663, mightyoakroasters.com
Google says: “Sustainability-focused coffee haunt with wood-roasted beans & vegan pastries.”
OK Café
22-04 33rd St, (718) 440-8789, okcafeastoria.com
Survey says: “10/10.”
LIC
Sweetleaf Coffee Roasters
10-93 Jackson Ave, (917) 832-6726, sweetleafcoffee.com
Google says: “Coffee and espresso drinks for connoisseurs at this casual cafe with a living room-like atmosphere.”
ASTORIA
OK Café
22-04 33rd St, (718) 440-8789, okcafeastoria.com
Survey says: “Best Mexican hot chocolate I’ve ever had.”
Ample Hills Creamery
34-02 30th Ave, (347) 507-0770, amplehills.com
Not only is the ice cream AMAZING, there are also three flavors of hot chocolate: Classic (hot chocolate with whipped cream), Campfire S’mores (hot chocolate with whipped cream and a s’more) and Cocoa Affogato (hot chocolate with two scoops of ice cream).
Il Bambino
34-08 31st Ave, (718) 626-0087, instagram.com
Survey says: “With either a Nutella or a Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate, how could you go wrong?!”
ASTORIA
Best Overall Bar: The Shillelagh Tavern
47-22 30th Ave, (718) 728-9028, shillelaghtavern.com
Survey says: “This is the best bar that started bringing live music to Astoria before it was cool. It has been leading the charge for the post-COVID revival with live music and readings. Where do Uber drivers, hipsters, punk rockers and sports fans drink together in drunken unity? At the Shillelagh.”
Best Overall Bar (another): Jack Jones Gastropub
38-01 Ditmars Blvd, (929) 424-3180, jackjonesbar.com
Survey says: “Dog-friendly, lovely wait staff, cute and comfy outdoor, great food and drinks and brunch is great.”
Best Milkshake: Comfortland
40-09 30th Ave, (347) 642-9932, comfortlandnyc.com
Best Outdoor Seating at a Bar: Mosaic
25-19 24th Ave, (718) 728-0708, mosaicastoria.com
Survey says: “Great staff, my go-to outdoor experience.”
Best Spiked Hot Cider: Blackbird’s
41-19 30th Ave, (718) 943-6899, blackbirdsbar.com
Survey results from December 2021. Click here for the results from December 2020, December 2019, December 2018, December 2017, December 2016, January 2016, July 2015, January 2015.