These are the 2022 winners for the best museums, boutiques, parks, and more. Get going!
(Please note that the winners in LIC are listed alphabetically.)
ASTORIA
Astoria Park
14th Pl and Astoria Park South, (718) 626-8620, nycgovparks.org
Survey says: “A gorgeous, massive park with tons going on. It’s the perfect meeting spot that’s Covid-safe during this lingering pandemic.”
Museum of the Moving Image
36-01 35th Ave, (718) 777-6888, movingimage.us
This museum immerses visitors in the creative process of making moving images. It features over 1,400 artifacts—from nineteenth-century optical toys to video games—as well as an array of interactive experiences, audiovisual material, and artworks. Note: Right now the physical museum is closed, but it is still offering virtual programs.
LIC
Brooklyn Boulders Queensbridge
23-10 41st Ave, (718) 482-7078, brooklynboulders.com/queensbridge
Google says: “Great place to climb with a great staff!”
Culture Lab LIC
5-25 46th Ave, (347) 848-0030, culturelablic.org
Google says: “Culture Lab is a hotbed of creative, visual and musical performances.”
Socrates Sculpture Park
32-01 Vernon Blvd, (718) 956-1819, socratessculpturepark.org
Survey says: “It may not be a business, but hanging in Socrates Park is the best activity in Astoria. It’s beautiful, the art is always interesting, and there are often fun, free activities, like their summer yoga series.”
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.
ASTORIA
Astoria Social
Astoria Social has leagues for softball, darts, cornhole, kickball and trivia.
Astoria Sports
Astoria Sports has leagues for soccer, cornhole, trivia, darts, softball and kickball.
Ladies First Astoria
A collective of women supporting women, building personal and professional relationships that inspire and empower. Est. 2018.
ASTORIA
Maggie Hall’s
34-06 30th Ave, maggiehalls.com
Survey says: “It’s intimate enough to have a great conversation and get to know someone for a quick drink.”
DiWine
41-15 31st Ave, (718) 777-1355, diwineonline.com
Google says: “Amazing food. Full bar and not just wine. Friendly and attentive staff. Funky cool music and an overall chill vibe.”
Sweet Afton
30-09 34th St, (718) 777-2570, sweetaftonbar.com
Google says: “Cocktails were really good and classy – well made. Great vibes and awesome at night.”
Heart of Gold
37-14 31st Ave, (718) 255-1844, heartofgoldnyc.com
Google says: “This place is an Astoria GEM!! If you love a cool, laid back bar vibe with a fantastic selection of local brews and mouthwatering sandwiches, Heart of Gold is here for YOU!”
Q.E.D.
27-16 23rd Ave, (347) 451-3873, qedastoria.com
This is a great place to do something FUN in Astoria, and the tickets are generally not expensive. There are shows (comedy, improv, open mic, etc.) Wednesday to Sunday.
Vite Vinosteria
31-05 34th St, (718) 278-8483, vitevinosteria.com
Survey says: “Romantic Italian date place.”
LIC
R40
47-16 Vernon Blvd, (718) 440-9484, r40lic.com
Google says: “Fantastic experience in all phases of food, drinks, and service.”
ASTORIA
Lockwood
32-15 33rd St, (718) 626-6030, lockwoodshop.com
Survey says: “Lockwood always has cute, interesting gift items. Especially good when I am stumped on what to get people.”
The Brass Owl
36-19 Ditmars Blvd, (347) 848-0905, thebrassowl.com
Survey says: “So many cute gifts for friends and family here.”
LIC
Matted LIC
46-36 Vernon Blvd, (718) 786-8660, mattedlic.com
This is a picture matting and framing shop, but there are also many other items, such as pieces of art, jewelry, greeting cards, and colorful stones and gems.
ASTORIA
Club Fitness New York
31-11 Broadway, (718) 545-0004, clubfitnessny.com
Google says: “Huge weight room upstairs, CrossFit in the basement, and classes in between.”
FlexFiit NYC
25-34 31st St, (917) 924-3319, flexfiitnyc.com
Google says: “Amazing little circuit gym. Instructors are all super fun, classes change day to day.”
Planet Fitness
30-33 Steinway St, (718) 777-0700, planetfitness.com
Survey says: “Affordable, clean and has everything I need (minus classes).”
Blink Fitness
32-27 Steinway St, (718) 880-3616, blinkfitness.com
Survey says: “Fairly inexpensive and great hours / working equipment.”
ASTORIA
Maggie Hall’s
34-06 30th Ave, maggiehalls.com
Survey says: “This is the place to be on Thursday nights. Great lineup and variety every week.”
The Wolfhound
38-14 30th Ave, (718) 204-2111, wolfhoundnyc.com
Survey says: “Awesome assortment of music comes through this bar.”
The Shillelagh Tavern
47-22 30th Ave, Long Island City, (718) 728-9028, shillelaghtavern.com
Survey says: “Live music almost every night, great stage and sound system, every genres is covered.”
Survey says: “Really nice stage setup in the back bar area.”
LIC
Culture Lab LIC
5-25 46th Ave, (347) 848-0030, culturelablic.org
In the warmer months there is live music usually three-to-four nights per week, and the groups we’ve seen perform have all been fun, high quality and had good energy.
Fifth Hammer Brewing Company
10-28 46th Ave, (718) 663-2084, fifthhammerbrewing.com
Survey says: “During the warm weather you can experience live music three days a week on their sidewalk, with plenty of outdoor seating.”
LIC Bar
45-58 Vernon Blvd, (718) 786-5400, licbar.com
Google says: “Great selection of beers, live music most nights, nice beer garden out back.”
ASTORIA
Alex Barber Shop
3003 32nd St, (718) 726-7427, yelp.com
Survey says: “A real barber and a fair price.”
Astoria Barber Shop
40-04 28th Ave, (718) 267-6221, lictonsorial.com
Google says: “This place and Jacob were great – quick and efficient barber, friendly with good conversation and an unbeatable price!”
Gigi Salon & Styling Studio
34-17 30th Ave, (718) 777-7755, gigistylingstudio.com
Google says: “This wonderful salon has the highest level of customer service, attention to detail and superb personalities.”
Rush Hair Studio
32-09 37th St, (347) 935-3007, airstudiorush.com
Google says: “Super cute and small place and great service.”
LIC
Otis & Finn Barbershop
11-11 44th Rd Store #1, (718) 433-1155, otisandfinn.com
Google says: “Great service along with a fantastic and welcoming staff.”
ASTORIA
Astoria Food Pantry
25-82 Steinway St, astoriafoodpantry.com
Survey says: “So happy they exist, and proud of the work they do.”
Astoria Pug
Making composting more accessible in Astoria, Queens
Astoria Sports
Astoria Sports has leagues for soccer, cornhole, trivia, darts, softball and kickball.
Dave’s Lesbian Bar
A community space, live music venue, and mutual aid fund, Dave’s is so much more than an average gay bar. Come join our community: where everybody’s cute, and everybody’s nice.
ASTORIA
All Season Body Work
31-80 Steinway St, (718) 577-2999, allseasonbodywork.com
Google says: “Great prices, and it’s a casual and relaxing environment.”
Natura Spa
30-79 Steinway St, (718) 956-5530, naturaspanyc.com
Google says: “This place has a great atmosphere with friendly and professional staff.”
LIC
Quintessential Therapy
28-07 Jackson Ave 8th Fl, (718) 785-5566, massagebook.com
Google says: “Love this space. It was very aesthetically pleasing and relaxing. Best massage I’ve ever had.”
ASTORIA
Museum of the Moving Image
36-01 35th Ave, (718) 777-6888, movingimage.us
The Museum’s mission is to advance the understanding, enjoyment, and appreciation of the art, history, technique, and technology of film, television, and digital media.
LIC
MoMA PS1
22-25 Jackson Ave, (718) 784-2084, momaps1.org
Museum of Modern Art-run venue for experimental and contemporary art and events, set in an old school. Also, if you have an ID with zip code 11101–11109 you get free admission.
The Noguchi Museum
9-01 33rd Rd, (718) 204-7088, noguchi.org
Google says: “Very beautiful museum with great Japanese inspiration! Really loved all the sculptures and origami. The whole place was tranquil and relaxing. There was a lot to explore and it wasn’t too cluttered or confusing to navigate.”
ASTORIA
Kiki Nails & Spa
34-20 30th Ave, (718) 728-1742, yelp.com
Google says: “Great place to have a beautiful manicure and relaxing pedicure.”
Nailberry
25-72 31st St, (718) 880-9992, business.site
Google says: “I get acrylic nails with gel polish here and they last 3 weeks+, so far I have not even had a broken nails. Hot tip, they offer a discount for cash and cash tips only. Also always schedule an appoitment. They are always busy when I am in.”
Spa Barlies Nail Salon
30-97 31st St, (917) 667-0587, spabeauty888.wixsite.com
Google says: “Beautiful ambience, gentle cordial atmosphere and staff. Good relaxation, deserved and appreciated.”
WellShow Nails & Spa
33-16 Broadway, (718) 806-1232, wellshownailspa.business.site
Google says: “The nail-care is gentle, and the actual polish work + designs are beautiful.”
ASTORIA
Astoria Park
19th St and 23rd Dr, (718) 626-8620, nycgovparks.org
The renovated track and turf field in the middle of it are beautiful and great to run and play on. There are also many tennis courts, basketball courts, a skate park, an Olympic-sized pool, and large grass areas to relax on. Every year there are fireworks (pre-Fourth of July) and free movies in the summer.
LIC
Gantry Plaza State Park
4-09 47th Rd, (718) 786-6385, parks.ny.gov
The entire LIC waterfront is really pleasant to walk along and the views of Manhattan are second to none. There are picnic tables, lounge chairs, grassy areas, a playground, basketball hoops, a dog run, a turf field, a sand volleball court and a cafe right by the water.
Socrates Sculpture Park
32-01 Vernon Blvd, (718) 956-1819, socratessculpturepark.org
Google says: “Beautiful park with lots of interesting art that they rotate every season. They also hold events in the summer/weekends. Excellent spot to also watch the sun setting over Manhattan. Best part is that mainly only locals visit, since it is not in the main tourist area. Your fur babies will love it too!”
ASTORIA
Q.E.D.
27-16 23rd Ave, (347) 451-3873, qedastoria.com
Google says: “Performance venue, education center and cafe offering shows and classes in comedy, dance, art and more.”
LIC
Astoria Performing Arts Center – LIC
44-02 23rd St, (718) 706-5750, apacny.org
Small theater company showcasing plays and musicals. As well as producing shows, it offers programming for kids and seniors.
Culture Lab LIC
5-25 46th Ave, (347) 848-0030, culturelablic.org
Google says: “Great art, great bands, nice people! Check out their calendar of events. Great location by the water and breweries.”
LIC Bar
45-58 Vernon Blvd, (718) 786-5400, licbar.com
Google says: “Great selection of beers, live music most nights, nice beer garden out back.”
ASTORIA
Maggie Hall’s
34-06 30th Ave, maggiehalls.com
Maggie Hall’s says: “If your pet is friendly we are pet friendly. We don’t allow pets after 9pm on Friday and Satudray because of the busy nights.”
Heart of Gold
37-14 31st Ave, (718) 255-1844, heartofgoldnyc.com
Survey says: “Not only pet friendly, but the staff will quickly learn the name of your favorite buddy.”
LIC
Château le Woof
31-01 Vernon Blvd, (718) 626-9663, chateaulewoof.com
Survey says: “So much cuteness!”
Dog Island City
42-60 23rd St, (718) 433-4545, dogislandcity.com
Google says: “The staff is very welcoming. They were able to squeeze us in upon short notice. Gigi did a great job in grooming my girl, Luna.”
ASTORIA
Q.E.D.
27-16 23rd Ave, (347) 451-3873, qedastoria.com
Q.E.D. says: “You’ll find stand-up comedy shows with performers ranging from the beginner to the very famous. We also have workshops, meet ups, movie screenings, readings, lectures, watch parties and more. Our affordable classes and shows are as diverse as Queens itself. With 80 or more events each month, there’s something for everyone.”
Grove 34
31-83 34th St, (347) 848-0361, grove34.com
Google says: “Best comedy club in all of Queens. Not even a question. Super chill vibes and some of the funniest up-and-coming and known comedians in NYC perform here. Do yourself a favor and check it out.”
LIC
Culture Lab LIC
5-25 46th Ave, (347) 848-0030, culturelablic.org
In the warmer months most days are booked for live music, but there are some days that have stand-up comedy. It’s such a cool venue, and a real gem in LIC.
ASTORIA
Lidl
19-30 37th St, (844) 747-5435, lidl.com
Google says: “Great variety and selection of food items at fair prices.”
Greenbay Marketplace
32-06 Broadway, (718) 204-6400; 31-10 30th Ave, (929) 328-2729, greenbaymarketplace.com
Google says: “I love their sushi, produce, salads, home made foods, everything.”
CTown Supermarkets
34-12 34th Ave, (718) 784-8420; 40-12 28th Ave, (718) 278-3000; 21-30 Newtown Ave, (718) 278-4444; 31-18 24th Ave, (718) 204-1785, ctownsupermarkets.com
This supermarket chain has most everything, including food and products, at reasonable prices. Shout out to Victor, the manager at the 34th Ave store, as he is super helpful and goes above and beyond.
LIC
Food Bazaar Supermarket
42-02 Northern Blvd, (347) 448-8860, foodbazaar.com
Google says: “The store was clean, and there were a variety of products from East and West, so it was good for one-stop shopping.”
Trader Joe’s
22-43 Jackson Ave, (718) 472-2672, traderjoes.com
Google says: “They have a great selection of produce and processed foods. Dinners can be made simple shopping here!!”
ASTORIA
Coffee Cloud
21-34 Broadway, (203) 930-7070, instagram.com
Google says: “Incredible atmosphere and incredible service, coffee and sit in!”
Heart of Gold
37-14 31st Ave, (718) 255-1844, heartofgoldnyc.com
Google says: “Great service, good selections of drinks, great outdoor space. Good spot to plan a board game and have some snacks.”
Mighty Oak Roasters
28-01 24th Ave, (718) 777-9663, mightyoakroasters.com
Google says: “The espresso is my favorite in town and the vibe makes it a great place to work.”
LIC
Sweetleaf Coffee Roasters
10-93 Jackson Ave, (917) 832-6726; 28-10 Jackson Ave, (718) 361-8000, sweetleafcoffee.com
Google says: “Great vibe, good coffee, nice for reading and working, have free wifi. This is one of the coziest cafes in LIC!”
ASTORIA
Best Best-Of Organization: BOAST
Survey says: “For Astoria AND Long Island City? What could be better?”
Best Salsa Classes: Salsa in Queens
34-27 Steinway St, (347) 669-3589, salsainqueens.com
Survey says: “Great dance classes and monthly salsa socials.”
Best Water Transporation: NYC Ferry
Hunters Point South, 54th Ave and 2nd St; Long Island City, 46th Ave and Center Blvd; Astoria, 30th Rd and Vernon Blvd, ferry.nyc
Google says: “Much more pleasant experience than the subway.”
Survey results from December 2022. Click here for the results from December 2021, December 2020, December 2019, December 2018, December 2017, December 2016, January 2016, July 2015, January 2015.
