OK Café
Tea and Milk
Sek’end Sun
The Bier & Cheese Collective
Sweet Afton
DRINK

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.)

Best Bar for Atmosphere

ASTORIA

1st The Shillelagh Tavern

47-22 30th Ave, (718) 728-9028, shillelaghtavern.com

Survey says: “Great vibes, awesome bartenders, amazing shows.”

2nd 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!”

3rd 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.”

Best Bar for Beer

ASTORIA

1st The Shillelagh Tavern

47-22 30th Ave, (718) 728-9028, shillelaghtavern.com

Survey says: “Great variety. Great bartenders!”

2nd 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!”

3rd 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.”

Best Bar for Cocktails

ASTORIA

1st 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.

2nd 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.”

3rd 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.”

Best Bar for Sports

ASTORIA

1st The Shillelagh Tavern

47-22 30th Ave, (718) 728-9028, shillelaghtavern.com

Survey says: “Great for sports especially English Premier League Soccer and NFL.”

2nd Katch Astoria

31-19 Newtown Ave, (718) 777-2230, katchastoria.com

Survey says: “They have something like 60+ TVs. I mean come on!!!”

3rd 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.

Best Bar for Trivia Night

ASTORIA

1st 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.”

2nd 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.”

Best Bar for Wine

ASTORIA

1st DiWine

41-15 31st Ave, (718) 777-1355, diwineonline.com

Survey says: “Fantastic selections with the coziest atmosphere.”

2nd 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.”

3rd Vesta Trattoria & Wine Bar

21-02 30th Ave, (718) 545-5550, vestavino.com

Google says: “They offer a nice selection of Italian wines.”

3rd 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!”

Best Happy Hour

ASTORIA

1st 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!!”

2nd 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.”

3rd 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.”

3rd 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!

Best New Bar

ASTORIA

1st 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.”

2nd 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.”

3rd 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.”

Best Bubble Tea

ASTORIA

1st Tea and Milk

32-02 34th Ave, (347) 921-2056, teaandmilk.com

Survey says: “Most creative independent bubble tea shop.”

2nd 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.”

3rd 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.

Best Cafe

ASTORIA

1st 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.”

2nd Cafe Renis

47-14 30th Ave, (718) 255-1730, caferenis.com

Google says: “Cute little shop with tasty coffee and treats.”

2nd 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.”

2nd 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.

Best Coffee and Tea

ASTORIA

1st Kinship Coffee

23-92 21st St, (718) 777-9663, kinshipcoffeeisbrewing.com

Google says: “Excellent coffee and service. Good prices for quality product, highly recommend.”

2nd Mighty Oak Roasters

28-01 24th Ave, (718) 777-9663, mightyoakroasters.com

Google says: “Sustainability-focused coffee haunt with wood-roasted beans & vegan pastries.”

3rd 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.”

Best Hot Chocolate

ASTORIA

1st OK Café

22-04 33rd St, (718) 440-8789, okcafeastoria.com

Survey says: “Best Mexican hot chocolate I’ve ever had.”

2nd 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).

2nd 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?!”

DRINK Write-in

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.