These are the 2023 winners for the best bars, cafes, coffee, and tea (including bubble tea). Cheers!
(Please note that the winners in LIC are listed alphabetically.)
ASTORIA
Maggie Hall’s
34-06 30th Ave, maggiehalls.com
Google says: “The atmosphere and drinks are awesome. They make one of the best espresso Martinis.”
Heart of Gold
37-14 31st Ave, (718) 255-1844, heartofgoldnyc.com
Survey says: “Always relaxed, always friendly – best spot for any time of day (or night!)”
Madam Marie’s
35-15 Broadway, (917) 745-0297, madammaries.com
Survey says: “Best vibes in the neighborhood on a Friday night! Awesome bartenders.”
LIC
Dominie’s Hoek
48-17 Vernon Blvd, (718) 706-6531, yelp.com
Survey says: “Great music tunes and dark atmosphere.”
Dutch Kills
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
Heart of Gold
37-14 31st Ave, (718) 255-1844, heartofgoldnyc.com
Survey says: “Great selection and knowledgeable beertenders.”
Judy & Punch
34-08 30th Ave, (718) 626-3100, judyandpunch.com
Google says: “Big fan of the longtime local bar. They add a flair and personality to the neighborhood.”
Maggie Hall’s
34-06 30th Ave, maggiehalls.com
Google says: “I’m lucky enough to live in close distance to Maggie Halls and have had nothing but great experiences. Great cocktails including their midnight martini and a stellar craft beer selection (including the KCBC Fruited Sour).”
LIC
Dominie’s Hoek
48-17 Vernon Blvd, (718) 706-6531, yelp.com
Google says: “My fav dive bar, artsy decor, cheap sangria and beer, sandwiches are very tasty.”
Focal Point Beer Co.
43-50 12th St, focalpoint.beer
Google says: “Great local brewery. Tucked away from the busyness but plenty of space. Great beer. Lots of games available. Huge projector for movies. The highlights for me were the 12th St Stout and the Lemon Drop Pils.”
ASTORIA
Maggie Hall’s
34-06 30th Ave, maggiehalls.com
Survey says: “Hands down the best espresso martini I will ever have.”
Google says: “Best cocktails best ambiance funny bartenders – highly recommend!”
Diamond Dogs
34-04 31st Ave, (929) 522-0061, instagram.com
Google says: “The cocktails here are fabulous!! The drink menu has a little something for everyone. Also, if you’re not a big cocktail person, Diamond Dogs’ beer selection is also very impressive!”
Mosaic
25-19 24th Ave, (718) 728-0708, mosaicastoria.com
Google says: “We love Mosaic – such a gem in the neighborhood! Staff is a hardworking group of professional, friendly, and talented mixologists.”
The Last Word
31-30 Ditmars Blvd, (718) 440-3378, tlwcocktailbar.com
Google says: “This is an amazing place for cocktails. Great drinks at great prices.”
LIC
929
42-45 27th St, 929lic.com
Google says: “Great vibes of Mandarin and Cantonese music that I grew up listening to! So nostalgic. Drinks are great!”
Dominie’s Hoek
48-17 Vernon Blvd, (718) 706-6531, yelp.com
Survey says: “Great sangria.”
Dutch Kills
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.”
Jungly
12-23 Jackson Ave, (718) 440-9456, junglynyc.com
Google says: “One of the best experiences I’ve had in a long time. Food was delicious also the drinks are to die for!”
ASTORIA
Murphy’s Bar
45-01 23rd Ave, (347) 242-3786, murphysbarastoria.com
Google says: “This has quickly become my go-to spot in the neighborhood.”
Tootles & French
36-15 Ditmars Blvd, (347) 642-3012, tootlesandfrench.com
Google says: “Don’t ask me why I didn’t come here earlier because I love everything about this place. Great cocktails, fantastic interior design.”
LIC
929
42-45 27th St, 929lic.com
Google says: “The atmosphere and the vibes of this place was stellar.”
ASTORIA
Rivercrest
33-15 Ditmars Blvd, (347) 808-7887, rivercrestny.com
Their website says: “If you like sports, as we do, you’re in for a treat! We have every sports package available to ensure you don’t miss a pass, dunk, putt, homer, or throw!”
Murphy’s Bar
45-01 23rd Ave, (347) 242-3786, murphysbarastoria.com
Their website says: “Murphy’s is your stop for all New York sports! We are committed to showcasing sports from across the globe throughout the calendar year!”
Break Bar
32-04 Broadway, (718) 777-5400, break-ny.com
Google says: “Large sports bar with TVs for watching the game plus numerous billiards and ping-pong tables.”
Pig Beach BBQ
35-37 36th St, (718) 362-6111, pigbeachnyc.com
Lots of HDTVs with various games, and for big sports events, they’ll put it on the large projector in the outdoor open space.
LIC
Gamehaus New York
5-14 51st Ave, (718) 392-9600, gamehausny.com
Gamehaus says: “Gamehaus features a dozen large-screen TVs and the largest LED video wall in LIC for your favorite live sports and pay per view events. Come play popular arcade and table games while enjoying our wide variety of seasonal craft and local beers, cocktails, mocktails and comfort food favorites.”
ASTORIA
Maggie Hall’s
34-06 30th Ave, maggiehalls.com
Survey says: “Paul hosts the good stuff Mondays @ 8!”
Madam Marie’s
35-15 Broadway, (917) 745-0297, madammaries.com
Survey says: “Wednesday night trivia! I love that it’s old school, with pen and paper, and not an app.”
Survey says: “Joe’s trivia is the best!”
Trivia is Wednesdays at 8pm.
Heart of Gold
37-14 31st Ave, (718) 255-1844, heartofgoldnyc.com
Trivia is Wednesdays at 8pm.
ASTORIA
Tootles & French
36-15 Ditmars Blvd, (347) 642-3012, tootlesandfrench.com
Google says: “What a great happening in Astoria! This new wine bar has a fantastic vibe. Outstanding ambiance. Friendly, knowledgeable staff.”
Maggie Hall’s
34-06 30th Ave, maggiehalls.com
Their website lists: “Montepulciano, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Prosecco, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Rosé.”
Heart of Gold
37-14 31st Ave, (718) 255-1844, heartofgoldnyc.com
Their website says: “Beer from NY. Wine from NY. Comfort food from NY.”
ASTORIA
Tea and Milk
32-02 34th Ave, (347) 921-2056, teaandmilk.com
Survey says: “Everything homemade, creative combinations, not made with powders.”
Kung Fu Tea
30-10 34th St, (917) 396-1734, kungfutea.com
Google says: “Such a cute spot I’m glad they finally opened one near Astoria 🥹 – the new energy drinks are so good! They also snacks here – get the spicy shrimp chips.”
ViVi Bubble Tea
3516 Ditmars Blvd, (718) 278-6075, vivibubbletea.com
Google says: “Well established bubble tea chain–they know what they’re doing.”
LIC
Chun Yang Tea
49-10 Vernon Blvd, (718) 269-1168, instagram.com
Google says: “Awesome place for tea. So many cool ones to choose from.”
ASTORIA
Queen’s Room
36-02 Ditmars Blvd, (347) 987-3994, queensroomnyc.com
Google says: “ I loved the food, service, ambience, decor, music.”
Sonbobs
34-15 28th Ave, (347) 527-2217, yelp.com
Google says: “One of my neighborhood favorites in Astoria. It’s a super cozy place where anyone can feel welcomed.”
Under Pressure Coffee
30-19 31st Ave, (718) 433-9380, underpressurecoffee.com
Google says: “Love this place–great coffee, vibe, and service.”
The Barn Coffee Shop
26-08 Hoyt Ave S, (718) 440-9930, thebarncoffeeshop.com
Google says: “I visited the barn on a rainy day, and I have to say that their mocha and chocolate chip scone were very delicious.”
LIC
LM Cafe
11-11 44th Rd, (347) 612-4200, business.site
Google says: “Amazing find. Sincere and great service. Delicious homemade food. Enjoyed the panini, wrap and great hot tea. Loved the decor and music. Such a vibe.”
Sweetleaf Coffee Roasters
28-10 Jackson Ave, (718) 361-8000; 10-93 Jackson Ave, (917) 832-6726; 46-15 Center Blvd, (347) 527-1038, sweetleafcoffee.com
Google says: “Lovely place. WiFi is free and the shop is quiet enough to work.”
ASTORIA
Balancero
30-95 37th St, (718) 777-9663, instagram.com
Google says: “So cute and adorable. Terrific coffee and 6 stars for the service.”
Mighty Oak Roasters
28-01 24th Ave, (718) 777-9663, mightyoakroasters.com
Google says: “Extensive menu, excellent coffee, great service and atmosphere.”
Kinship Coffee
23-92 21st St, (718) 777-9663; 30-05 Steinway St; 30-14 Broadway, (646) 512-2106, kinshipcoffeeisbrewing.com
Google says: “I had the espresso. It was really good. I had to write this review. They roast their own beans and it is wonderful.”
OK Café
22-04 33rd St, (718) 440-8789, instagram.com
Google says: “I love the coffee, food, atmosphere and the pleasant employees!”
LIC
Concept Coffee
44-61 11th St, (347) 588-0058, yelp.com
Google says: “Other than this cafe having the BEST lattes, cookies and pastries in New York City, the customer service was beyond exceptional.”
Sweetleaf Coffee Roasters
28-10 Jackson Ave, (718) 361-8000; 10-93 Jackson Ave, (917) 832-6726; 46-15 Center Blvd, (347) 527-1038, sweetleafcoffee.com
Google says: “Smallish cafe with a few tables and a great atmosphere. There is a cozy back room with vinyls. The drip was a Guatemalan blend and had a noticeable chocolate flavor with a sweet and smooth (almost honey like) finish.”
ASTORIA
Maggie Hall’s
34-06 30th Ave, maggiehalls.com
Survey says: “Everything is discounted!”
Happy Hour is every day until 7pm, with $2 off EVERYTHING (beer, cocktails, wine, shots, etc.).
Judy & Punch
34-08 30th Ave, (718) 626-3100, judyandpunch.com
Survey says: “$5, still, in 2023.”
Happy Hour is every day until 7pm, with $5 16oz drafts, wine, Proseco and well drinks.
Heart of Gold
37-14 31st Ave, (718) 255-1844, heartofgoldnyc.com
Survey says: “3 dollar Genny Cream ale!”
Happy Hour is daily until 6:30pm, with $6 draft lagers, $5 select 12oz cans, and $10 select wines.
ASTORIA
Martha’s Country Bakery
36-21 Ditmars Blvd, (718) 545-9737, marthascountrybakery.com
Their website lists: “Dark hot chocolate, Nutella Hot Chocolate, Red Velvet Hot Chocolate, Mexican Hot Chocolate, Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate.”
ASTORIA
Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden
29-19 24th Ave, (718) 274-4925, bohemianhall.com
Google says: “This place is huge, open and airy which is a rarity in Astoria. Lots of beer. Good sausage. Lots of seats.”
Heart of Gold
37-14 31st Ave, (718) 255-1844, heartofgoldnyc.com
Google says: “Nice back patio, good beers and dogs, and excellent service.”
Pig Beach BBQ
35-37 36th St, (718) 362-6111, pigbeachnyc.com
Google says: “It occupies the old Studio Square Beer Garden space so it’s huge.”
LIC
Focal Point Beer Co.
43-50 12th St, focalpoint.beer
Google says: “There’s plenty of both indoor AND outdoor space so you can bring the whole family!”
ASTORIA
Maggie Hall’s
34-06 30th Ave, maggiehalls.com
Survey says: “The drinks, the staff, and the overall vibe make it a place you always feel welcomed no matter the time of day!”
Google says: “Maggie Hall’s is my favorite bar in Astoria! The cocktails and craft beer are awesome without being pretentious about it, the bartenders are the best and nicest around… and throughout the week they host live music, trivia, and other fun events/pop-ups.”
Heart of Gold
37-14 31st Ave, (718) 255-1844, heartofgoldnyc.com
Survey says: “This spot has quickly become one of my favorite bars in Astoria. If you’re into local craft beers, this is a must!”
Judy & Punch
34-08 30th Ave, (718) 626-3100, judyandpunch.com
Google says: “Big fan of the longtime local bar. They add a flair and personality to the neighborhood. Highly recommend!”
LIC
Dutch Kills
27-24 Jackson Ave, (718) 383-2724, dutchkillsbar.com
Google says: “The best spot in all of Queens for cocktails and spirits.”
LIC Bar
45-58 Vernon Blvd, (718) 786-5400, licbar.com
Google says: “LIC Bar is a gem in the area! It’s open late, has a great indoor vibe and back patio with string lights.”
SHI
47-20 Center Blvd, (347) 242-2448, shilic.com
Google says: “This place has a very nice ambiance. The waitstaff was attentive. The drinks were delicious.”
ASTORIA
Best Espresso Martini: Maggie Hall’s
34-06 30th Ave, maggiehalls.com
Survey says: “It’s the best I’ve ever had. Ever.”
Best Old Fashioned and Great Staff: Bar Dalia
33-17 31st Ave, (347) 507-1218, bardalia.com
Survey results from December 2023. Click here for the results from December 2022, December 2021, December 2020, December 2019, December 2018, December 2017, December 2016, January 2016, July 2015, January 2015.