Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Speakeasy Fans in Queens
Top Things to Do in New York City for Speakeasy Fans in Queens
1. Dutch Kills
A dimly lit Long Island City staple known for classic, meticulously made cocktails, hand-cut ice, and a timeless, pre-Prohibition atmosphere that feels like stepping into a bygone New York.
✓ Why Go:
For speakeasy fans, Dutch Kills nails the details—elegant bartending, vintage glassware, and a moody room where the Old Fashioned and Manhattan still reign.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknights after 9 pm for easier seating and an unhurried bar experience.
✓ Insider Tip:
Grab a seat at the bar to watch the ice work and ask for a spirit-forward classic tailored to your preferences.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Regulars praise the consistency, craft, and transportive vibe; many call it their favorite cocktail bar in Queens.
2. The Honeywell
Astoria’s retro-cool cocktail den with a nostalgic, intimate feel—low lighting, vintage decor, and inventive drinks served with speakeasy-style swagger.
✓ Why Go:
You’ll find playful takes on classics, layered flavors, and a room that invites lingering conversation.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evening Friday or Saturday (6–8 pm) to secure a cozy corner before peak hours.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask the bartender for their off-menu riff on a classic—this crew loves a bespoke challenge.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests rave about the ambience and thoughtful hospitality, calling it a must on any Queens cocktail crawl.
3. The Last Word
A Ditmars cocktail hideaway with candlelit tables and a menu celebrating prohibition-era standards and contemporary riffs.
✓ Why Go:
The namesake cocktail hints at the bar’s ethos: balanced, elegant drinks served in a quietly chic setting.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknights 7–9 pm for a relaxed crowd and attentive service.
✓ Insider Tip:
If you like herbal, ask for a Last Word variation with your preferred gin style.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Locals love the refined, neighborhood feel—date-night favorite with consistently good cocktails.
4. Neir's Tavern
One of NYC’s oldest taverns, this Woodhaven icon carries real-deal history through Prohibition and beyond, with a cozy barroom that whispers stories.
✓ Why Go:
Speakeasy enthusiasts appreciate the authenticity—period details, neighborhood warmth, and a lineage tied to old New York.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons on weekends to soak in the history without the evening rush.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask staff about the bar’s backstory and notable film cameos while you enjoy a classic highball.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors admire the soul and staying power—“a living museum with a great pour.”
5. Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden
Astoria’s historic beer garden (est. 1910) offers old-world charm; while not a speakeasy, it embodies the era’s convivial spirit with communal tables and classic drafts.
✓ Why Go:
For fans of vintage NYC nightlife, this landmark connects you to pre- and post-Prohibition drinking culture in an atmospheric setting.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon on sunny days (4–6 pm) before it fills up.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head inside for the historic hall; pair a pilsner with hearty Central European bites.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved for its longevity and relaxed vibe—“a Queens institution.”
6. Sweet Afton
A neighborhood favorite with a softly lit back room and a cocktail list that favors balance, seasonality, and classic technique.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the low-key counterpart to a speakeasy—serious drinks without pretense, ideal for a quiet round.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunday to Tuesday evenings for a mellow scene.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a classic sour and ask for the bartender’s preferred base spirit to discover new favorites.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests praise the cozy atmosphere and consistently well-made drinks.
7. The Bonnie
An Astoria standby with a handsome bar, garden seating, and a cocktail program rooted in classics—perfect for speakeasy-minded sippers.
✓ Why Go:
The space transitions seamlessly from date-night drinks to late-evening rounds with friends.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Golden hour (5–7 pm) for light-filled garden seats and happy-hour energy.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about spirit flights or a bartender’s-choice martini tailored to your preferred vermouth ratio.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Widely appreciated for polished service, crowd-pleasing drinks, and a welcoming vibe.
8. Judy & Punch
A compact Astoria cocktail bar with vintage touches and a focus on balanced, well-garnished classics that feel right at home in a speakeasy fan’s lineup.
✓ Why Go:
Solid technique, neighborhood charm, and bartenders who enjoy tailoring drinks to your palate.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late evening on weeknights (after 9 pm) for intimate conversations.
✓ Insider Tip:
If you like boozy and bitter, ask for their take on a Boulevardier.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Known for friendly bartenders and reliable cocktails—“small bar, big flavors.”
9. The Alcove
Sunnyside’s snug, softly lit bar with shelves of spirits and a neighborhood hush—ideal for classic cocktails and hushed conversation.
✓ Why Go:
Speakeasy fans will appreciate the intimate scale and bartender-driven, classics-first approach.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early week (Mon–Wed) around 8 pm for best odds of a bar seat.
✓ Insider Tip:
Request a dealer’s choice—give a spirit and a mood, and let the bartender guide you.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Locals call it a hidden-feel gem with warm service and deft pours.
10. The Baroness
A low-lit LIC wine-and-cocktail nook with brick walls and an intimate bar—just the kind of tucked-away spot speakeasy lovers seek out.
✓ Why Go:
Good for a quieter round near the waterfront, with classic-leaning cocktails and shareable bites.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknights 7–10 pm for a relaxed, date-night pace.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pair a stirred whiskey drink with a flatbread; the combo is a neighborhood favorite.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Appreciated for its cozy ambiance and unhurried service—“a calm corner in LIC.”
