In Astoria it’s Whiskey A Go Go
Come to Astoria, where the whiskey drowns and the beer chases my blues away. Well, that’s how Garth Brooks would’ve put it anyway. Here is a list of some of the best spots in town where friends can gather to enjoy whisky…and have a good meal as well.
The Huntress – Whisky, Wings and Other Things
Established in 2018, the Huntress, Whiskey, Wings and Other Things features an incredible menu burgers, wings and yes whisky. Guests can now enjoy the newly added Sweetie-Style wings which are prepared with a honey garlic hoison glaze and toped with a creamy goat cheese. Or enjoy fan favorites like Huntress’ famous burgers including the Priscilla ($18) made with specialty seasoned beef, creamy Thai peanut sauce, sharp cheddar cheese, smokey peppered bacon served on a sea salted pretzel brioche bun. Or try the Lola ($17), made with chipotle spiced beef party, house-smashed guacamole, pico de Gallo, tortilla chips, melty cheese sauce served on a steamed potato roll. Other specialties include Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches like the Chicago ($17), a Philly steak chopped with chili, cheese wiz, onion rings and bbq sauce. And now for the whisky. Try a Tokyo Slice, made with Japanese whiskey, chambord and lemon juice and the extremely popular Smoked Fashion made with Kentucky Bourbon, cubed sugar, angostura bitters and house smoked ice block. All cocktails are $16 including the the house specialty Aztec Martini tequila, housemate habanero syrup, local cold brew coffee, Bailey’s chocolate bitters and dried chili peppers.
24-03 41st Avenue, Long Island City / Thehuntressbar.com, 718-685-2922, 4 Stars Yelp
Hours: Monday 4pm until 12am; Tuesday & Wednesday 12pm until Midnight; Thursday 12pm until 1am; Friday 12pm until 2am; Saturday 12pm until 2am; Sunday 12pm until Midnight.
The Baroness
Amazing whiskey cocktails are available at this sister location to The Huntress along with mouthwatering food. The staff pick includes the Bacon Old Fashioned made with Kentucky bourbon, Canadian Maple Syrup, bitters, house smoked bacon and an ice block. Sesame-Ginger Tuna ($21) and Skillet Mac N’ Cheese ($12) are on the appetizer menu. The Swayze Double Roadhouse Burger, ($18), is heavily seasoned beef patty with double cheese, double smoked bacon tomato, caramelized onions, pickles, potato roll and the chef’s secret “ssshhhh” sauce.
Enjoy signature cocktails all for $16. Try classics such as the Smoked Fashion made with Kentucky Bourbon, cubbed cane sugar, Angostura bitters, house smoke ice block; maple bacon old fashioned Kentucky Bourbon Canadian Maple Syrup, real bacon bits bitters, Rosemary Clooney in-house apple-rosemary infused Gin, lemon rosemary; Coffecup Buttercup made with delicious tequila, chocolate liquor, local cold brew coffee and and coffee beans. Or enjoy this adult cocktail which will remind you of childhood – the NextQuick made with peanut butter whiskey, local brew coffee, Baileys, chocolate bitters, chocolate shavings. And tis the season with house signatures like a Hot Toddy made with burbon, lemon slices and maple syrup along and lastly the Spiked Apple Cider made with dark rum, local NY Apple Cider and the Baroness’s Spice Blend.
47-18 Vernon Boulevard, Long Island City / thebaronessbar.com, 4 Stars Yelp, 718-255-1336
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday 12pm until Midnight; Friday and Saturday 12pm until 1am; Closed Monday.
Irish Whiskey Bar
An Astoria icon, Irish Whiskey Bar is truth in advertising. It’s very Irish, there is whiskey and by God it is a bar which has been hosting area residents since 2012 when it originally operated as the Olde Prague Tavern. The bar features IPA and draft beers as well as Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey; Rebreast whisky and the entire Jameson line including stout, cold brew and triple distilled. The bar serves up traditional snacks like wings and is home to some of the fiercest competitive dart tournaments in the city. There is live musical entertainment as well as open mic night and stand up by local comedians.
28-48 31st Street, Astoria / 607-301-0018 / 4 Stars / www.iwbnyc.com / Instagram: Irish Whiskey Bar
HOURS: Monday through Sunday from 10am until 4am.
Sanfords
Once you enter the doors at Sanford’s, a cozy bistro on Broadway in downtown Astoria, you will know that you’ve been seated in whisky heaven. Here at Sanford’s patrons can enjoy a selection from more than 400 bottles of whiskey! Owned by Astoria native Costas Karalekas, the restaurant has achieved a reputation as one of the top places in Astoria, (and NYC), for food, wine and especially whiskey. The selection is boasted by Christ Karalekas, the in house sommelier who has won multiple awards and is a member of the Sommelier Society of America & Guild of Sommeliers since 2005.
You will find whiskey here from all over the world including Japan, Ireland and Scotland as well as numerous selections from distilleries all across the United States. The food is exceptional. Executive chef Ezequiel Mejia has prepared a delicious menu featuring Blue Point Oysters, lobster Mac & cheese ($24), and their popular burgers including gouda stuffed duck burger ($20) and BBQ Berkshire pulled pork. Guests can also enjoy a 10oz filet mignon ($58). Sanfords also features an assortment of wine, however, the selection is not as extensive as the whiskey menu. Only 250 to choose from.
30-13 Broadway, Astoria, 718-932-9569 / sanfordsnyc.com / @sanfordsastoria / 4 Stars
Hours: Sunday through Thursday 10am until 12am Friday through Saturday 10am until 12am
Woodbines
Woodbines of Long Island City opened in the summer of 2013. The owners named the bar after the type of cigarettes their grandfather smoked, it’s a neighborhood pub with old-school charm and a rustic feel. Guests will find vintage touches and modern conveniences throughout with more than a dozen craft beers on tap, more than 50 bottles, a friendly staff, bar snacks and entrees, weekend brunch, and outlets where you need them to charge whatever gadgets you’ll need when you head back out into the world which is a plus with many patrons.
As for the whiskey try some of these amazing creations all for $14! Fire & Blood Bourbon contains blood orange puree, splash of syrup and fresh lime; The Peachy Ol’ Fashioned Perfect includes a blend of whiskey and peach brandy, brown sugar, aromatic bitters; and lastly the eve popular spiked hot cocoa which includes a shot Jameson Cold Brew mixed with hot cocoa. But please don’t have all that whisky on an empty stomach. Try The Woodbines Burger topped with Irish Cheddar Cheese, thick Irish bacon and Creamy Irish coleslaw served on a brioche bun. And don’t miss the best happy hour in Long Island City every week Monday through Friday from 4-7pm. Enjoy Woodbines lager drafts for $6, $10 sangrias, $10 frozen margaritas and $6 well liquor mixed drinks.
47-10 Vernon Boulevard, Long Island City / 718-361-8488 / www.woodbineslic.com
Hours: Monday through Thursday 11am until 1am; Friday and Saturday 11am until 1am; Sunday 11am until 12am. The kitchen closes two hours before last call.
Dutch Kills
Dutch Kills is the type of neighborhood bar with a speakeasy vibe where patrons sip on cocktails poured over pure clear blocks of ice cut by hand through metal straws while sitting in wooden booths under dim lights. Opened in the spring of 2009, the bar is named after the area it has so lovingly served for almost two decades. The bar offers a vast range of classic and signature cocktails featuring only the finest spirits, the freshest ingredients, and a superior caliber of ice along with local beer, fine wines, and a exemplary selection of cordials. For great whiskeys try the Whiskey Fix ($14) made with rye whiskey, fresh lemon juice and simple syrup, shaken and then poured over crushed ice. Or enjoy an Irish coffee made with real Irish whiskey, two brown sugar cubes. Espresso, sweet whipped heavy cream topped off with a mint leaf. Also perfect for the cold days ahead enjoy a hot toddy or a mulled cider which includes hot fresh apple cider, cinnamon, lemon zest and Rye whiskey. All hot whiskey treats go for $14.
Enjoy happy hour Sunday through Thursday from 5pm until 7pm with all cocktails $14 (they all go fro $17 at all other times). Also enjoy the premium top-shelf cocktails like the Mexican Invasion including Pedro Ximenez sherry, chocolate bitters, and an orange twist; Tokyo Conference including and amazing blend of Hibiki harmony Japanese whisky and banana liqueur (both are $35). And lastly enjoy some frozen cocktails ($17) like a frozen mojito made with aged rum, fresh mint, fresh mime juice and Demerara syrup; and the ever popular Frozen Blue Hawaii made with White Rum, blue curaçao, fresh juices of pineapple and lime and Demerara syrup. Top off your frozen cocktail with a float of ovenproof rum for an additional $3.
27-24 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City, dutchkillsbar.com, 718-373-2724, 4 Stars Yelp
Hours: Sunday through Thursday 5pm until 2am; Friday through Saturday 5pm until 3am, Closed Monday.
