The Best Bars In Astoria (From A Local)

Astoria and nightlife just go together. When it comes to the energy that I feel in Astoria versus Manhattan, I’d say that it’s more homey with locals and good energy all around. In a city with over 8 billion people, we’re here to have a good time and you’ll find that and beyond here in Astoria. Residing here for two years now and you can say that I have explored all the good spots although there’s still a lot more to uncover. If you ever find yourself in Astoria, consider yourself lucky because this hidden gem is not talked about enough. Here are the best bars in Astoria that’ll make you want to visit time and time again!

The Best Bars In Astoria: Standing Ovation (My #1 Spot)

1. Bad Habits: Astoria, Queens: If you are looking for a fun night out. This is the best bar in Astoria and it hands down #1! Bad Habits is the place for you. Once I arrived, I automatically felt this welcoming presence and the vibes were outstanding. If you know me, you know that I love to channel my Hispanic culture and the reggaeton music just made this place THAT much better. I knew I wanted to be a local right away. The service is excellent and the vibes are just too good. When you go order the… La Matona Mule, Dealer’s Choice, Gin Lemonade & for food, Tostones Sliders, Cheech & Chongs & hookah Pro Tip: They named a drink after me, be sure to check it out, the Veróniquita: Show me your bad side: an Irresistible Gin with lemonade & agave. Mint & orange on top for your pleasure. Looking for the best bars in Astoria, keep reading!

The Best Bars In Astoria: More Latin Vibes

2. Highwater: If you’re looking for a reggaeton vibe, Highwater is your place. The vibe inside is super cool with delicious chips & salsa to go with our drinks. The ambiance is great with outdoor seating, indoor seating, great lighting, and music! Pro Tip: I’d recommend getting the My Mai Tai which is served with fire.

3. 3308: This is slowly becoming one of my favorite spots. 3308 has it all. From reggaeton music to a sports bar, you can come here for any occasion. I love how spacious the place is with tons of tables & TVs for upcoming games and immaculate vibes to come. Pro Tip: They give out free shots on weekends!

4. HOA Astoria: If you’re looking for a fun hookah bar with club vibes, this is the one. Went here for a friend’s birthday and had a great time. Strong drinks, bottle service & reggaeton music which is always a plus. Pro Tip: Head to Slice after and get yourself the perfect pizza before bed

Dive Bars

5. Mad Donkey: Okay prove me wrong, but some of the best bars have the weirdest names and this is one of them. If you’re looking for chill vibes and not a club scene, this is the place for you! Lots of locals are here so you know it’s a hidden gem. This place was so much fun! I got the Misguided Negroni (DON’T GET IT, it’s so so so bitter) and then I got the So Fresh and So “D”, – which is a cucumber and gin drink- you know how I roll! They also have 14 beers on tap, so if that is up your alley, this place has all of the options! Pro Tip: There is a whole section in the back to play darts!

6. Daly’s Pub: It’s giving Irish dive bar with great vibes. This place is bigger than it looks and only a block from the train station making it the perfect place to start or end your night. Pro Tip: Get a Guinness for the Irish ladies & gents.

Classic Spots

7. The Ditty: In the heart of Astoria, this place is a hidden gem, a local’s favorite, and some of the best happy hour deals you’ll find in NYC. I had so much fun here with friends and it’s a place I can’t wait to go back to. I also went here at night and their nightlife scene is immaculate. They have an indoor section with great music & an outdoor section with tons of picnic tables to sit at. Pro Tip: Not only do they have a happy hour M-F 4-7pm, but a Reverse Happy Hour from 12am-4am.

8. Madam Marie’s: This place is a CLASSIC. Happy hour deals you really can’t beat and you get free popcorn, I mean what is not to like? It’s giving a hip-dive bar & we love those vibes. If you like trivia, they have that every Wednesday which I have yet to go to! Love the outdoor seating here as well! Pro Tip: There’s a taco truck outside with delicious options for $4

Cute Hidden Gems

9. Sweet Afton: So this is a pretty local spot in Astoria, Queens! They have food here as well that’s delicious! I got a salad and I got a burger and it was scrumptious. You already know my drink order but in case you don’t I got a gin lemonade and lemme tell you, it never disappoints- N E V E R. Pro Tip: Get the burger, you don’t regret it!

10. Sek’end Sun: This place has such calm vibes and the music isn’t too overbearing so you can actually have a decent conversation without needing to scream. Pro Tip: Happy hour is just like most places from 5-7 and if possible try to get a seat outside so you can take a cute picture with the Queens sign, hehe! Also, they have drag brunches!

11. Broadway Station: This bar was super fun with great music (we love a DJ who takes our requests). It’s a block from the Broadway train station so a must. Pro Tip: Include this in your bar crawl and head to Bad Habits or Break Bar after just up the block!

12. Bar Dahlia: I was super excited to check out this spot and it really matched all of my expectations. This is such a peaceful spot if you’re looking for a chill night. I went here for my Uncle’s birthday and his fiance actually booked out the back room for us all to hang and it was perfect! Pro Tip: Get the coconut margarita with tajin, it was amazing!

The Best Bars In Astoria: Sports Edition

13.Break Bar: Break Bar is the perfect bar for endless sports & game nights. Play some pool, Connect Four, this cool game called Shoot the Moon, table tennis & SO MUCH MORE! It’s a vibe & if you know me, the vibes are always immaculate. Pro tip: If you’re planning on playing a lot of the games, leave the sweats at home because you’re going to sweat a lot.

14.Pig Beach: A sports bar is probably one of the biggest establishments I have ever seen in my life. Came here for the World Cup games and let me tell you it was like a maze of different seating arrangements. From outdoor Pro Tip: Happy hour is Tuesdays to Fridays from 4-7pm & if you’re going to watch a game, go early!

There You Have It

I told you Astoria is all the rave. The best bars in Astoria sets the bar high for all other neighborhoods in NYC. With so many fun places at your fingertips, you’re guaranteed to have a fun night out WITHOUT breaking the bank (which I historically one of the hardest things to do here in NYC). Check out these spots and thank me later.