Astoria, Bars, Beer and Wine, Cocktails, Featured, Food and Drink
Jul 15, 2016

What Astoria Bars Say “Summer” To You?

When you think of summer drinks, what comes to mind? For me, it’s all about sipping on something light and bright. Breezy cocktails, refreshing wines, and citrus-y beers are all (…)

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When you think of summer drinks, what comes to mind? For me, it’s all about sipping on something light and bright. Breezy cocktails, refreshing wines, and citrus-y beers are all perfect for sunny brunches, evening outdoor get-togethers, and the nights where you just need to huddle inside an AC-blessed bar for some heat relief. Here are some of our favorite spots serving up summer realness.

The Queens Kickshaw

rose-queens-kickshaw-we-heart-astoria

There’s no time like summer to enjoy rosé, and The Queens Kickshaw is taking the trend to the next level with rosé cider. They’ll be celebrating Rosé Cider Week until Monday, 7/18, offering up specialty ciders they’ve discovered from all over New York State and Washington.

The Queens Kickshaw 40-17 Broadway Astoria.  (718) 777-0913

 

Sweet Afton

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Sweet Afton’s Rosy Peach cocktail: Cognac, Yellow Peach, Benedictine, Rosemary, Bitters.

Sweet Afton is delightful any time of year, but their summer cocktail selection is pretty fantastic. Their Sweet Tea cocktail, with Earl Grey-infused vodka, honey, ginger syrup, and lemon is always a treat no matter the season, but I’m especially interested to try the Rosy Peach cocktail, pictured above with cognac, yellow peach, rosemary, Bénédictine, and bitters.

Sweet Afton (30-09 34th St, Astoria)(718) 777-2570)
sweetaftonbar.comFacebook | Instagram | Twitter

The Ditty

The Ditty's "The Whitewalker": Spiced, White and Over proof Rum, Passionfruit, Pear, and Lime.

The Ditty’s “The Whitewalker”:
Spiced, White and Over proof Rum, Passionfruit, Pear, and Lime.

Despite being a welcome addition to the Ditmars bar scene, The Ditty seems to fly a bit under the radar. We had a blast when they hosted the afterparty for our big Best of Astoria event, and always enjoy their cocktails, beer selection, and small bite eats. The Whitewalker, pictured above, is especially intriguing in this warm weather, featuring spiced, white and over proof rum, passionfruit, pear, and lime.

The Ditty (35-03 Ditmars Blvd. Astoria)
Instagram | Facebook

The Astor Room

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A Cold Day in Maine

Simply put, The Astor Room makes you feel fancy, and isn’t that one of the best parts of summer? There’s nothing like enjoying some oysters and champagne on a weeknight, or a lovely outdoor brunch on a hot Saturday afternoon. One of their signature cocktails, A Cold Day in Maine, pictured above, features Fords Gin, St. Germaine, fresh-squeezed lime juice, cucumber, and a splash of prosecco. I can’t think of a better combination to beat the heat!

The Astor Room (34-12 36th St, Astoria)|(718) 255-1947)
astorroom.comFacebook  | Twitter

Singlecut Beersmiths

SIngleCut_Growler

Okay, we’ve gotta get some beer on this list. When you’re looking for a casual summer night, Singlecut is always worth the walk. Word on the street, based on their Facebook page, is that they’ll be putting in AC soon, which will be welcome news for long days and nights enjoying their brews in the tap room.

Singlecut Beersmiths (19-33 37th St, Astoria, Astoria)| (718) 606-0788)
singlecutbeer.comFacebook | Instagram | Twitter

Sanfords

sanfords-happy-hour-oysters-wine-bourbon-we-heart-astoria-queens

Three words: Happy. Hour. Oysters. Drinking wine and devouring oysters sounds like the best possible way to enjoy a summer Friday, or any weeknight if you’re lucky enough to get out of work early. They also have 370 different varieties of whiskey available, so if you’re someone who still prefers heartier drinking in the summer, this is your spot.

Sanfords (30-13 Broadway |(718) 932-9569)

sanfordsnyc.comFacebook | Instagram Twitter

Mar’s

mar's oyster bar

As we’ve mentioned, Mar’s is also a wonderful spot for oysters, but their cocktails are also something special. For summery vibes, we especially recommend the Water Lily, made with gin, Creme de Violette, Luxardo triple sec, and lemon juice.

Mar’s (34-21 34th Ave. (718-685-2480)

lifeatmars.comFacebook | Instagram | Twitter

Sek’end Sun

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Photo credit: Sekend Sun

The backyard with the awesome QUEENS sign is reason enough to warrant a summer evening visit to Sek’end Sun, but their cocktails will keep you there long after the sun sets. Especially great for the warm weather is the Infante, made with tequila, lime, orgeat syrup, and nutmeg. Perfect for when the typical margarita just doesn’t cut it!

Sek’end Sun (32-11 Broadway) | (917) 832-6414
sekendsun.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden

Photo Courtesy of the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden

Photo Courtesy of the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden

No summertime roundup would be complete without a shoutout to the OG Queens beer garden. The Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden is perfect for almost every occasion: group outings,impressing out-of-towners, eating outside, and a casual beer with neighborhood friends. To me, there’s no place that feels more authentically old-school Astoria, and no place I’d rather enjoy a few drinks in the sunshine!

Bohemian Beer Garden (29-19 24th Ave.) | (718) 274-4925)

bohemianhall.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Okay, your turn. What Astoria bars say “summer” to you?

About Lindsay Goyette

Lindsay has been eating and drinking her way through Queens since 2011. A casting director by day and Astoria explorer by night, you can usually find her checking out live music, theatre, or the newest neighborhood spot to enjoy a craft beer.

2 Comments

Jane

+1 to what Jon said: the backyard at Diamond Dogs is a wonderful place to spend a lazy summer evening with good drinks and good company.

My sleeper pick is Astoria Bier and Cheese on Broadway (sure the Ditmars location is great too). On hot days, you can find sanctuary in their air conditioned space. But the backyard area with picnic tables is wonderful too!

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