Joe’s Garage Bar Opening Soon On 23rd Avenue

For the past 2-3 years we’ve been anticipating the opening of Joe’s Garage Bar at 45-01 23rd Avenue. It seems to have been a labor of love for owner Joe Salvio, taking a former soap factory and transforming it into a lively bar. He hopes to open before the first of the year, ideally for the UFC fight and then a friends and family event for New Year’s Eve. They will start with a soft opening.

We’ve heard from lots of folks saying it looks pretty cool inside. Here’s a recent pic of the outside snapped by WHA reader Adam L.

A Craigslist post (image) appeared in the past week with a few details on what’s up with the place. That includes the statement that they are the only bar in the area and on that block, and that the space is over 1,500 square feet. Food and drink will be served. Their look is unique as “vintage automotive / classic garage / industrial and much of our decor and vibe reflects that.”

They’ll have 16 taps featuring classic beer, local NY craft brews, and rotating seasonal brews. They are also asking that prospective employees have a food handler’s certificate. Their Craigslist post has additional requirements, and basically what they want is for you to be local, flexible, bring in business, have good customer service skills, and contribute an entrepreneurial spirit to your work at the bar. Here’s what was in the post:

1. Live in the Astoria or Long Island city Area or surrounding neighborhoods and will be able to get here easily with no issues.

2. At least 1 or more years bar tending Experience or 3 years waiting tables, we can probably train you if you have the customer service skills.

3. Would be a plus if you have a following or enjoy promoting on social media to bring in business for yourself and the bar.

4. Food Handlers Certificate or Card would be a very big plus as we will need most of our bartenders to have it in order to be in compliance with Department of Health visits. If you are open to getting it in the near future that can work for us too.

5. Flexible schedule, or a SET schedule that does not change and we can work around. Please do not ask for a job if you are constantly changing when you can work.

6. Someone willing to help us in our first year of business and understand that there will be times of trial and error and take the busy with the slow times. Again, someone willing to help us retain a following and get the word out!

7. Someone willing to do more than just stand behind the bar and serve beer, someone that’s a self starter, has common sense, has respect, understands the value of good customer service and politeness as well as knowledge of classic cocktails as well as what is trending and it would be great if you could help us to come up with some cool signature cocktails of our own!

So, the wait is almost over! We wish Joe and Joe’s Garage Bar all the best and look forward to checking it out when it opens.