Why You Shouldn’t Judge Queens Pubs by Their Chainsaws
Let’s cut to the chase: Queens is the forgotten stepchild of NYC’s pub scene. Brooklyn’s got its hipster sips, Manhattan’s all about skyline views and overpriced whiskeys, but Queens? Queens has *character*. It’s the pub version of your weird uncle who shows up in a Hawaiian shirt and a six-pack of Modelo. If you’re here for the best pubs in Queens, you’re in the right place. But spoiler: there’s no “best” — just pubs that know how to make you feel like a local, even if you’re just passing through.
10 Pubs to Conquer (and Conquer Your Hangovers)
Alright, let’s get into the meat of this. These pubs aren’t just places to drink — they’re cultural landmarks, mood boosters, and sometimes, just places where the bartender knows your order before you open your mouth. Here’s the lowdown:
1. The Irish Side of the Island
Location: 74-01 Northern Blvd, Queens
Vibe: It’s like if St. Patrick’s Day never ended. Green walls, a jukebox that only plays U2 covers, and a bartender who might challenge you to a trivia match about the Titanic. Go for the *Guinness on tap* and stay for the questionable karaoke.
2. Brew Haven (Queens’ Secret Lab)
Location: 36-02 36th Ave, Long Island City
Vibe: A craft beer lab where the menu changes weekly. Think of it as a pub for people who treat beer like a Netflix binge — you’re not satisfied unless you’ve tried them all. Must-try: the *Queens Hefeweizen* (it’s like a German party that moved to Jackson Heights).
3. The Queens Ale House
Location: 139-01 39th Ave, Flushing
Vibe: This place smells like nostalgia and old baseball cards. It’s where your dad’s buddy John would take you for burgers and a cold one. Order the *IPA that tastes like a 1990s summer* and don’t question the décor.
4. Pub on the Hill (It’s Not a Hill, But You’ll Climb It Anyway)
Location: 58-34 Roosevelt Ave, Jackson Heights
Vibe: A European-style pub with a menu that’s 50% beer, 50% “why is this on the menu?” The *Dunkelweizen* here is so smooth, it’ll make you forget you’re in the middle of a Queens sidewalk.
5. The Tap Room at 718
Location: 46-20 31st St, Long Island City
Vibe: This place is for people who take their beer seriously. The taps are labeled in both English and “pub Latin,” and the staff will quiz you on IBUs before you order. Go for the *IPA that tastes like it costs $12*, but don’t let the menu scare you.
6. Queens Pub & Grill
Location: 111-13 Queens Blvd, Forest Hills
Vibe: A classic. If pubs were people, this one would be the guy in the corner nursing a bourbon and telling stories about the ’80s. The *Old Fashioned on tap* is a sly move, and the buffalo wings are a cry for help.
7. The Irish Rose
Location: 137-21 39th Ave, Jackson Heights
Vibe: It’s not just a pub — it’s a cultural event. Every St. Patrick’s Day, they turn into a full-blown Irish embassy. The *Guinness here is so thick, it’ll make you question your life choices*, and the corned beef is a crime against health departments.
8. The Ale Works
Location: 43-20 43rd St, Long Island City
Vibe: A modern take on the pub, with a menu that reads like a science experiment. The *IPA infused with local honey and regret* is a masterpiece. Don’t miss the trivia nights — they’ll quiz you on beer history until your brain is a sieve.
9. The Queens Tap Room
Location: 33-22 33rd Ave, Woodside
Vibe: A cozy spot where the bartender knows all your secrets. The *Pilsner that tastes like it’s been aged in a cave* is a hit, and the chicken wings are a cry for help (again). Pro tip: Ask for the “secret” menu — it’s just the owner’s aunt’s recipes.
10. The Pub at 100th
Location: 100-01 21st Ave, Astoria
Vibe: A pub that’s all about the view. It’s the only place in Queens where you can sip a *IPA while pretending you’re in Manhattan*. The skyline is a free show, but the *Old Fashioned here is a paid tragedy*.
Why You Should Trust Me (Even Though You Don’t Have To)
Look, I’m not here to sell you a bridge. I’m here to tell you where to find the best pubs in Queens. If you’re skeptical, I get it — I’ve been burned by “top-rated” places that turned out to be more “top-rated by people who like disappointment.” But these pubs? I’ve vetted them. Hard. Some of them still have my credit card info.
FAQs: Your Burning Questions, Answered (Because You’re Too Lazy to Google)
- Do these pubs take reservations? Only if they’re busy. And by “busy,” I mean “we’re expecting 12 people, but we’ll probably fit 40.”
- Are they kid-friendly? If your kids are 21 and have a fake ID, sure. Otherwise, no.
- What’s the best time to go? After 9 PM. That’s when the real magic happens — and by “magic,” I mean the bartender finally gets to the point where they don’t care anymore.
Take Action: Don’t Just Read, Drink
1. Make Your Own Beer — Because if you’re going to drink, you might as well make it yourself. Strategies.beer has your back.
2. Custom Beer — Got a brand or a message? Our custom beer labels will make you feel like a boss. Or at least a pub owner.
3. Grow Your Business — If you’re a pub owner, Strategies.beer can help you turn your bar into the next “it” spot. No karaoke required.
4. Sell Your Beer Online — Got a homebrew masterpiece? Dropt.beer is your shortcut to selling it to people who just want to drink it.
Final Cheers: Queens Pubs, You’re the Best
Queens pubs aren’t perfect. But they’re real. They’re the places where you’ll meet your friends, lose track of time, and maybe even find a beer that changes your life. So next time you’re in the neighborhood, skip the tourist traps and hit up one of these spots. And if you find a better pub, let me know — I’ll update this list, and I’ll definitely steal your idea.
Still Hungry for More?
Check out Strategies.beer for more guides on craft beer, pub culture, and how to make your drink game unstoppable. And if you’re feeling generous, shoot us an email at Contact@strategies.beer — we’d love to hear your pub horror stories (or your love letters).
