Sweet Afton Opens

Image by www.urbandaddy.com

I love it when Astoria gets play in Manhattan-drenched newsletters, and today's Urban Daddy revealed the official opening of new speakeasy-ish bar, Sweet Afton, which we've had our eye on.

The owners, who've also started West Village bar, Wilfie and Nell, spread their philosophy of serving "good drinks and locally sourced food" to this new Astorian addition.

It was exciting to take a peek at their no bull*&%$ menu, which includes beer battered fried pickles with smoky sauce, Irish sausage wrapped and baked in puff pastry and their signature burger. You could sneak a peek at the menu here, as well as see a slide show of their digs. Read the full UD write-up here.

We'll have some more input from Mackenzi next week, but these deets should tide your curiosity over in the meantime.

Sweet Afton - 30-09 34th Street, Astoria NY 11103
718.777.2570
N/W Train to 30th Avenue
www.sweetaftonbar.com

Dutch Kills Finally Opens Friday

Image by www.urbandaddy.com

This is what I hope to be the last work-in-progress update on LIC's Dutch Kills bar--it's finally opening this Friday according to an article that I read on Urban Daddy. The feel of this place is characterized as a "1980's neighborhood saloon, with dark, coffered mahogany walls and ceilings, white tile floors and antique cash registers." Sounds snazzy. Live music is also part of the deal and their back room piano will be put to good use. I'm certainly intrigued and will be checking it out next week. More details to come but if you're dying to go there, know that it'll finally be open this Friday.

Dutch Kills Bar - 27-24 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101
718.383.2724
E/V/G/R Train to Queens Plaza
www.dutchkillsbar.com

Miami Comes to LIC

Image by nymag.com

I read the following blurb in New York Magazine's Grub Street today. Apparently, there's a new, upscale rooftop bar/lounge opening up in Long Island City this May. It looks absolutely gorgeous and very Miami-esque. I can't wait to check it out along with the boutique hotel, the Ravel in which it'll be housed. Look out Manhattan, LIC just stepped it up another notch. Here's the article...

If there’s one thing we love, it’s new rooftop boîtes, and we’re happy to unveil our first of the season. In May, Long Island City boutique hotel (yes, there is one) the Ravel will soft-open its 6,500-square-foot roof deck. There’ll be cabanas, frozen drinks, unparalleled views of the Queensboro Bridge, and a menu of “gourmet” fish tacos, mini-burritos, and lamb sliders (which we can’t help but refer to as lamburginis, like North Square does), all under a retractable roof. The Ravel’s owner, Ravi Patel, tells us he’s going for a Miami theme, with live D.J.'s spinning till 1 a.m. Converted trolley cars will pick up partyers from nearby subway stations. As if all this weren’t enough, a smaller roof deck will serve as an outdoor movie theater. LIC, baby!

The Rooftop at the Ravel Hotel
8-08 Queens Plaza South, Long Island City NY 11101
718.289.6101
www.ravelhotel.com

Dutch Kills Bar Opens Soon

Image by www.dutchkillsbar.com

A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned that, Dutch Kills Bar, an off-shoot of the high-profile Manhattan and London speakeasy, Milk & Honey would open soon. Well, I think it's actually happening (in the next week or so). A sneak peek at the interior is now available here and a ball-park price range of drinks has also leaked. Although far from being cheap, their price point ($6-$12) is a lot lower than at their Manhattan counterpart - we are talking about Queens after all.

Dutch Kills will be serving yummy nosh food from the organic-friendly Sage General Store. Check 'em out and shoot us a note to let us know your opinions.

Dutch Kills Bar - 27-24 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101
718.383.2724
E/V/G/R Train to Queens Plaza
www.dutchkillsbar.com