A speakeasy-style restaurant in the heart of LIC. I came here after seeing good things on social…read moremedia, especially about the entertainment--there were videos of an aerialist dancer spinning effortlessly from a ring above the bar mid-set. Unfortunately, there was none of that on a Friday night. It also wasn't busy at all. The music was very loud, the space was extremely dark, and the overall vibe didn't match the hype. I ordered appetizers and entrées, but everything came out at the same time. The timing definitely needs improvement--by the time I got to my entrée, it was cold, and I felt rushed trying to eat everything at once. The drinks were good, and most of the food was good as well, but I would skip the lamb chops--they were dry and lacked flavor. Overall, some potential here, but the experience fell short of expectations.

Went to The Newsroom on a Saturday night and the vibes were absolutely on point. The space was…read morebuzzing without feeling overcrowded, the music was right, and the energy felt fun, social, and lively. It's the kind of place that works for a night out with friends, a date, or even a small celebration. What really stood out was the presentation. Every dish and drink was brought out with intention and creativity. You can tell they care about how the experience feels, not just how the food tastes. It made the night feel elevated without being pretentious, which a lot of reviews online also point out. Food-wise, everything delivered. The jerk chicken egg rolls were a standout. They were actually real egg rolls, crispy and well-structured, not soggy or overstuffed like you get at places that try too hard and miss the mark. They had a nice kick of heat but were still balanced and enjoyable. We also had the guacamole with shrimp, which was lightly fried and really well done. The shrimp added great texture and flavor without overpowering the guac. The sea bass came out whole, which was impressive on its own, but we asked if it could be cut in half so we could share and the staff handled it perfectly. It was cooked beautifully and ended up being one of the highlights of the meal. Presentation again was spot on, and it tasted just as good as it looked. Drinks were solid across the board. Based on both my experience and what others have mentioned in reviews, I'd recommend sticking to the cocktails as they're listed on the menu. They're clearly well thought out and balanced. Trying to modify or reinvent them doesn't really add anything, since the menu drinks already do what they're supposed to do. Overall, The Newsroom lives up to the hype it gets online. Great vibes, creative presentation, strong food execution, and a cocktail menu that works best when you trust it. Definitely a spot worth returning to, especially on a weekend night when the energy is high.

I was in town with friends but headed to Record Room on my own. As a woman who loves music, I'd…read morenever been to a listening lounge and was excited to try one. I reserved a spot at the bar and arrived early. The decor and ambiance won me over as soon as I walked in: musically centric and culturally important, with a real sense of place. The DJ spun vinyl from the 70s through the early 2000s, with artists like Anita Baker, Maxwell, Nas, and The Mary Jane Girls, and that was just a taste. The staff were no-nonsense but friendly, which is exactly the balance a nightlife spot needs. I felt safe and welcome the entire time. I'm an introvert, so my plan was one drink, a few songs, and out before the crowd arrived. Instead, I stayed well after it filled up. People from all walks of life packed the room, and I knew I was among my people when Tina Turner came on and everyone belted out "What's Love Got To Do With It." At one point the manager or owner (I wasn't sure which) came out to check on staff and greet guests. He was approachable and looked genuinely happy to be there, which says a lot about the energy of the place. This was the highlight of my trip, and Record Room will be in my regular rotation whenever I'm in NYC. I hope it enjoys protection and longevity in the neighborhood. One small note: the bar stools are rickety and unstable. They're due for a replacement.

Classy and super great music! Stopped by for a bit for some dancing and stayed for the music…read more Everyone inside is having such a great time - definitely a gem in LIC. Will definitely need to come back and stay a bit longer!

The guys working were awesome, the vibes were immaculate, and the food was bomb. My sake was filled…read moreat all times and the presentation and taste of the food was amazing. Would 100% recommend this and will be coming back with my guests from out of town to show them a unique nyc experience. That being said, it felt very rushed. So many courses (yum!) but so little time (1 hour). Wish we could spend more time in there for the price we're paying but other than that, love love love this place !! Cash only

Want a sishi experience ever? Gotta come here in the heart of Roosevelt Ave. Artisinal sushi…read morewith fresh favorites. Together with all the saki you can drink. You will get f!!cked up I recommend it highly.

LIC...yours speakeasy game has been on POINT. Imagine, a swanky men's boutique, and in the boutique…read morethere's a hidden door that leads to the most boss bar. I did a side glance while walking through the store, but too be honest this stuff looked too cool for hubs (no offense to him), but I definitely need to get a better look next time. I had time to kill before a networking event so I tried to find this tiny bar that had such rave reviews (literally 4.5 stars). I popped my head into Extra Butter, the aforementioned store, and I asked where I can find this spot. They lead me through a door on the side of the store and there I was. A very tiny spot with a super sleek bar. You can maybe fit 25 people in the whole spot, but not mad about it. It makes it a very intimate bar and I like that. Its so much more exclusive. Like I'm in on a secret spot. Shoot, I just let the secret out! You know your girl loves bourbon drank. And after some back and forth I decided to do the Rebirth of Slick. It was kind of like a refreshing old fashioned with turmeric syrup, bitters and lemon. I could have sat there and drank them all night. I convinced my friend to come early and meet me before the event, and when she finally arrived she had just as much as fun as I did. Finally, PJ was the most gracious host. Being there right when the bar first opened and having to wait on my friend, he chatted with me about the bar itself and food around the Queens area. He also informed me that some of the cocktails are his creation. They are fun and unique cocktails and I can't wait to come by and try others.

I'm between 3 and 4 but I always round up. For all the hubbub LIC gets for its restaurant, food,…read moreand nightlife scene, with a few exceptions I have found the average bar lacking. They are the sort of spots one would find exciting in 2010 NYC, or perhaps 2025 Asheville. There's certainly a scene, but the green neon sign that reads "We Be the Infamous," and their commitment to their speakeasy hidden behind another business bit makes me immediately want to run the other way. But I ordered a couple of drinks for the full experience. I got a cocktail with mezcal and pineapple syrup and an espresso martini because no other drinks really called to me. One great thing about Queens bars is that places are still inexpensive, so I'm not mad at only spending $17 on these drinks, but the creativity isn't matching the likes of Dutch Kills or 56709 up the avenue. It's totally serviceable and it seems others have a great time here, but I found the experience wholly forgettable.

I was looking for a place to hang out while waiting for a few friends to see a Broadway show…read moretogether. The Woo Woo is in the heart of the theater district, and it looked fun! I didn't realize I was stumbling into a speakeasy. Password is enforced, but easily accessible! I found myself walking into a basement, and before me was a small sex shop equipped with toys, Playboy magazines, and tapes.... LOL after the host verified the password and welcomed me in, I was prompted to go into a curtain and walk through a bookcase. The space is so fun! I loved the decorations and the lights - it was giving a very fun, silly, 80s vibe. All the tables seemed to be reserved at the time, so I sat at the bar. Service was kind, friendly, and quick! I ordered a couple of drinks and the Happiest Meal, which is basically an adult Happy Meal. It comes with a small 80s toy, a cocktail of your choice, and food. I ordered the fish tacos along with the Eye of the Tiger cocktail. The bartender was really nice and explained how the space used to be a peep show in the 80s, which is why they leaned into the bit when opening the speakeasy. And there are brunch specials and karaoke sing-alongs on the weekends, and later in the night, a DJ comes in. What a surprise - I have to come back!

Review #1,122 Posted on 10.6.26…read more We came here for some drinks after some shows on Thursday night September 16th when in town in New York for my wife's 40th birthday. This spot was a cool place for gathering. It's a dark inside atmosphere, almost like a club, but not too loud either. Speakeasy's are the hip new thing for a bit now, and this 80's themed one didn't disappoint. They kept the jams going, and got the drinks out fast, & there was plenty of space to sit too.

Amazing place. What's amazing about it? Let's start right at the top, the owner Larry. He really…read moretreats people with courtesy and respect. He makes sure everyone is having a good time, he's very accessible and gracious. The bar staff is great too and they reflect his pleasant demeanor as he would have it no other way. The drinks are always top notch. They have food as well and I'm a huge fan of their turkey chili! It's worth a trip on that alone. Wednesday nights is the Karaoke night with host Johnnyokie and it's the night to be there for sure. I should know too, since I'm there every single Wednesday!

This bar is awesome!! Great environment! Bartenders have great customer service and know how to…read moremake drinks! I've been there like 3 times and I enjoyed each time! They sometimes have a dj and I love the music he plays. They also have board games and trivia night for shows which is pretty cool...haven't gone yet but I'm sure it's fun! I would def. suggest coming to this bar. If you wanna feel comfortable and watch a game and have a few drinks and hear good music..this is the place to come to!

Queens you never let me down!!!…read more Needed to check out the Lingerie Bar Astoria's sexiest Secret - Who's bringing sexy back!! Last night the streets were packed despite the rain, Astorians were out and about with rain gear! The lingerie shop was our first stop, for some well crafted cocktails and superior service. The former retail space turned sexy speakeasy had a great play list on chill vibes for large parties or an intimate date night. Limited kitchen menu, lots of creative drinks and beer/wine menu. Large bar with plenty of seating. Comfy couches with fun/sexy decor. Great space for live music, I look forward to coming back for live entertainment. Salute to the summer of sexy !

What a fun place! We happened to be in Astoria for dinner and decided to have a drink before…read moreheading home. Found this cool speakeasy with a fake lingerie storefront. The bar does open early, so you can even pregame before dinner. The overall ambiance was great. Don't forget to check out the restroom! The cocktails we had were just OK. But the bartender's fun demeanor made it better. We did enjoy the moonshine - peach was really delicious.

O.M.C. absolutely captures the look and feel of a an old school speakeasy, even while with an open…read moredoorway facing the street. The vibe is relaxed and chill, the food is top notch, the craft cocktails are out of this world, and our Bartender / Mixologist James was the perfect host for an evening we'll never forget. What started out to be a quick drink, ended up being an entire evening lost in the best way!

A speakeasy in White Plains? I want to LOVE this place, with its inventive cocktails, velvet…read moreseating, beautiful bar. It's such a rarity here and it holds such promise. I feel like I should be wearing a black slinky dress and a fascinator, holding the arm of a gent wearing an ascot. It's fancy, but also fun here. But the MUSIC that they pipe in (I think it's Spotify, but not sure) is just wrong. During a recent visit we went from Taylor Swift to Cyndi Lauper to some other lame pop and it was just so out of place. A little jazz, or even smooth jazz, mellow pop, some R&B would make this place quite a gem. Maybe the owners will try to mix it up a bit?

Enjoyable Friday evening at the back of Wanpaku. It is truly hidden!…read more The space in the back is small but cozy. When we first arrived around 7, it was somewhat empty. By the time we left at 9, all seats were filled. I started with a non-alc that had pandan foam and it was really lovely. When my friend came, we shared the battambong fries, and the sushi-like set (3) from the bar menu. Bartender was friendly and super knowledgeable about the menu and drinks. I ended the night with the Natsu Air, light and foamy.

The Hidden Pearl is tucked away behind a Wanpaku, a ramen restaurant…read more F and I came here for some drinks before dinner elsewhere. I tried the Snap and Solace as well as the SMM (Strawberry Mezcal Martinez) and enjoyed both. F asked for a sake recommendation and liked what she got as well. Since we were going to dinner after, we didn't get much food, but ordered some pickled cucumbers to snack on. It was refreshing and flavorful. I like the vibes of this cocktail bar. It's intimate and quiet; pretty much perfect to catch up with a friend. The bartenders were friendly and provided good recommendations to us based on what we told them we were in the mood for.