Every neighborhood has its own characteristics and what makes it unique are the small watering holes and shops that only the locals know about. Those places truly capture the essence of a town and Long Island City is no different. Within this growing city, there are places that the locals are most familiar with. These are the places you can trust to get the best food and atmosphere form.
If you’ve recently moved to Long Island City, it’s safe to say you’re not that familiar with the area yet. No worries though! Let us guide you to some of the hot spots in LIC.
Having existed for a hundred years now, the LIC Bar is the local watering hole for the neighborhood. It’s a wonderfully antique bar with tin ceilings, brick walls and a bar still made of wood. Outside is a beautifully kept garden. LIC Bar has a very cool and laid-back feel to it—no need to dress up. Whether you’re unwinding after work or hanging out with friends, this familiar atmosphere is perfect for you. Not to mention you get a great view of the Manhattan skyscrapers. Come on Sundays for musicians or Thursdays for Quiz Nights.
Sweetleaf Coffee & Espresso Bar
Sweetleaf is perfect if you are looking for an intimate, yet laid-back location. It is a quaint little shop with wooden counters wooden tables, and tine walls, it retains a vintage feel. It is the second espresso bar in NYC to serve Stumptown coffee. Everything in Sweetleaf is homemade. From the variety of coffees to the cakes and variety of sweets, you never have to worry about things like chemicals and preservatives. It’s the perfect place for a mid-afternoon break with some friends and some intelligent conversation.
M. Wells started out as one of the hottest dining locations in the area. However, in 2011, they closed because their lease ran out. That being said, the owners of M.Wells paired up with MoMA PS1 and created an eatery within the museum. You can look at it as a museum canteen, but it is so much more than that. Its décor may not look like much, but its food is on another level. You can’t find your regular Coke and burgers here. Instead, they have champagne, oysters, and Bi Bim Well, a twist on a traditional Korean dish. M. Wells serves all types of food, created by their chef, Dufour. This is for a five-star meal in an unlikely location.
Tournesol
Tournesol is another great eatery in LIC to check out. Specializing in southwestern French cuisine, they have made an art out of food. People travel all the way from Manhattan to taste their homemade fois grais terrine. If you have a more classic palate, try their steak frites. After all, who doesn’t love steak?
For a classic European café feel, try Café Henri. Brightly lit with lively saturated colors of blue, yellow, and red, it is impossible not to fall in love with the place. Try their menu of soups and sandwiches for the perfect lunch combination. They also have salads and crepes and quiches. Monday nights call for a live jazz band. Fun, energetic, yet relaxed. This is one of those places you never fall out of love with.