Best Bars Queens: Exploring the Local Flavor at Dive Bar LIC
- Dive Bar LIC
- Sep 3
- 4 min read
Best Bars Queens, Where Local Flavor Meets Community
Queens is one of the most diverse boroughs in New York City, and its nightlife reflects that energy. When people search for the best bars in Queens, they’re not just looking for a place to drink, they’re looking for a mix of atmosphere, food, and experiences that represent the neighborhood.
From Astoria to Long Island City, Queens has no shortage of options. Some bars lean into craft cocktails, others into sports or live music. Among them, Dive Bar LIC has created a space that balances all three, making it one of the more versatile bars in the area.
Why Queens Stands Out for Nightlife
Unlike Manhattan, where nightlife can often feel rushed or expensive, Queens bars often keep things approachable. The best bars in Queens offer:
Authenticity: Spaces that reflect the neighborhood and the people who live there
Variety: Food, drinks, and music that appeal to different groups
Community: A sense that these aren’t just venues but local gathering spots
Dive Bar LIC fits neatly into this picture, with its nautical décor, Latin-inspired energy, and a menu that makes it just as much a food spot as it is a bar.
Dive Bar LIC, A Different Kind of Spot in Long Island City
Located between Astoria and Long Island City, Dive Bar LIC isn’t a fine dining restaurant or a high-end lounge. It’s straightforward, a place for food, drinks, DJs, and events. That mix makes it a natural fit for lists of the best bars Queens has to offer.
The bar has built a reputation around a few key things:
Brunch with bottomless drinks
Happy hour specials Monday to Friday
Late-night menu after 11 PM
DJs and live events on holidays and weekends
Sports watch parties for UFC, soccer, and shows like Love Island
Food That Keeps People Coming Back
What separates Dive Bar LIC from many bars is its food. While some bars in Queens focus only on drinks, Dive Bar LIC’s kitchen is open daily and offers options that appeal to both casual diners and late-night guests.
Highlights include:
Dominican Chimi Sliders with sofrito and onion rings
Fuego Chicken Quesadillas crusted with Takis Fuego
Loaded Fries topped with beef, bacon, and cheese sauce
Steak Frites and Salmon Splash for bigger plates
Late-night wings, shrimp, spring rolls, and pizza
For anyone looking at best bars Queens, food is often a deciding factor. Dive Bar LIC offers reliable dishes that balance comfort with flavor.
Brunch in Queens, A Weekend Tradition
Brunch in Queens has become an event in itself, and Dive Bar LIC is part of that trend. Every weekend from 1–4 PM, guests can enjoy dishes like:
Huevos Rancheros with ranchero sauce and Cotija cheese
Chicken & Waffles with sriracha honey
Nutella Banana Pancakes
Steak & Eggs with Pat LaFrieda beef
Paired with bottomless mimosas, sangria, or Bloody Marys, it’s not surprising why locals include Dive Bar LIC when they think about the best bars in Queens for brunch.
Happy Hour in LIC
For after-work crowds, Dive Bar LIC is a reliable choice. Monday to Friday from 5–8 PM, happy hour includes:
$9 tacos, burgers, and wings
$8 margaritas and mojitos
$5 selected beers
$35 Motion in the Ocean tequila fish bowl for groups
This balance of affordability and variety is a big reason Dive Bar LIC appeals to those searching for happy hour Queens alongside best bars Queens.
Music, DJs, and Events
Most restaurants don’t double as music venues, but many of the best bars Queens locals enjoy do. Dive Bar LIC adds energy with DJs on weekends, holiday events, and occasional live music.
Regular programming includes:
UFC fight nights
Soccer and sports screenings
Love Island watch parties
Paint & Sip nights
It’s these events that make Dive Bar LIC a hybrid, not just a place to eat, not just a bar, but a hub for entertainment.
Why Dive Bar LIC Belongs on the List of Best Bars Queens
When you combine food, drinks, entertainment, and accessibility, Dive Bar LIC checks all the boxes. It may not fit into the typical category of a restaurant or a nightclub, but that’s exactly why it appeals to so many.
For locals in Astoria and Long Island City, and for visitors exploring Queens, it’s a space that represents what makes the borough unique, diversity, flavor, and community.
Plan Your Visit
📍 Address: 33-10 36th Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11106
🕒 Hours:
Mon–Thurs: 5 PM – 2 AM
Fri: 5 PM – 4 AM
Sat–Sun: 1 PM – 4 AM
🍳 Brunch: Sat & Sun, 1–4 PM
🍹 Happy Hour: Mon–Fri, 5–8 PM
🌐 Website: DiveBarLIC.com
📞 Phone: 718-304-8154
Queens has no shortage of options for nightlife, dining, and entertainment. But when people search for the best bars in Queens, they’re often looking for places that bring all of those elements together. Dive Bar LIC does exactly that, offering food, drinks, sports, and music in a way that reflects the spirit of Long Island City.
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