Dutch Kills New York
Upholding cocktail culture in Queens
Dutch Kills isn't a speakeasy, but the unmarked, industrial-style door on a quiet stretch of Jackson Avenue in Long Island City is intentional. They're not hiding that one of the best bars in the city is on the other side of the door, and they're not publicizing it, either.
It was the strategy of the late Sasha Petraske, who opened the bar in 2009 before tragically dying in 2015. In his lifetime, he received credit for singlehandedly reviving cocktail culture and making it what it is today. You can experience the fancy trends he revived at Dutch Kills, such as cucumber slices in water glasses and crystal-clear Hundredweight ice in the cocktails.
My favorite thing about the bar (aside from incredible cocktails) is that it continues Sacha's tradition of going against the grain of crowded, noisy bars. Entry to the small space is only for those willing to seek out the entrance (but there are no passwords for those who find it; everyone is welcome).
There's a cocktail menu (the Whiskey Fix served on crushed ice is my favorite), but it's the kind of bar where you should go off-menu. The bartenders here are all incredibly skilled in making you something based on your favorite flavor or spirit. After telling them I like gin and tonic, but wanted to try something new, they served me my favorite drink of all time. It's called "Stay Up Late," made with gin, Cognac, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water. Cheers.
Find your way with 304 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in New York
Silvana
Live music, café, boutique
"Silvana" is a large cafe, boutique, shawarma and falafel bar in NYC that also offers live music performances on their downstairs stage. Great acts!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Mo's Famous Burgers
Hamburger Food Truck
The menu is simple: hamburgers, French fries & toppings. No over-the-top ingredients, no superfluous adjectives, and high-value food at rock-bottom prices.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Elizabeth Street Garden
Sculpture garden NoLita
"Elizabeth Street Garden" New York: formerly the site of a large, important school house, it was reclaimed in the '90s and turned into a sculpture garden.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
UWS Phone Booth
Last payphone booth
One block away from a 21st century LinkNYC WiFi tower on Broadway sits one of three West End Avenue working telephone 'booths', the last in NYC...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Anthony & Son
Old-school sandwich shop
After, "Anthony & Son" Panini Shoppe's Italian-style super-sandwiches, no regular New York sandwich will ever taste as good again...
by
Nick
Papa
Montero's
Quirky Brooklyn dive bar
"Montero's" (est. 1939) in New York is one of the weirdest bars I've ever visited, in the best way possible; it takes you back to working-class Brooklyn...
by
Nick
Papa
Conference House
Pre-Revolutionary history
The "Conference House" in New York is a perfect place to escape modern life if you're interested in what life was like in the 1600s...
by
Paula
Ryszkiewicz
Hunter's Point Library
Waterfront reading room
"Hunter's Point Library" in New York, on Long Island City's waterfront, is definitely for you if you're a fan of books, architecture and skyline views!
by
Paula
Ryszkiewicz
Bund on Broadway
Soup dumplings
"Bund on Broadway" is one of the most popular restaurants on Astoria's restaurant row in New York. I always go straight fo the famous pork soup dumplings.
by
Paula
Ryszkiewicz
Jajaja Plantas Mexicana
Vegan Mexican food
"Jajaja Plantas Mexicana" in New York is a creative joint that has vegan versions of traditional Mexican food. It's delicious, affordable & healthy!
by
Victoria
Yang
Star Polish Bakery
Best mak
"Star Polish Bakery" in New York makes the best Polish desserts and cakes, especially the makowiec. Here they make it exactly the way I like it...
by
Paula
Ryszkiewicz
Vite Vinosteria
My special occasion spot
"Vite Vinosteria" in New York is the Italian restaurant where, ever since I moved to Astoria, I've celebreated nearly every birthday & anniversary...
by
Paula
Ryszkiewicz
Heading to New York?
304 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to New York?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 304 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Bars
Our team loves New York
Get to know our other Spotters from New York
As featured on:
