Cool down with refreshing libations from some of Astoria's most creative bartenders.
When the heat index rises, it's time to head indoors and toast your significant other with a cold, refreshing cocktail. Nothing hits the spot better than being with someone you love in air-conditioned comfort while enjoying a cocktail or mocktail made with fresh fruit juices, herbs, spritzers, or premium spirits. That, my friends, is truly what life is all about. The neighborhood of Astoria, Queens, is THE place to go when you are in search of innovative menus and imaginative drink lists. Cuisine options range from Italian, French and Greek to Mexican, Peruvian and Asian. There's literally something for everyone when it comes to sampling delicious dishes. At most of these establishments, the cocktail menu showcases ingredients that reflect the heritage of the owner & head barkeep. So, it's time to think and drink globally!
Spanglish - Astoria, Queens
A newcomer to the Ditmars Blvd. restaurant and bar scene, Spanglish is the brainchild of Chef David Arias, together with his family. Chef Arias celebrates traditional Mexican cuisine in a very modern and vibrant manner. The ambiance is colorful, dazzling and very inviting. Spanglish is the kind of place that you will want to introduce to close friends and family and let them share in your little "secret". After all, culinary and cocktail magic abounds here! The waitstaff and chef Arias know a thing or two when it comes to creating an unforgettable dining experience. And the mixologists are at the top of their game.
One of the really cool things about Spanglish is their wallet-friendly special offers. Come again and again for the good times and the deals like Taco Tuesdays when all tacos are just three dollars and you can score a plate of guacamole for just seven bucks. This deal is good all day long! Then, on Margarita Wednesdays, a glass of this classic cocktail can be had for only $7 while pitchers are available for thirty bucks, so be sure to bring your friends along. Spanglish also offers a pretty nifty Bottomless Brunch every Saturday and Sunday from noon until 4 PM. The sum of $30 gets you a brunch entree plus one glorious hour of unlimited drinks.
The bar at Spanglish takes inordinate pride in the fact that ALL of their cocktails are crafted with fresh-squeezed juices and local ingredients. Perfect for Summertime sippin' is Lady Spanglish, an elixir made with Tanqueray gin, St. Germain, simple syrup, lime juice and grape juice. Wow, this one will totally cool you down. Another beat-the-heat refresher is Luna Lena, a heady mix of Jameson, lime juice, peach puree, iced tea and peach Schnapps. The ingredients of La Lorona are Absolut vodka, lime juice, triple sec and a refreshing pour of smooth pear juice. Mama Coco has a distinct tropical flavor that you will adore. A generous amount of tequila is blended with Mandarin orange juice, coconut, agave, triple sec and lime juice for a sensational taste. And, oh yes, your glass has a coconut rim. Can't get any better than that, now, right? Well, maybe it can. At least that's what your taste buds will tell you when you try the superb Henny Colada, which blends Hennessy cognac, pineapple juice and coconut cream with a bevy of Maraschino cherries.
It's never a good idea to drink on an empty stomach and at Spanglish, you won't have to. Not with succulent delights on the menu like Carne Asada Tampiquena (grilled NY steak, cheese, mole sauce, avocado, sauteed onions and poblano peppers or the Molcajete Mixto, a truly humongous platter filled with slices of skirt steak, chicken, jalapeno chorizo, spicy tomatillo sauce, tostones and queso fresco.
Location and Hours:
36-03 Ditmars Blvd.
Astoria NY 11105
(347) 808-0177
spanglishnyc.com
Hours:
Sunday to Wednesday: 12 PM to 11 PM
Thursday to Saturday : 12 PM to 3 AM
Drinkology - Astoria, Queens
This decidedly upscale, vibrant cocktail bar celebrates the art of bartending and what historians call the "Golden Age of Cocktails," which took place between the mid-Nineteenth century and the era of Prohibition / the Roaring Twenties. This was the time when many of the famous cocktails today were invented: elixirs such as the Martini, Daiquiri, and, of course, the Manhattan. In 2025, cocktail culture is alive and well at Drinkology. But their mission is so much more than merely to provide you with a premium cocktail. The team here wants to bring the community together over a shared dining and drinking experience. It's all about creating a connection amidst a visually stimulating setting, one that will get people talking. When you enter these premises, you will feel as though you've stepped into a world that blends time and space, from the classic cocktails of the old, more genteel world to the modern art style of today.
Drinkology's menu is as creative and elevated as their cocktail list. The chef's made-from-scratch Gnocchi consists of wild mushrooms, truffle butter, and a dusting of Parmesan cheese. A red wine demi-glace lends just the right note to the slow-cooked Short Ribs, which are delightfully accompanied by a light and flavorful ginger-carrot puree and asparagus. You must also try the Chicken Scampi in an addictive lemon-butter sauce with whipped potatoes and broccoli rabe.
The establishment's bartenders are always looking for new ingredients and flavor blends, so you won't be bored, no matter how many times you may visit. One of the bar's signature elixirs is the oddly named Puplin, made with Gin, Pomegranate juice, passion fruit, lemon juice and house-made saffron bitters. Remmy Style consists of a splash of vodka, Martini vermouth, lemon juice, fresh mint leaves, thin slices of ginger as a garnish and pineapple syrup. A little off-the-wall but eminently enjoyable is Tales of Drinkology, which is crafted with saffron and black pepper-infused mezcal, Campari, Amaretto liqueur, a touch of vanilla, lime juice and Limoncello foam. Just Another Sunday blends tequila and Elderflower syrup with Earl Grey bitters, lemon juice and Luxardo Maraschino. For your further refreshment, the bar offers a selection of true to form classic cocktails such as the Hemingway, Mojito, Espresso Martini, Sidecar and the much beloved Negroni.
Location and Hours:
43-04 34th Avenue
Astoria NY 11101
(917) 396-4144
drinkologynyc.com
Hours:
Monday Closed
Tuesday-Thursday 4 PM to 1 AM
Friday 4 PM to 2 AM
Saturday 3 PM to 2 AM
Sunday 3 PM to 12 AM
Ovelia - Astoria, Queens
For more than eighteen years, brothers Chris and Peter Giannakas have been providing warm hospitality and delicious reinvented Greek cuisine to both Astorians and foodies from all over the city. They've got it down to a science and that's only fitting since, before Peter followed in his parents, Gianni and Litsa's footsteps as a chef, he was a scientist. The two brothers have adopted some of the family's traditional dishes and put their own spin on them, making your stay at Ovelia a genuine culinary adventure. Your senses will be dazzled, not only by the tempting dishes that chef Peter and his team send your way from their kitchen, but by the incredible cocktails that Ovelia's mixologists craft.
When the temps heat up, the bartenders can't make enough Cucumber Rush cocktails. One taste of this magical elixir made with Ford's gin, fresh cucumber juice, ginger and lime juice and you'll know why. Continuing with the Summer refresher theme, is The Sage, a cocktail that has it all: Greek mountain tea, sage-infused vodka, honey, lemon juice and soda water. The Ovelia Sikatini is an expert blend of fig-infused Metaxa brandy, vodka and white cranberry juice. If you're a bit bored by the usual paint- by- the- numbers sangrias you get at most bars, then try Ovelia's Red Sangria. With a base of red wine and brandy, this Sangria has what you're looking for, including a shot of pineapple, orange and cranberry juices plus plenty of seasonal fruit. Also worthy of notice is Hera's Elixir, which sees Chai spice-infused bacardi blended with pear juice, brown sugar cinnamon syrup and lemon juice.
If alcohol isn't really your thing, Ovelias has got you covered with some enticing alcohol-free drinks. Foremost among them is the Mastic Lemonade made with fresh lemons, mint, honey, crushed ice and served with Mastic fondant. The Ginger Rose mixes soda water, rose water and a ginger puree with fresh agave nectar. Do as they do in the Greek Islands and quench your thirst with a Vissinada, which is a traditional carbonated sour cherry beverage.
Brunch at Ovelia is a very special experience, indeed. Again, the brothers Giannakas offer something different here. We are talking about their outrageous Baklava Pancakes. Yes, you heard that right! These tasty pancakes are made with whole wheat flour and topped with cinnamon, brown sugar, walnuts, fresh fruit and imported Greek honey. The challah bread French Toast is stuffed with whipped Greek yogurt and served with fruit and real maple syrup.
On the more savory side, you can order the Greek Breakfast (two eggs, Loukaniko (pork and herb sausage), halloumi cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers and multi-grain toast). There is also the creamy Three-Cheese and herb Omelet made with feta, halloumi and kasseri together with dill and scallions. By the way, Ovelia is now offering on weekends only a wonderful eighteen-dollar bottomless brunch. Please check their Facebook and Instagram for more information or give the friendly staff a call to make reservations. Ovelia has both indoor and outdoor seating for your dining pleasure.
Location and Hours:
34-01 30th Avenue
Astoria NY 11103
( 718) 721-7217
ovelianyc.com
Hours:
Monday 5 PM to 10 PM
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday &
Thursday 5 PM to 10 PM
Friday 5 PM to 11 PM
Saturday 11 AM to 11 PM
Sunday 11 AM to 10 PM
Amylos Taverna - Astoria, Queens
This snazzy, chic version of a traditional Greek island taverna occupies the space that once was home to the much-loved Uncle George's for many years. So, the team at Amylos has a lot to live up to. We want you to know that they have done a great job honoring the gastronomical memories that most Astoria residents have of Uncle George's. That having been said, though, there is a HUGE difference between the old school checkerboard table cloth coverings at Uncle George's and the refined, upscale decor that greets you at Amylos. Not to mention the glass-enclosed side dining area, which, during the nice weather, transforms itself into an outdoor cafe, courtesy of sliding floor-to-ceiling window panes.
The menu elevates Greek comfort dishes that you know and love, transforming them into works of art that look too pretty to eat. And, they happen to taste great! If you've ever dined in Athens or the surrounding environs, you've most likely enjoyed a dish of Papoutsaki. Guaranteed, though, your palate has never been dazzled quite like it will be at Amylos. The chef stuffs perfectly cooked eggplant with caramelized onions, zucchini and potatoes, then tops it all with a light tomato sauce, leeks and coconut cream. Another fantastic dish is the Greek Pappardelle with cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, basil, herbs and a goat cheese mousse. Not to be missed is the Grilled Wild Salmon served with Beluga lentil salad and a sauce composed of yogurt and beets.
The bar offers an inviting selection of imported Greek wines and a great selection of spirits and beer. However, when you dine here, you do NOT want to miss out on trying one of their innovative and delicious cocktails. No matter how hot it is outside, your thirst will be quenched when you sip Yiamas, a cocktail made with Don Julio tequila, fresh as can be watermelon juice, blackberries and organic agave. Mykonos beach vibes are headed your way when you sit back and sip the Super Paradise Mule, a blend of pear vodka, passion fruit juice, ginger, spices and Elderflower liqueur. The effervescent Lychee Spritz brings Prosecco together with lychee, gin, St. Germaine and ginger. You'll certainly sing the praises of Ode, a cocktail with smoky mezcal, passion fruit and a paprika and salt rim on your glass. Amerena cherry juice and bourbon are the base ingredients for the Sophist. an unforgettable elixir.
Location and Hours:
33-19 Broadway
Astoria NY 11106
(718) 215-0228
amylos.com
Hours:
Sunday to Thursday 12 PM to 11 PM
Friday & Saturday 12 PM to 11:30 PM
Maggie Hall's - Astoria, Queens
This Victorian-era pub promises a ton of fun for everyone. For starters, the ambiance is perfect for a romantic date night. The lights are low and the old-world decor is just what the doctor ordered to gain a respite from the hustle and bustle of 2025 NYC. To top things off, the bartenders are actually friendly in a low-key, unobtrusive way. They will happily explain the ingredients of the different cocktails to you and, if you're in the mood for something that isn't on the menu, they will do their best to make the elixir for you. Maggie Hall's offers a top-notch Happy Hour where customers receive $2 off EVERYTHING on the menu until 7 PM. On Wednesdays, a glass of house wine comes in at just seven dollars. Each and every Thursday evening from 8 until 11 PM, the pub presents live music featuring some of Astoria's finest musicians and singers. Every month, you can also look forward to a wide variety of events, including trivia nights, paint and sip get-togethers and candle-making workshops. Beat the heat and make plans to seek refuge within the cozy confines of Maggie Hall's!
Now, let's get to their stellar cocktail list. We'll kick things off with the whimsical Frisky Whiskey, a potent concoction that's made with Roe & Company whiskey, St.James spiced pear syrup and lemon juice. The next cocktail offering may have an old-time name, but it is strictly contemporary in terms of flavor and ingredients, with Yellowstone bourbon being a nod to the days of yore. In addition to bourbon, 1888's other ingredients are Meletti amaro, Lillet Rouge and grapefruit bitters. Another premium spirit, Bowling & Burch gin is the highlight of Blue Shutters, a drink that also incorporates Rocky's Botanical Liquor, blackberry juice, lemon juice and cinnamon vanilla syrup. Ella's Fave consists of basil-infused rum, honey, lemon juice, Tiki, orange bitters and Amerpelle apertivo.
Location and Hours:
34-06 30th Avenue
Astoria NY 11103
maggiehalls.com
Hours:
Monday 4 PM to 1:30 AM
Tuesday to Friday 4 PM to 4 AM
Saturday & Sunday 2 PM to 4 AM