There’s nothing quite like St. Paddy’s Day in Queens, from pub crawls to lively parades. What makes it even better is getting a drink and some eats before, during or after the parade.
“You don’t have to be Irish to love St. Paddy’s Day, especially if you celebrate in multicultural Queens. The borough hosts a few fun parades, teeming with great bars full of active participants,” Queens Tourism Council Director Rob MacKay said.
And when it comes to their favorite neighborhood taverns and gastropubs, many agree that the more old-school, the better. Here are some suggestions:
Donovan’s Pub
5724 Roosevelt Ave., Woodside
With good food at fair prices, Donovan’s Pub has become the gathering place for everything from a quick drink to large family gatherings celebrating life since 1966.
Cronin and Phelan’s
38-14 Broadway, Astoria
Astoria’s longest-standing, traditional Irish pub offers an extensive menu featuring some of the best pub fare, daily specials and classic Irish eats.
Maggie Mae’s Bar
41-15 Queens Blvd., Sunnyside
Intimate neighborhood spot with a warm, rustic vibe. Enjoy unique cocktails and craft tap beers.
BQE Billiards & Bar
70-02 34th Ave., Jackson Heights
This popular spot offers a warm, friendly atmosphere conducive to socializing with old friends and meeting new ones. They have one of the most extensive restaurant menus of any pool hall in the Jackson Heights, Corona and Woodside neighborhoods of Queens, along with a full drinks menu, including imported beers and wines, whiskeys and liqueurs. The restaurant is open until 2 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends. The bar is open until 4 a.m.
The Beerkeeper
58-15 Woodside Ave., Woodside
Great selection of over 20 craft beers on tap; cocktails, too. Come by and celebrate after the St. Pat’s for All parade, kicking off March 5, or anytime!
The Ridgewood Ale House
57-38 Myrtle Ave., Ridgewood
Check out this spacious bar offering wood-fired pizza, sandwiches and breakfast/brunch, with TVs and karaoke.
Dive Bar LIC
Gastropub. 33-10 36th Ave., Long Island City
Laid-back hangout whipping up finger foods, burgers, pizza, cocktails and happy hour specials.
Yerman’s Irish Pub
70-26 88th St., Ridgewood
Roomy local tavern offers various tap beers and tasty pub eats. Enjoy a game of darts or karaoke and trivia. Come as a stranger, leave as a friend.
Irish Rover
37-18 28th Ave., Long Island City
Old-school corner Irish bar featuring draft beers, sports on TV, darts and trivia nights.
The Quays Pub
45-02 30th Ave., Astoria
Classic Irish bar with imported/domestic beers and a friendly vibe.
Bridie’s Bar & Grill
63-28 Woodhaven Blvd., Rego Park
Vintage American eatery and weekend brunch spot. It also offers hearty global pub grub – in an old-fashioned setting, with sports on TV.
Let’s raise a glass and celebrate the luck of the Irish with fellow merrymakers, and here’s hoping you’ll find that pot o’ gold at the end of a Queens rainbow!
Editor’s note: The preceding is for informational purposes only; the locations were chosen at random by the author.
