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The Beast Next Door
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
The Beast Next Door
8.4
A New American small-plates spot that rewards decisive ordering and a shareable spread rather than solo mains. The best experience is built around contrast—one richer plate, one bright/acid-driven bite, and something crisp to reset the palate.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal small plates, Chef’s daily specials, Shareable starters
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: New American small plates designed for sharing and pacing.
Who should go: Date nights and groups that like to share plates
When to visit: Early dinner for the calmest service rhythm
What to order: 2–3 small plates, one special, one bright starter
Insider tip: Build contrast—one rich plate, one bright plate, one crispy plate.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive around Queens Plaza; paid garages are nearby and are the most reliable option after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy—jeans are fine if styled well, but most guests lean polished for night outings.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is easy at the table, but the room has an energetic buzz.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—dinner-focused spot
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetable-forward small plates and sides work well for a full vegetarian spread.
Vegan options: Limited—usually 1–2 items that can be ordered as-is or with minor adjustments.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free plates available, but cross-contamination is possible—best to flag when ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—shared plates create natural conversation, and the polished-but-not-stuffy vibe works well for first impressions.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes early in the evening or on weeknights; after 7pm on weekends, reservations are strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—this is an adult-oriented dining room geared toward dates and groups rather than families with kids.
Best For
Better for: Shareable, chef-driven small plates and a stylish night-out atmosphere compared to more traditional American dining rooms.
Skip if: You want a quiet, low-key meal or large individual entrées—this experience is built around pacing and sharing.
The Beast Next Door
7.8
A French-leaning cocktail bar with a raw bar backbone, where oysters and curated bites turn drinks into a proper night out. It’s “fine dining adjacent” in the way that matters here: sharp hospitality, tight execution, and a room built for long conversations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oysters (happy hour when available), Charcuterie + cheeses, Gourmet sandwiches
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: A cocktail-first room where oysters and bites complete the night.
Who should go: After-work drinkers who still want real food
When to visit: Happy hour or late night for peak energy
What to order: Oysters, charcuterie, one signature cocktail
Insider tip: Treat it like a ‘snack dinner’—order in waves, not all at once.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited and competitive after 6pm. Rideshare or walking from Court Square is easier.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—jeans are fine, but polished tops or jackets fit the room.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—easy to converse early, louder later at night.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially during happy hour and late evening
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—this is primarily an evening bar and dinner spot
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—small plates, salads, and some bar snacks work well
Vegan options: Limited—possible with selective ordering, but not the focus
Gluten-free options: Yes—raw bar items and several small plates are naturally gluten-free
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—cocktails and oysters create natural pacing and conversation without committing to a full formal dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights or earlier in the evening; weekends are tighter, so expect a short wait or bar seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—this is a cocktail-forward, late-night room best suited for adults.
Best For
Better for: Cocktail-led nights where food enhances the experience rather than dominating it—stronger hospitality and pacing than most neighborhood bars.
Skip if: You’re looking for a full, multi-course fine dining meal or a quiet, early evening dinner setting.
The Beast Next Door
7.8
A cocktail-first room with a raw-bar backbone, where oysters and curated bites turn drinks into a proper night out. Best for celebrations that want energy and conversation more than a full multi-course dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oysters, Charcuterie, Signature cocktail
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: A cocktail bar where oysters and bites make it a real night out.
Who should go: After-work crews who still want food
When to visit: Happy hour or late night
What to order: Oysters, charcuterie, one cocktail
Insider tip: Treat it like snack dinner—order in waves, not all at once.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability and gets tight after 6pm. Rideshare or walking from nearby transit is easiest.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—jeans are fine, but a polished top or jacket fits the room better.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—easy to talk early, louder as the night goes on.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours without a reservation, faster late night
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—this spot is best treated as evening-focused
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—limited small plates and sides, but not a full meal without mixing a few items.
Vegan options: Very limited—this is not the best choice for strict vegan dining.
Gluten-free options: Yes—oysters, select small plates, and cocktails can work; ask the staff to confirm.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially if you want conversation, drinks, and shared bites without the pressure of a long formal dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially early evening or late night. Peak happy hour can mean a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—this is an adult, cocktail-driven room best for 21+ nights out.
Best For
Better for: Cocktail-forward nights with oysters and snacks where energy and conversation matter more than a full multi-course meal.
Skip if: You want a traditional sit-down dinner, extensive vegetarian options, or a quiet, early evening experience.
The Beast Next Door
7.7
A cocktail-first room that doubles as a snack-dinner spot, with a covered outdoor setup that works well for conversation-heavy nights. It’s not a destination meal—it's where you go when drinks matter and the food supports the hang.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oysters, Charcuterie board, House cocktail
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Cocktails lead, oysters and bites keep it from being drinks-only.
Who should go: After-work crews who still want food
When to visit: Happy hour or late night
What to order: Oysters, charcuterie, one signature cocktail
Insider tip: Order in waves—start small, then add bites as the night builds.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; manageable early evening but tight after 7pm. Rideshare is easier late.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but most people lean polished for cocktails.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—easy conversation early, louder as the night goes on.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, shorter if you’re flexible with outdoor seating.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—primarily an evening and late-night spot.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—small plates and sides make it workable, though choices are limited.
Vegan options: Very limited—best for drinks with a light snack rather than a full meal.
Gluten-free options: Some options available, but cross-contact is possible; ask the staff for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially if you want drinks-forward energy and easy conversation rather than a formal dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, particularly early evening or late night; outdoor tables turn over quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—this is an adult, cocktail-focused environment best for 21+ crowds.
Best For
Better for: Cocktail-driven hangs with food that supports the night rather than stealing focus.
Skip if: You’re looking for a full, sit-down dinner or a quiet, early-evening meal.
The Beast Next Door
8.2
A cocktail-first room that doubles as a snack-dinner spot, where oysters and curated bites keep the night from becoming drinks-only. It’s strongest when you treat it like a long hang—start small, keep ordering in waves, and let the bar set the tempo.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oysters, Charcuterie, One signature cocktail
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Cocktails lead, oysters and bites make it a full night.
Who should go: After-work crews who still want food
When to visit: Happy hour into late night
What to order: Oysters, charcuterie, a signature cocktail
Insider tip: Order in waves—don’t place the full food order upfront.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; manageable earlier in the evening but tight after 7pm. Ride-share is the easiest option.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—jeans are fine, but this is a heels-and-button-down kind of room.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is easy early, louder later as the bar fills.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm
Weekday lunch: No lunch service—opens in the evening
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable—snacks, sides, and some small plates
Vegan options: Very limited—best for drinks rather than a full meal
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free options like oysters; cross-contact possible
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially if drinks are the focus. The pacing encourages conversation, and you can keep food light without committing to a full dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes early or late. Peak hours mean waiting, but bar seating turns over steadily if you’re flexible.
Is it kid-friendly? No—this is an adult, cocktail-driven space best suited for evenings without kids.
Best For
Better for: Cocktail-led nights where food supports the hang rather than dominates it; ideal for dates, after-work drinks, and girls’ nights.
Skip if: You want a full, structured dinner or need strong dietary accommodations—choose a restaurant-first spot instead.
The Beast Next Door
8.3
A dim, cocktail-forward bar that doubles as a late-night small-plates move when you want something more composed than diner food without the full dinner arc. The best nights here are paced: start with oysters or a sharable bite, then let one or two bar snacks carry you through a second round.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oysters (happy hour), Potato croquettes, Charcuterie board
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Cocktail-bar energy with legit late-night bites and oysters.
Who should go: Dates and friends who want drinks plus food
When to visit: After 10pm for the best vibe
What to order: Oysters, potato croquettes, charcuterie
Insider tip: Use happy hour oysters as your food anchor, then build around it.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited and competitive after 8pm, rideshare recommended late.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—nice jeans are fine, but this is more cocktail bar than dive.
Noise level: Moderate to moderately loud—conversation is possible, but expect bar energy later at night.
Weekend wait: 20–40 min after 9pm without a reservation; bar seating turns faster.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—opens evenings only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—small plates like croquettes, cheeses, and bar snacks work well.
Vegan options: Limited—can snack lightly, but not a full meal destination.
Gluten-free options: Partial—oysters and some small plates are naturally gluten-free, but no dedicated prep.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—low lighting, strong cocktails, and shareable bites create an easy, intimate pace without committing to a full dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes late—bar seating is the move, and tables usually open as the night progresses.
Is it kid-friendly? No—this is an adult-focused cocktail bar best for 21+ late-night outings.
Best For
Better for: Late-night dates or friends who want cocktails plus real food, not just snacks.
Skip if: You want a full dinner menu, quiet conversation, or a casual, kid-friendly setting.
The Beast Next Door
8.2
A relaxed neighborhood bar-cafe that punches above its weight at happy hour, especially if you like a “drink plus something salty” routine. The raw bar and cocktail list make it feel more intentional than most casual stops in the area.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oysters, Gold Crush cocktail, Charcuterie board
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A calm bar-cafe with raw bar energy and happy hour deals.
Who should go: Oyster-and-cocktail people after work
When to visit: Weekdays early evening for best value
What to order: Oysters, a house-standard cocktail, charcuterie
Insider tip: Start with oysters, then pick one cocktail from the house standards list.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; usually manageable before 7pm but can get tight later in the evening.
Dress code: Casual but intentional—jeans are fine, just don’t show up sloppy.
Noise level: Moderate—lively enough to feel social, but you can still hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak evening hours without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically; happy hour seating is usually available early.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—small plates, sides, and some shareable options work well.
Vegan options: Limited—mostly snacks or modified small plates.
Gluten-free options: Yes—raw bar items and select plates are naturally gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it’s relaxed, low-pressure, and feels more thoughtful than a standard bar, which makes conversation easy without feeling stiff.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially during early happy hour; later evenings may require a short wait or bar seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—this is more of an adult-focused bar-cafe with a raw bar and cocktail emphasis.
Best For
Better for: Happy hour drinks paired with oysters or salty snacks in a calm, neighborhood setting.
Skip if: You’re looking for a full dinner menu or a high-energy party bar vibe.