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Best Happy Hour Restaurants in Long Island City (11101)

10 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked

Last Updated: January 2026

Our Top Pick
Dutch Kills
A true craft-cocktail bar that stays strong late into the night.

Notable Picks

$$ Dutch Kills
A craft-cocktail institution that runs on precision: cold glassware, balanced builds, and a calm-but-buzzy room that feels purpose-built for after-work decompression. Happy hour works best when you treat it like a “one great drink, one great conversation” stop that can easily turn into a longer night.
Must-Try Dishes: Hendu’s hero sandwiches (in-house pop-up), Deviled eggs, Classic cocktails (house builds)
What makes it special: A true craft-cocktail bar that stays strong late into the night.
8.4
$$$ Hunters Point
A polished Peruvian kitchen with a brunch-adjacent midday rhythm: come here when you want chef-driven plates and cocktails instead of the usual eggs-and-bacon loop. Best when you order like a small feast—one ceviche, one hot grill item, and a starch anchor to round it out.
Must-Try Dishes: Ceviche mixto, Grilled octopus, Lomo saltado
What makes it special: Peruvian-forward plates and pisco cocktails that feel “brunch-plus.”
$$ Dutch Kills
A New American small-plates spot that rewards decisive ordering and a shareable spread rather than solo mains. The best experience is built around contrast—one richer plate, one bright/acid-driven bite, and something crisp to reset the palate.
Must-Try Dishes: Seasonal small plates, Chef’s daily specials, Shareable starters
What makes it special: New American small plates designed for sharing and pacing.
8.2
$$ Long Island City
A pizza-forward Italian spot with big ceilings, a full bar, and a backyard that makes it feel like a neighborhood hangout with room to breathe. The move is to treat it as a pizza-and-a-few-plates night, leaning into the pies and letting the bar carry the pacing.
Must-Try Dishes: Neapolitan-style pizza, Pesto pasta, Panna cotta
What makes it special: Pizza-first Italian with a big bar and a standout backyard space.
$$ Hunters Point
A neighborhood craft-beer anchor that does the rare thing: the food holds its own alongside the taps, so happy hour can turn into an actual meal. The room is casual and lived-in, built for repeat visits rather than special occasions.
Must-Try Dishes: Scotch egg, Irish sausage roll, Fried pickles
What makes it special: A beer-led spot where the bar food is genuinely worth ordering.

Worthy Picks

$$ Hunters Point
A taproom built for groups and casual hangouts, where happy hour energy comes from big tables, fresh pours, and a steady stream of regulars. It’s not a cocktail spot—it’s for people who want beer-first decisions and a relaxed pace.
Must-Try Dishes: Beer flight, Hazy IPA pour, Seasonal sour
What makes it special: A spacious, dog-friendly taproom that pairs well with food pop-ups and takeout.
$$ Court Square
A craft-brewery taproom with indoor-outdoor spillover that feels especially easy during happy hour—order at the bar, grab a table, and let the plaza energy do the work. Best for casual meetups where the goal is a couple pints and zero fuss.
Must-Try Dishes: IPA flight, Light lager pour, Seasonal draft special
What makes it special: Covered outdoor seating and a dog-welcoming culture that makes long hangs easy.
$$ Court Square
A cocktail-forward speakeasy-style bar where happy hour is less about volume and more about getting a well-built drink in a moodier setting. It’s a strong pick when you want a change of pace from the brighter after-work rooms nearby.
Must-Try Dishes: The Godfather cocktail, Casablanca cocktail, Desperado cocktail
What makes it special: A speakeasy-leaning cocktail bar with a darker, quieter mood.
$$$ Court Square
A rooftop-first happy hour play with skyline views and a party-leaning soundtrack—best used as a pregame stop when you want atmosphere to do the heavy lifting. Go for the view, keep the order simple, and treat it as a scene more than a culinary destination.
Must-Try Dishes: House cocktail, Martini, Beer special
What makes it special: A rooftop lounge where the skyline is the main attraction.
$ Hunters Point
A ramshackle, locals-first watering hole where happy hour is about straightforward deals, low-pressure vibes, and staying longer than you planned. Best for unpretentious drinks and simple bar food that fits the “one more round” rhythm.
Must-Try Dishes: Buffalo wings, Nachos, Quesadilla
What makes it special: Happy hour wings and cheap drinks in a true locals bar.