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IYKYK
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
IYKYK
8.3
IYKYK is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar in Downtown Flushing serving American comfort bites with Asian touches—think double smash burgers, truffle fries, and lumpia alongside signature drinks. It’s become a go-to for late-night dates and small groups who want bar food that’s more curated than typical pub fare.
Must-Try Dishes:
Haoban8 Double Smash Burger + Fries, Truffle Salt Fries, Surf and Turf Lumpia
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A hidden cocktail lounge where creative drinks meet upgraded bar bites.
Who should go: Cocktail fans craving burgers and small plates at night
When to visit: Evenings after 7pm for full bar vibe and kitchen
What to order: Haoban8 Double Smash Burger, Truffle Salt Fries, Surf and Turf Lumpia
Insider tip: Hit happy hour early for discounted cocktails and small bites.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited after 6pm; nearby paid garages along 37th Ave and Prince St are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning trendy; people often dress up a bit for photos and the speakeasy vibe.
Noise level: Lively but manageable—conversation is possible at smaller tables, louder near the bar late at night.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation, especially after 8pm.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—primarily an evenings-and-late-night venue with no lunch service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few solid options like truffle fries and veggie-friendly small plates.
Vegan options: Very limited—mostly sides; core dishes lean meat-heavy.
Gluten-free options: Some small plates can be adapted, but there is no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, strong cocktails, and shareable bites create an intimate but energetic setting that helps break the ice without feeling too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weekdays before 8pm; weekends are tougher and standing room by the bar is common. Arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal. It’s a cocktail-focused, late-night environment without kids' menus or family-oriented seating. Best suited for adults 21+.
Best For
Better for: Creative cocktails, speakeasy ambiance, and elevated bar bites that feel more curated than the typical Flushing pub lineup.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, large-format entrées, or a fully vegetarian/vegan-friendly menu—this spot leans loud, social, and indulgent.
IYKYK
8.3
IYKYK is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar in Downtown Flushing where a double smash burger quietly anchors a menu of Asian-inspired bar snacks. The space is dim, intimate, and cocktail-first, but the burger has become a draw in its own right for guests pairing it with martinis and highballs.
Must-Try Dishes:
IYKYK Double Smash Burger, IYKYK Smash Burger with Fries, Land and Sea Lumpia
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Hidden speakeasy bar known as much for its smash burger as its cocktails.
Who should go: Burger lovers who also care about serious cocktails and ambiance.
When to visit: Early evenings for easier seats and a slower-paced bar.
What to order: Double smash burger with half truffle salt fries, signature cocktails, lumpia.
Insider tip: Plan to split the burger and a few small plates so you can explore more of the menu without overordering.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Roosevelt Avenue and nearby side streets is possible but tight after 6pm; closest paid garage options are within a 5–7 minute walk near Main Street.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but most guests lean semi-dressy due to the speakeasy vibe.
Noise level: Moderate; music-forward but still easy to have a conversation at the bar or a two-top.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes for bar seats; small tables may require up to an hour during peak cocktail hours.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable, as IYKYK operates primarily evenings; early weekday evenings usually have open seats.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—most offerings are burger- or meat-forward; expect 1–2 small-plate options.
Vegan options: Minimal—menu is not designed for vegan diners, and no dedicated vegan substitutes are available.
Gluten-free options: Some snacks may be adaptable, but the signature burger is not gluten-free; no separate prep environment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the dim lighting, intimate seating, and strong cocktail program make it an easy win for a first date, especially if you want a relaxed but polished environment.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually—arriving before 7pm improves your chances. After peak hours, expect bar seats to turn faster than tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal—this is a cocktail-first speakeasy with a late-night vibe and no kid-oriented menu or seating.
Best For
Better for: Cocktail-forward burger nights where ambiance matters—its smash burger pairs especially well with martinis and higher-end drinks.
Skip if: You want a large-format meal, broad menu variety, or family-friendly setting; other burger specialists in Flushing offer more expansive food menus and casual layouts.
IYKYK
8.2
Hidden above street level, IYKYK pairs cocktails with some of the neighborhood’s most talked-about truffle and seasoned fries. The space leans more lounge than diner, making its fries a polished snack or shareable plate rather than fast-food afterthought.
Must-Try Dishes:
Truffle Salt Fries, Garlic Parmesan Fries, Short Rib Sliders with Fries
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Cocktail bar where elevated truffle fries share top billing with drinks.
Who should go: Groups wanting cocktails, music, and shareable fries.
When to visit: Weekend evenings for peak energy without late chaos.
What to order: Truffle Salt Fries, garlic parm fries, sliders.
Insider tip: Sit near the bar for faster refills and hotter fries.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 38th Ave and Union St is limited; nearby garages in the Tangram and SkyView complexes usually have paid availability.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning stylish; guests often dress for photos and cocktails, but elevated jeans work.
Noise level: Moderate-to-loud during peak nights; conversation is doable at smaller tables but leans buzzy around the bar.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially after 8pm.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable; venue opens later and typically has short waits early evening.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several fry variants and small plates are meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited — fries can be made without cheese, but seasoning and sauces vary; ask staff for ingredient details.
Gluten-free options: Partial — standard fries are gluten-free, but cross-contact is likely due to shared fryers.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the hidden-lounge setting, cocktails, and elevated fries create a polished atmosphere that feels special without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes if you arrive early evening; prime weekend hours typically require a short wait, but bar seating turns over fastest.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal — the vibe leans adult lounge with cocktails and dim lighting; older teens may fit in, but there are no kid-focused options or amenities.
Best For
Better for: Stylish nights out where fries act as upscale bar snacks paired with cocktails and a social, photo-friendly atmosphere.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, large portions at budget pricing, or family-oriented seating; competitors with fuller menus or brighter dining rooms may suit you better.
IYKYK
8.8
IYKYK is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar tucked above Farrington Street that has quietly become one of Flushing’s most talked-about night spots. The bar program gets the headlines, but the dry-aged IYKYK Double Smash Burger has earned its own following as a serious late-night burger in a polished, lounge-like setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
IYKYK Double Smash Burger, Truffle Salt Fries, DTF Grilled Oysters
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 9.1
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 9.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Hidden speakeasy where a dry-aged double smash burger anchors the late-night food menu.
Who should go: Burger lovers who also care about cocktails and ambiance.
When to visit: Late evenings and weekend nights, especially after 10pm.
What to order: IYKYK Double Smash Burger, truffle salt fries, DTF grilled oysters.
Insider tip: Book a later reservation on weekends so you can catch the room at full energy and still order the smash burger before the kitchen closes.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Farrington Street and nearby side streets is limited at night; expect difficulty after 7pm. Private garages along 39th Ave and Prince St typically have space and run $10–$18 for the evening.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning stylish; most guests dress for a night out. Jeans are fine, but elevate with a nicer top or jacket to fit the speakeasy vibe.
Noise level: Moderate-to-loud as the night progresses; early evenings allow conversation, but after 10pm the room shifts toward a high-energy lounge atmosphere.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation after 9pm; bar seats may open faster but fill quickly.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable since the venue operates evenings only; early weekday nights rarely have a wait before 8pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited; fries and select small plates are available but the menu leans meat-forward.
Vegan options: Very limited; guests seeking substantial vegan options should plan alternatives.
Gluten-free options: Partial accommodation; cocktails are safe, and some items can be adjusted, but the smash burger and most bar bites contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The speakeasy setting, curated cocktails, and polished lighting create a strong first-date environment. It’s intimate before 10pm and more electric afterward—ideal depending on the vibe you want.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly, but timing matters. Early evenings on weekdays often have walk-in availability, while weekends after 9pm almost always require a reservation or a wait at the bar.
Is it kid-friendly? No. As a cocktail-driven speakeasy with a late-night crowd, it’s best suited for adults 21+ and not appropriate for children.
Best For
Better for: Late-night burgers in an upscale cocktail lounge setting, higher-quality spirits, and a more curated ambiance than typical burger-focused spots in the area.
Skip if: You want a fast, casual, budget-friendly burger; you prefer quiet dining rooms; or you need substantial vegetarian or gluten-free options.
IYKYK
8.0
Set above The One Boutique Hotel, MOON BAR Rooftop runs nightly buy-one-get-one cocktail happy hour against LED lights and skyline views. The menu leans into sliders, fried chicken, and fries, making it a social spot for casual bar bites and drinks before or after dinners nearby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef sliders, Buttermilk fried chicken sandwich, Parmesan fries
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Rooftop bar with nightly BOGO cocktail happy hour and cityline views.
Who should go: Friends groups planning drinks-first nights out.
When to visit: 5–8pm BOGO window for maximum happy hour value.
What to order: Beef sliders, fried chicken sandwich, shared fries with rounds.
Insider tip: Arrive on the earlier side of happy hour to snag outdoor tables before they fill.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking on Northern Blvd and nearby side streets; garage parking available in The One Boutique Hotel for a fee.
Dress code: Smart casual with a nightlife lean; jeans are fine but most groups dress up for photos and rooftop ambience.
Noise level: Loud during peak happy hour and night sessions; expect energetic music and conversation that requires raised voices.
Weekend wait: 25–45 minutes during prime happy hour hours, especially for outdoor seating.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable as the rooftop operates primarily evenings; early weekday evenings typically have minimal wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few options like fries, sides, and occasional veggie-forward small plates, but not a wide selection.
Vegan options: Very limited; fries may be the only reliably vegan option depending on preparation.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free menu; some items may work but cross-contact is likely in a bar kitchen setup.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a casual, high-energy first date where drinks and views matter more than quiet conversation. Not ideal if you want something intimate or low-noise.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—most seating is walk-in, but outdoor tables fill quickly. Arrive early in the BOGO window or be flexible with indoor seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really; it’s a rooftop bar environment centered on cocktails and nightlife energy. Best suited for adults and older teens only.
Best For
Better for: Rooftop ambience, skyline photos, and value-driven happy hour cocktails compared to nearby bar-only venues.
Skip if: You want a quiet conversation spot, robust dinner-focused food, or meaningful dietary accommodations.