0 Followers
Leaf Bar & Lounge
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Leaf Bar & Lounge
8.4
Leaf Bar & Lounge crowns the Hyatt Place hotel with a glass-wrapped rooftop serving craft cocktails and Taiwanese-leaning small plates above One Fulton Square. It’s the go-to for happy hour, post-dinner drinks, and relaxed nights where locals mix skyline views with gyoza, wings, and late-evening cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
Leaf Burger with fries, Sichuan chili oil dumplings, Pineapple shrimp with mentaiko fries
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Flushing’s pioneering craft-cocktail rooftop blending skyline views with Taiwanese small plates.
Who should go: Cocktail fans wanting relaxed rooftop drinks and shareable bites.
When to visit: Weeknight golden hour for calmer crowds and drink specials.
What to order: Leaf Burger, Sichuan dumplings, popcorn chicken with cocktails.
Insider tip: Aim for bar seating along the windows for the best Queens–Manhattan sightlines.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: One Fulton Square’s garage offers paid parking and is the most reliable option; limited street parking is possible but tight after 6pm, especially on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and sneakers are fine, but most guests lean stylish given the rooftop setting.
Noise level: Moderate; conversation is easy at window seats, but energy increases around the bar during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Expect 30–45 minutes for a prime window table; bar seating usually opens faster.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable as Leaf is primarily an evening venue; early weeknights typically have no wait before 7pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several workable options including veggie-forward small plates, edamame, and salads.
Vegan options: Limited; drinks are easy, but food options may require modification.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free small plates are available, though the kitchen does not operate a separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the skyline views, craft cocktails, and relaxed-but-stylish atmosphere make it ideal for a low-pressure first date with visual ambience doing some of the work.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially on weeknights before 7:30pm; weekends fill quickly, but bar seating tends to turn over steadily.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly; it’s a cocktail-focused rooftop best suited for adults. Early evening is the most feasible time if bringing older teens.
Best For
Better for: Stronger cocktail program and more relaxed rooftop vibe than many Flushing bars, plus reliable views and polished small plates.
Skip if: You want a full dinner with large entrées, extremely quiet conversation, or family-friendly dining — nearby sit-down restaurants are better for that.
Leaf Bar & Lounge
8.1
Leaf Bar & Lounge tops the Hyatt Place with a glass-wrapped rooftop serving cocktails, Taiwanese-leaning small plates, and skyline views over One Fulton Square. It’s where Flushing’s after-work crowd and date nights overlap for golden-hour drinks and bar food that’s better than it needs to be.
Must-Try Dishes:
Leaf Burger, Sichuan dumplings, Popcorn chicken
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Flushing’s pioneering craft-cocktail rooftop with Asian small plates and views.
Who should go: Friends wanting cocktails, bites, and skyline photos.
When to visit: Weeknight golden hour for views without packed crowds.
What to order: Leaf Burger, Sichuan dumplings, popcorn chicken with cocktails.
Insider tip: Ask for a window or terrace table facing west for sunset shots over Queens.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Paid garage parking is available in the One Fulton Square complex; street parking is limited and competitive after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but most guests lean stylish given the rooftop setting.
Noise level: Moderate—conversations are doable at smaller tables, but noise rises during peak happy hour.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation, especially near sunset.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though rooftop seating may be limited earlier in the day.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection of small plates, including dumplings, fries, and veggie-forward snacks.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 small plates may qualify depending on preparation.
Gluten-free options: Some options exist, but items are not prepared in a dedicated gluten-free environment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—skyline views and craft cocktails create an easy, low-pressure setting with enough ambience for a memorable first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights; weekends near sunset may require a short wait, especially for outdoor or window seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children; it’s primarily a bar-forward rooftop geared toward adults, though older teens may be fine earlier in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Casual but polished rooftop drinks, skyline views, and shareable Taiwanese-leaning small plates.
Skip if: You want a quiet, full dinner service or a family-oriented environment—this is more of a cocktail-and-snacks destination.
Leaf Bar & Lounge
8.2
Perched on the 10th floor above One Fulton Square, Leaf Bar & Lounge pairs skyline views over LaGuardia with Taiwanese-leaning bar food and full cocktail service. Happy hour pricing softens the blow of rooftop drinks, making it a go-to for sunset rounds and small plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef Lin's beef noodle soup, Three cup chicken, Leaf burger with chipotle sauce
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Rooftop cocktail lounge with city views and a real cooked food menu.
Who should go: Cocktail fans chasing a view with their small plates.
When to visit: Golden hour happy hour for discounted drinks and light bites.
What to order: Beef noodle soup, three cup chicken, Leaf burger.
Insider tip: Time your visit around sunset and request outdoor seating for the best skyline angle.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: One Fulton Square’s garage offers paid parking and is the most reliable option; limited street parking fills quickly after 5pm.
Dress code: Smart casual; rooftop vibe leans polished, but jeans and a nice top work fine.
Noise level: Moderate—music and rooftop chatter create ambience, but you can hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes for outdoor seating unless you arrive early or reserve.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though happy hour start times draw quick crowds.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options, including vegetable-forward small plates and noodle dishes.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 items can be made vegan but expect modifications.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free Taiwanese dishes available; ask staff for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the skyline views, cocktails, and softly lit rooftop setting create an elevated but relaxed first-date atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weekdays, but outdoor seating is competitive; arrive early during peak sunset hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids—it's a cocktail-focused rooftop geared toward adults, though older teens may be fine earlier in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Best for skyline views paired with cooked Taiwanese bar bites—rare for the neighborhood.
Skip if: Skip if you want budget drinks or a quiet, low-key bar; rooftop crowds and pricing may feel steep for casual nights.