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Tavern 157
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Tavern 157
8.3
Tavern 157 is a modern tapas lounge on Northern Blvd where small plates, cocktails, and a brick-walled dining room make it a go-to Spanish-leaning spot for nights out in Flushing. The menu mixes shareable dishes and drinks with a lively bar scene that leans especially hard into date nights and groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fish tacos, Braised short rib small plate, Seafood pasta
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A Spanish-leaning tapas lounge with strong cocktails and a moody, brick-walled dining room.
Who should go: Couples and small groups craving tapas and cocktails
When to visit: Evenings Thursday–Saturday for peak lounge energy
What to order: Fish tacos, braised short rib plate, seafood pasta
Insider tip: Sit at the bar for faster drink refills and better service pacing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Northern Blvd is limited during peak hours; nearby side streets offer better luck after 7pm. No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual; most guests lean dressy for date nights and group outings, but jeans and a nice top fit in.
Noise level: Moderately loud during peak evenings with bar energy; still possible to hold a conversation at tables away from the bar.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; early evenings are the quietest period.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options like veggie-forward tapas, salads, and sides.
Vegan options: Limited—expect 1–2 items or modifiable dishes; confirm with staff.
Gluten-free options: Many tapas can be made gluten-free; staff is used to accommodating requests but no dedicated prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, cocktails, and shareable plates make it easy to pace the night and keep conversation flowing.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights; on weekends you’ll likely face a wait unless arriving before 6:30pm. Bar seating is a reliable backup.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal. It’s a cocktail-forward lounge environment geared toward adults; suitable for teens but not young children.
Best For
Better for: A livelier, more stylish tapas experience with stronger cocktails than many nearby Spanish-leaning spots.
Skip if: You want quiet dining, large-format entrées, or fully vegan/strict gluten-free meals.
Tavern 157
8.1
Tavern 157 is a tapas-style American lounge where wagyu burgers, braised short rib with bone marrow, and seafood pasta share space with cocktails and bar snacks. It works as well for casual dates as it does for groups looking to linger over shared plates along Northern Boulevard.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wagyu Beef Burger, Braised Short Rib & Bone Marrow, Parmesan Truffle Fries
Scores:
Value: 6.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A lively lounge mixing American-style tapas, steaks, and cocktails in one room.
Who should go: Groups or couples wanting shareable plates and drinks
When to visit: Evenings or late nights when the bar is busiest
What to order: Wagyu Beef Burger, Braised Short Rib & Bone Marrow, Parmesan Truffle Fries
Insider tip: Share a few mains and sides rather than ordering solo entrées.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Northern Blvd can be tight after 6pm; nearby paid garages within a 3–5 minute walk are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; elevated tops, dark denim, and casual blazers fit the room’s lounge energy.
Noise level: Moderate-to-loud during peak hours; conversation is doable but the bar buzz is constant.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation, especially for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait, though limited bar snacks are offered earlier in the day.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A handful of options including salads, pastas, and shareable sides.
Vegan options: Limited—most dishes include dairy or meat; check sides and small plates.
Gluten-free options: Several naturally gluten-free proteins and starters; notify staff for modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, cocktails, and shareable plates create an easygoing but polished vibe, though it may feel loud for very quiet conversations.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weeknights; on weekends, expect a wait or plan to sit at the bar if availability is tight.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—teens or older kids may be fine, but the lounge-forward atmosphere and later-night energy aren’t ideal for younger children.
Best For
Better for: Groups wanting shareable American plates in a buzzy atmosphere with cocktails and lounge-style pacing.
Skip if: You want quiet dining, a traditional multi-course meal, or strict vegan options.
Tavern 157
8.1
Tavern 157 is a Northern Boulevard gastropub that runs busy happy hours with discounted cocktails, wines, and bar bites. It’s where groups meet for shared plates, $1 oysters, and loud, late-into-the-night energy a few blocks off Main Street.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tavern 157 signature burger, Fish tacos with salsa verde, Risotto cheese balls
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 6.9
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: High-energy gastropub with strong drinks, bar food, and busy happy hours.
Who should go: Groups wanting cocktails, oysters, and shareable plates.
When to visit: Early evenings for drink deals before it gets packed.
What to order: Signature burger, risotto balls, happy hour oysters.
Insider tip: Reserve a table near the bar if you want energy without blasting speakers.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Northern Blvd is limited during peak hours; expect to circle. Residential side streets offer better luck after 7pm. No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and nice tops are common, but groups often lean dressy for night-out vibes.
Noise level: Loud during peak happy hour and late evenings; conversational but raised voices needed indoors.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation, especially during happy hour rush.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though happy hour start times can draw small crowds.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate options including salads, risotto balls, and some share plates.
Vegan options: Limited—may find one or two sides but few substantial entrées.
Gluten-free options: Some adaptable dishes; inquire about gluten-free modifications for bar bites.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a lively, casual first date than an intimate one. The energy is fun, but the noise level can make deeper conversation tricky.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect waits during peak happy hour. Arriving right at opening or later in the evening improves your odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for younger kids due to loud music and bar-focused crowds. Teens may be fine early in the evening before nightlife energy ramps up.
Best For
Better for: Groups seeking strong happy hour deals, cocktails, and a social, upbeat atmosphere.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, vegan-friendly dining, or a space suited for young kids.