The best speakeasy in Queens! Came here with a bunch of friends not too long ago for the first time and realized it’s the kind of cozy, dark, and mellow place that can suck you in for hours and not have a clue as to what time it is before your stumble out. It’s not often that I venture out to Long Island City for a cocktail, but would happily go on another adventure to this little hideaway for another libation.
Love the classic hidden speakeasy vibe Dutch Kills has going on here. It’s in a desolate strip along Jackson Ave that can get kinda sketchy late at night. At least the subway stop is only a block away for quick access. You wouldn’t know it’s here at all except for a small nondescript white neon sign that says “bar” above the door. It’s in a small building surrounded by a few other businesses. Once you open the brown metal door you enter into a terrific hidden den of mixology.
The first room features a long row of booths and tables to sit at in dark brown woods, and dimly lit lighting. I immediately notice the music playing is more punky and punk surfer rock. Sounded cool and was a different selection from the normal speakeasy 20’s-40’s classic tunes. We passed through and entered the bar area where we were greeted by the bartender who handed us a beat up brochure of cocktails to choose from. The bar is long and impressive. Behind it on blackboards written in chalk were lists of their liquors and prices. Nice touch and wonderful ambiance to get all close and personal with your drink of choice, or delve into quiet conversation with your partner in crime.
Oh, and just tell the bartender what your taste buds are craving. Bartender’s Choice is the way to go. Just trust. I said bourbon and was treated to a Gold Rush. A few in our group tasted mine and immediately ordered it. For $11 it was an expertly made cocktail that tasted delicious. Bourbon, honey syrup, fresh lemon juice, over ice and just so simple. Our group took a booth and one of the staff brought us silver cups of ice water with cucumbers in them. Another classy touch. This is one of those hidden gems that is perfect for a group, a date to impress, friends out for a drink, after dinner cocktails, or if you just want to hang out at the bar by your lonesome sipping a quality drink while pondering the mysteries of life.
I could have pounded down about ten of those Gold Rush’s but was dragged out as we had to go to dinner. Sitting at Dutch Kills is like entering a black hole of wonderful drinks in an environment that makes you lose all track of time – but it’s a good thing! Did we really have to leave? Le sigh…….
Dutch Kills – http://dutchkillsbar.com/main/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/dutch-kills-long-island-city
You and your speakeasies! This place looks very cool and vintage, but yeah, just like in Chicago, there are sometimes diamonds in rough areas. Sucks when that happens, but with a group or not too late at night should make going to these places easier.
Never been a bourbon drinker, but I like when a bartender can try and make you something new. Gold Rush looks like something my guy would drink. Fun place!
Hey Jean!
It’s definitely a great spot off the beaten path. Even if you’re not a bourbon drinker you would like this cocktail. That, or just ask for the bartender’s choice and tell them what you like.
I love “hidden den of mixology”. This place looks like a Glasgow neighborhood pub (except here the test matches would be playing on the telly), but I’ve never had a Goldrush here (or anywhere for that matter). I’ll have to ask if they know how to make them.
Hey Barb!
They are actually a simple drink to make. Try one one day. Nothing like a cool hidden little spot for a drink.
Gold Rush looks quite delicious, I could definitely enjoy a couple. Looks like a nice intimate kind of place. Thanks for sharing.
Hey Peggy!
I could go for a couple right now myself! Thanks for reading!
It looks really dark, but the Gold Rush sounds awesome. I’d definitely give it a try. Not sure about the music selection, but sometimes you’ve got go with the flow.
Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Schmidt
Hey Patricia!
Sometimes you just gotta go with it and enjoy a great cocktail in a different kind of joint! Damn god drinks here!
I just love the idea of giving the bartender a general direction and letting him surprise you. Such fun!
Hey Karen!
Sometimes it is just easier to let someone else make the choice for you!
Oh how I love a speakeasy! If you’re ever in Nashville, you must go to the Patterson House! Of course, I’d be joining you guys.
Hey Cowboys!
Speakeasies are so much fun! If I am ever down your way we are so going to drink there!
A place to lose track of time and ponder life’s mysteries while sipping cocktails? Yes please!
Damn it. I need to go to New York someday. The farthest east I’ve been in recent years is Holbrook, Arizona. Before that it was Chicago a couple months after my 15th birthday.
Hey Kim!
Funny, as I lived in a town on Long Island called Holbrook years ago. The suburbs are so boring. Now I live in the big city where I kill my liver at these places.
Seems a distinctive, rather unusual place to slurp cocktails. An interesting review.
Hey Gary!
Thanks for dropping by. I seem to hunt these places out in the NYC area. Love me a good cocktail!
Love this: **or if you just want to hang out at the bar by your lonesome sipping a quality drink while pondering the mysteries of life***
…you are a man with much depth, Phil!
I also love the idea of the bartender surprising me!
Hey Kim!
So glad you love it! Sometimes I do have moments of deep thoughts.
How do you find such awesome establishments?! Can I rub your tummy like a genie so I can find places like this in Phoenix?! 😀
Hey Terrye!
You can rub my tummy anytime! You might discover something else with your three wishes!
Usually when I come over here, I get hungry. Now it’s after midnight and I’ve decided those drinks look (and sound) mighty tasty. I need to get over my fear of flying and check these places out!
Hey Marcia!
When you come to my blog I wine you, dine you, and might even 69 you if you’re into that! 😉
HA! You just made my night!