CHOOSE YOUR 18 JUNE 2 0 1 7 FOOD + DRINK BOOZE A taproom, wine bar and rum bar have all opened in our neighborhood recently, so you won’t have to travel far to try something new on your next night out. Read on to learn more about these three spots—there’s something for everyone right here in western Queens! BY ESTELLE PYPER @ESTIEPYPER @ESTIE_PYPER Off the Hook Off the Hook, an eclectic sea-themed raw bar and grill in Astoria on 28-08 34th St., just expanded its venue to include a rum bar on May 18. This “Rum Vault,” as co-owner Bes Levonja calls it, contains more than 70 different types of rum from all over the world. “The rum vault was so big that it needed a home of its own,” joked Levonja, who co-owns the space with friends Dritan and Glen. All three hail from Albania, but have lived in Astoria for a long time. The new space, which used to be a garage, is a modest size and complements the older restaurant well. It adds more seating in addition to the bar, and better access to their outdoor patio. The decorations are nautical-themed, with nets and lobster traps hanging from the ceiling. Artwork for sale by local artists hangs on the walls, and there are two giant swings hanging from the ceiling separating the main restaurant from the rum bar area. There is an overall laid-back vibe, which is exactly what they’re going for. “The initial idea was to have a place you could go to after the beach,” Levonja said. “We were envisioning this place to be really comfy, really down-to-Earth. Basically,
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