50 THE QUEENS COURIER • BUZZ • AUGUST 24, 2017 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM
buzz
Western Queens has many
great places to dine al fresco
BY ESTELLE PYPER
Now that we’re in the heat of summer
(literally), it’s time to take advantage
of all your favorite neighborhood spots
that have fi nally unveiled their outdoor
spaces aft er a long, cold winter. Many
have quaint front patios perfect for people
watching and enjoying the sunshine
with your Instagram-worthy craft cocktail
in hand. Others boast fully furnished
back patios, shaded for your skin’s sake
during the day, but lit up romantically
at night — perfect for that sultry summer
evening date. A few are situated right
on the water, off ering stellar views of the
Manhattan skyline. Whatever your speed,
there’s something for everyone right in
your own neighborhood.
1. Penthouse 808
Looking for dinner with a view?
Penthouse 808 (penthouse808rooft op.
com, 8-08 Queens Plaza South) is the spot
for you. Situated just off the East River,
this Asian fusion restaurant boasts a spacious
outdoor area with a lounge-y vibe.
You can sip drinks on their many cushioned
loveseats and enjoy postcard-worthy
views of the Queensborough Bridge.
Perfect for photo ops with your best
friends, or a romantic date night.
2. Il Falco
If you’re looking for an escape from city
life, check out the patio at Il Falco (ilfalcolic.
com, 21-50 44th Dr.) in Long Island
City. Th is classic Italian joint has a modest
outdoor space that transports you
straight to Tuscany. You’ll feel like a true
European sipping rosé against a stone
wall backsplash spotted with plants on a
warm summer evening.
3. Leng Thai
Share some classic pad thai and egg
rolls under the stars at Astoria’s Leng
Th ai (lengthainewyork.eat24hour.com,
33-09 Broadway). Lanterns hang over
their quaint back patio, decorated with
towering bamboo stalks and various other
plants. Th e perfect setting to experience
the exotic fl avors of their many Th ai dishes.
4. Anable Basin
What better place to enjoy a summer
evening than a sailing bar? Anable Basin
(anablebasin.com, 4-40 44th Dr.), Long
Island City’s “sailing bar” and grill, is
right on the East River. Enjoy traditional
American and Brazilian cuisine on their
outdoor deck and take in the picture-perfect
view of the Manhattan skyline. Sit
back, relax and watch the boats fl oat by.
5. The Shady Lady
An eclectic tapas spot in Astoria, Th e
Shady Lady (34-19 30th Ave.) off ers outdoor
seating in front for the summer
months, and air conditioning in their
dark, brick-walled interior for those extra
hot days. Enjoy a happy hour cocktail or
sample their unique menu (bites like lobster
tacos and chicken and waffl es), aft er
a long day’s work.
6. The Bonnie
Th e Bonnie (thebonnie.com, 29-12 23rd
Ave.), an American-style eatery, has a polished
interior and outdoor beer garden to
match. Th e charming outdoor patio has
long tables perfect for large groups. Plenty
of greenery livens up the space, and hanging
lights give off a romantic vibe in the
evening. Treat yourself to delectable bar
favorites like the Bonnie Burger and mac
‘n’ cheese with Applewood bacon.
7. Il Bambino
Enjoy some traditional Italian dishes
and tapas bites at Il Bambino (ilbambinonyc.
com, 34-08 31st Ave.), a cute
Italian spot in Astoria. Specializing in
panini-pressed sandwiches, the venue
has a shaded outdoor garden in back. A
peaceful spot to enjoy brunch, lunch and
dinner with friends.
8. Monika’s Café Bar
Café by day, bar at night, Monika’s Café
Bar (cafebarastoria.com, 32-90 36th St.) is
a great spot to enjoy outdoor brunch or a
refreshing cocktail (check out their cocktail
of the day) for those warm summer
evenings. Th eir outdoor seating consists
of smaller tables in front, but their large
windows remain open in the summer to
give the illusion of being outdoors even
from the lounge-y interior.
9. Mojave
If Mexican is more your speed, check
out Mojave (mojaveny.com, 22-36 31st
St.). Enjoy your favorite Mexican dishes
or a refreshing tequila cocktail in their
spacious back patio. Th e space is generously
decorated with desert plants and
its own fully stocked outdoor bar. String
lights illuminate the patio at night, transporting
you to a Mexican paradise.
10. Mars
Take a trip to Mars (lifeatmars.com,
34-21 34th Ave.) in your own backyard to
experience some specialty cocktails and
oysters at this sleek seafood joint. Th eir
outdoor front patio is the perfect spot to
take advantage of their oyster happy hour
with co-workers.
11. Sweet Afton
For some classic American bites and
craft cocktails, head over to Sweet Afton
(sweetaftonbar.com, 30-09 34th St.).
Boasting a front patio and modest outdoor
garden in back, this is the place
where you can enjoy that burger guiltfree
in an ambient environment — and
take in some live music Monday nights
while you’re at it.
12. MP Taverna
There’s no better time of year or better
place to enjoy Greek food than MP
Taverna (michaelpsilakis.com, 31-29
Ditmars Blvd.). Located on the corner
of 33rd and Ditmars, this sleek Greek-
Photo via Instagram/@anablebasin
American spot off ers fresh seafood grub
and a variety of meats. Take in this fare
on their outdoor patio, or sit indoors
— their wide windows stay open in
the summer so all guests can enjoy the
fresh air.
13. Pye Boat Noodle
There’s a colorful little Thai place with
a hidden outdoor back patio right in
your neighborhood. Pye Boat Noodle
(pyeboatnoodle.com, 35-13 Broadway),
specializes in — you guessed it — noodles.
Come check out the wide selection
for yourself and relax in their outdoor
space, shaded in the heat of the day and lit
by hanging lights at night, complete with
a tranquil little pond.
14. Skinny’s Cantina
Skinny’s Cantina (skinnyscantina.com,
4705 Center Blvd.) lets you enjoy tacos
and a river sunset — what could be better?
This festive spot serves Mexican fare
and plenty of summer-inspired blended
margaritas. Situated near the East River,
you can catch a glimpse of the glowing
Manhattan skyline from their front outdoor
patio at night.
15. Diamond Dogs
Sip on fi ne craft beers and cocktails in
the backyard of Diamond Dogs (34-04
31st Ave.) after a long day. Named for the
David Bowie album, not the food, this
pub’s outdoor space contains benches
good for groups as well as smaller tables.
String lights illuminate the space at night.
It’s a quirky spot to catch up with friends
over a drink.