LIC Bar

Located in the vibrant heart of Long Island City, LIC Bar is a standout destination that expertly blends neighborhood charm with a lively, welcoming atmosphere. This local gem offers far more than your typical bar experience — it’s a versatile space where great drinks, live music, and a friendly crowd come together seamlessly.

Stepping into LIC Bar, you immediately sense the cool, laid-back vibe, amplified by their spacious backyard that invites you to linger long into the evening. Whether you’re catching up with friends or unwinding after a busy day, the energy here is both relaxed and electric. As one regular, Daniel Truque, praises, “The live music is great, always a good vibe. Also, the place is dog friendly both inside and in the courtyard,” making it a warm, inclusive spot for locals and their furry companions alike.

Drink options at LIC Bar range from classic to craft, with an impressive lineup of beers and ciders including favorites like Blue Point Toasted Lager, Guinness, and the ever-refreshing Six Point Sweet Action. Beer lovers will appreciate the varied bottle selection featuring quality brews like Duvel and Chimay Blue at $10 each, and more accessible choices like Bud Light and Corona starting at just $5 or $6. For wine drinkers, a well-curated list offers everything from robust Cabernet to crisp Pinot Grigio, all priced reasonably around $8 to $10 per glass.

The cocktail menu complements the beer and wine perfectly, featuring refreshing standards like the Gin and Soda Water or Vodka Soda, and a lively Margarita to brighten any evening. If you get hungry, LIC Bar serves up a tempting selection of bar bites that hit all the right notes—imagine crispy Buttermilk Chicken Wings with your choice of sweet chili, honey sriracha or buffalo style, or the indulgently creamy Mac and Cheese with its rich triple béchamel sauce. Other highlights include the satisfying Steak Tacos with zesty tomatillo salsa and the crunchy, flavorful Panko-Fried Pickles paired with Anaheim pepper aioli.

From the high-energy Knicks playoff game nights where the crowd’s roar matches the city’s pulse, as Cem Tulunay described, to the chill, friendly bartender service that Myreon Hardy appreciated, LIC Bar offers an authentically enjoyable experience. While some have noted shifts in service speed, especially at peak times, the overall warmth of the staff and the genuine spirit of the place remain undeniable. The bar’s policy allowing guests to bring outside food adds a creative, community-friendly touch, perfect for those wanting to complement their drink with a favorite bite from Vernon Blvd’s diverse eateries.

Whether you’re seeking an electric night out full of music and spirited crowds, or a relaxed afternoon savoring quality brews in a dog-friendly courtyard, LIC Bar delivers on all fronts. It’s a rare find in LIC where you can genuinely feel part of the neighborhood pulse, enjoy excellent drinks at fair prices, and soak up a real sense of local camaraderie.