Albatross Bar

- 36-19 24th Ave, Astoria, NY 11103

Introduction / Overview

In the vibrant and diverse landscape of New York City, certain establishments stand out not just for their offerings, but for their deep-rooted community significance. Albatross Bar in Astoria, Queens, is one such place. While the designation "liquor store" may appear in some directories, Albatross is fundamentally known and operates as a beloved, full-service Gay bar and local institution. In fact, it holds the distinction of being the oldest continuous LGBTQ+ bar in the entire borough of Queens, a testament to its enduring role as a community anchor.

Albatross is celebrated by locals and visitors alike for its exceptionally warm, welcoming, and high-energy atmosphere. Customers frequently describe it as having a genuine "local, hometown bar feel," where staff are friendly and patrons quickly feel like family. This is a venue that successfully balances a casual, cozy environment with a fun, trendy edge, making it an ideal spot for everything from a laid-back catch-up with Groups to an exciting night of dancing and Live performances.

Known for serving up Great cocktails and possessing a Great beer selection, Albatross ensures the drink quality matches the vibrant energy. The bar is a beacon of inclusivity, proudly serving as an LGBTQ+ friendly space and, importantly, a Transgender safespace, welcoming a diverse crowd that reflects the best of New York diversity.

Location and Accessibility

Nestled in the bustling neighborhood of Astoria, Queens, Albatross Bar enjoys a prime spot that is easily reachable for residents across the borough and visiting Tourists. Its location contributes significantly to its status as a local meeting point.

The bar is located at:

36-19 24th Ave, Astoria, NY 11103, USA

The 24th Avenue location places it within easy walking distance of the N and W subway lines via the Astoria Blvd station, making it highly accessible from Manhattan and other parts of Queens. For those driving, the availability of Free street parking in the area is a definite advantage, a welcome convenience in the city.

While the specific accessibility details were not fully provided, it is widely recognized within the community as a bar committed to being welcoming. Its community-focused ethos ensures that patrons, whether local or visiting, feel comfortable and secure from the moment they arrive. The bar’s operating model is focused on seating and table service, with the added benefit of Outdoor seating for those warmer New York nights, providing varied options for enjoying the casual atmosphere.

Services Offered

Albatross Bar is a multi-faceted entertainment venue, offering much more than standard liquor service. Its array of services is designed to create a dynamic, all-encompassing night out.

• Extensive Bar Offerings: A full selection of drinks, including Alcohol, Beer, Hard liquor, and Wine, with a particular focus on providing Great cocktails and a top-tier Beer selection.
• Dynamic Entertainment Lineup: Featuring a rotating schedule of events, including highly popular Live performances (such as talented drag queens and drag shows), Karaoke nights, and social Bar games.
• Dining Options: Providing Table service and Seating options. Patrons are allowed to bring Outside food allowed, a flexible and friendly policy that allows guests to complement their drinks with local Astoria take-out.
• Service Flexibility: Offering both Outdoor seating for an open-air experience and Takeout for those who wish to quickly grab a drink to go (within legal New York guidelines for alcohol sales).
• Happy Hour Specials: Catering to the after-work crowd with dedicated Happy hour drinks, a major highlight for those seeking affordable quality.
• Dance Floor and Music: Featuring an area for Dancing, especially during late hours and high-energy events.
• Essential Amenities: Providing Restroom facilities and complimentary Wi-Fi for guest convenience.

Features / Highlights

What truly sets Albatross Bar apart in the competitive New York bar scene are the unique features and the unwavering focus on community and quality entertainment.

• Queens’ Oldest LGBTQ+ Bar: Its heritage as the longest-running gay bar in Queens gives it a unique status and a dedicated, loyal crowd who appreciates its history and commitment to the community.
• Transgender Safe Space: The bar is proudly and explicitly a Transgender safespace, a critical and highly valued feature that ensures a welcoming and secure environment for one of the community's most vulnerable groups.
• Exceptional Cocktails and Beer: Highlighted by customers for serving "Great cocktails" and having a "Great beer selection," the quality of the drinks is consistently praised, ensuring a great drinking experience.
• High-Quality Drag Performances: The Live performances, often featuring "wonderful talented drag queens," are a major draw, adding a vibrant, theatrical element that customers find immensely entertaining.
• Welcoming, Local Atmosphere: Reviews consistently mention the feeling of "family" and the "hometown bar feel," contrasting with the often "messy" experiences at larger city venues, making it a comfortable, social hub for Groups and solo visitors.
• Fast Service: Patrons appreciate the Fast service, ensuring that even when the venue is busy, the wait for a drink is minimal, which is a valuable quality in a fast-paced city like New York.

Contact Information

To plan your visit, inquire about upcoming Live performances, or confirm the details of their next Karaoke night at this quintessential Astoria bar, you can use the following information:

Address: 36-19 24th Ave, Astoria, NY 11103, USA

Phone: (718) 204-9707

Mobile Phone: +1 718-204-9707

What is Worth Choosing

For anyone in the New York area, particularly those in Queens seeking a vibrant, welcoming, and high-quality entertainment spot, Albatross Bar is undoubtedly worth choosing. Its value extends far beyond its function as a purveyor of Hard liquor and Beer; it is a cultural and social cornerstone.

The primary reason to choose Albatross is its unparalleled commitment to community. It is the original Gay bar in Queens and a publicly designated Transgender safespace, offering a genuine feeling of belonging that is rare and highly prized in a large city. Customers emphasize that it's the atmosphere—a blend of cozy intimacy and lively celebration—that truly makes the difference, often citing it as one of the best spots in the entire New York City area.

Beyond the social environment, the bar delivers on the core experience. Whether you are looking for an affordable spot during Happy hour, want to enjoy a spectacular Live performance by talented drag artists, or are just keen to participate in a fun Karaoke session, Albatross consistently offers a compelling lineup. The combination of Great cocktails, Fast service, and a true local, LGBTQ+ friendly vibe makes this Astoria gem the premier choice for a memorable and safe night out in Queens.

Albatross Bar

36-19 24th Ave, Astoria, NY 11103, USA