Connie Cocktail Lounge

- John F. Kennedy International Airport, One Idlewild Dr, Queens, NY 11430

In a city famed for its bars, Connie Cocktail Lounge in Queens offers an experience that is truly one-of-a-kind, delivering an unparalleled blend of New York history, aviation nostalgia, and craft cocktails. Situated on the tarmac of John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), this is no ordinary airport bar—it is housed entirely inside a meticulously restored 1958 Lockheed Constellation "Connie" L-1649A Starliner aircraft, decked out in its original TWA livery.

For local New Yorkers and visitors alike, Connie offers a literal step back in time to the glamorous "Jet Set" era of the 1960s. The aircraft itself, one of only four of its kind left in the world, has a storied history, having served as a TWA airliner, an Alaskan bush plane, and even briefly as a cargo plane. Today, it stands as a cozy, trendy, and utterly unique cocktail lounge. While the surrounding TWA Hotel and the original Eero Saarinen terminal building are iconic for their architecture, "Connie" serves as a breathtaking, intimate venue where patrons can sip on aviation-themed drinks while imagining the golden age of air travel. It's a highly recommended destination for those in the Queens, Rosedale, and surrounding NYC areas looking for a truly special night out or an unforgettable stop near the airport.

The atmosphere is cozy and trendy, drawing a diverse crowd of groups, locals, and tourists. Importantly, the venue is known for its fast service and commitment to an inclusive environment, including being LGBTQ+ friendly and a designated transgender safe space. It’s a bar that succeeds by offering an immersive experience that goes far beyond the typical New York cocktail spot.

The location of Connie Cocktail Lounge is as distinctive as the bar itself, making it easily accessible for anyone in the New York metropolitan area, especially those near JFK Airport in Queens.

Address: John F. Kennedy International Airport, One Idlewild Dr, Queens, NY 11430, USA

Connie is parked prominently on the tarmac adjacent to the TWA Hotel, which is directly connected to JFK's Terminal 5. This makes it an incredibly convenient destination whether you're catching a flight, utilizing the TWA Hotel's extensive facilities, or simply making a dedicated trip from Queens or Manhattan to experience the lounge.

Accessing Connie requires walking outside onto the tarmac from the TWA Hotel main area—a short, well-marked path that leads right up to the plane's airstairs. Due to the nature of the venue being a vintage aircraft, guests must ascend stairs to enter the cabin.

Accessibility features are thoughtfully integrated into the larger TWA Hotel complex, which hosts the lounge. The hotel itself offers a wheelchair-accessible restroom and on-site, paid parking options, including a parking garage and valet service. For local patrons, the bar's location at JFK means it is well-served by public transportation, including the AirTrain. The lounge accepts reservations, which is highly recommended due to the plane's limited capacity, though walk-ins are also welcome.

Connie Cocktail Lounge offers a full-service bar experience with a creative, aviation-inspired menu, paired with light fare and fast, professional service.

• Signature Cocktails: A themed drink menu featuring unique creations like the 'Eero Dynamics,' 'Vodka Is My Co-Pilot,' 'Mile-High Margarita,' and 'Control Tower Sour.'
• Premium Spirits and Classics: The bar stocks high-end spirits, including Grey Goose Vodka, Bombay Sapphire Gin, Casamigos Tequila, Woodford Reserve Bourbon, and Macallan 12 Year Whisky, ensuring any classic cocktail is expertly prepared.
• Wine and Champagne Selection: A curated list of by-the-glass and bottle options, including Benvolio Prosecco, Josh Cellars Rosé, Antigal Uno Sauvignon Blanc, and Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Draft and Canned Beer: Offering both local craft options, like Montauk Wave Chaser IPA, and established choices, such as Harpoon Winter Warmer and Five Boroughs City Light.
• Savory Eats Menu: A concise menu of satisfying food items, including House-Made Chili, Turkey & Cranberry Roll, Steak & Cheese Sub, and the popular Chorizo Flatbread.
• Cozy Winter Warmers: Seasonal specialty hot and spiked drinks, such as House-Made Hot Cocoa, Spiced Cranberry Sangria, and both Spiced and Sweet Toddies.
• Light Snacks: Quick bar bites including Mixed Olives, TWA Nuts, Chips, Popcorn, and 'In-Flight Connie Treats.'
• Reservations Accepted: Patrons can plan their visit by reserving seating, though walk-ins are accepted depending on capacity.

The appeal of Connie Cocktail Lounge extends far beyond its impressive drink menu, making it a powerful New York destination due to its highly unique architectural and historical setting.

• Unique Aircraft Venue: The bar is located inside a genuine, fully restored 1958 Lockheed Constellation L-1649A Starliner aircraft, offering an unparalleled novelty that sets it apart from any other bar in NYC.
• Jet Age Immersion: The interior features authentic '50s airline seats, period-correct murals, and a lovingly restored cockpit that guests can view, providing an immersive time-travel experience to the golden era of TWA and aviation.
• Creative, Themed Cocktails: The signature drinks, such as 'Vodka Is My Co-Pilot' and 'Terminal 5,' are playfully named after aviation and the unique history of the location, enhancing the thematic experience.
• Cozy and Trendy Atmosphere: Despite being a large aircraft, the interior design, featuring Chili Pepper Red banquettes and period charm, creates a uniquely intimate and stylish environment that is both welcoming to groups and appealing for date nights.
• Friendly and Inclusive: The lounge is explicitly welcoming, designated as LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safe space, ensuring a comfortable environment for all New York patrons.
• Iconic Photo Opportunity: The sheer visual spectacle of the plane on the tarmac, combined with the retro-chic interior, makes Connie one of the city's most Instagrammable and memorable bars.

For local New York patrons planning a visit to this iconic Queens bar, here is the essential contact information.

Address: John F. Kennedy International Airport, One Idlewild Dr, Queens, NY 11430, USA

Phone: (212) 806-9000 (General TWA Hotel/Lounge Contact)

Mobile Phone: +1 212-806-9000

Hours: Typically open daily. Evening hours often run from 4:00 PM to 10:30 PM, though it is always recommended to check the TWA Hotel website for the most current times and any closures due to private events.

For New Yorkers in search of a memorable and authentic experience that truly captures the spirit of the city’s complex history and vibrant nightlife, Connie Cocktail Lounge is unequivocally the destination to choose. You can find excellent cocktails at countless bars across the boroughs, but you will not find a restored, mid-century Lockheed Constellation on a tarmac serving a 'Paper Plane' cocktail anywhere else. The unique setting is the absolute top feature, transforming a simple drink into an immersive, multi-sensory journey back to the glamorous 1960s.

What makes Connie particularly worth the visit is the attention to detail. The plane is not merely a novelty; it is a meticulously preserved piece of aviation history, allowing guests to explore the cockpit and view the structural elements of the aircraft. This depth of historical immersion, combined with the modern, high-quality offerings like the signature cocktails and fast service, strikes a perfect balance between quirkiness and high-end hospitality.

Furthermore, its location at JFK, adjacent to the TWA Hotel, positions it as an accessible, stress-free alternative to the downtown scene, complete with on-site parking and public transit links. Whether you’re a lifelong local, an aviation enthusiast, or simply looking for an undeniably cool place to relax with a well-crafted drink, Connie Cocktail Lounge offers a truly elevated, one-of-a-kind New York experience that is highly promotional of the city's unique architectural and historical landmarks. It’s an essential Queens stop for anyone seeking the perfect photo, a fantastic cocktail, and a tangible connection to the romance of the Jet Age.

Connie Cocktail Lounge

John F. Kennedy International Airport, One Idlewild Dr, Queens, NY 11430, USA