La Cuéva Bar & Grill: Your Stapleton Destination for Great Drinks and Good Times in Staten Island

La Cuéva Introduce

La Cuéva, an established and well-regarded fixture in the Staten Island dining and nightlife scene, is a classic example of a vibrant New York City bar and grill. Located in the easily accessible Stapleton neighborhood, La Cuéva offers a compelling blend of casual comfort and exciting, trendy energy. For residents across the borough, and even those venturing over from Brooklyn or Manhattan, this establishment serves as a go-to destination for quality food, creative cocktails, and an atmosphere conducive to both a relaxed meal and a lively night out with friends or fellow locals.

The concept of a "bar and grill" is fully realized here, meaning the venue is not just a place for dinner, but a fully-fledged social hub where the culinary experience meets a top-tier beverage program and an engaging social environment. Whether you are looking for a quick and satisfying lunch, a full dinner with table service, or a late-night bite after a long day or a night of enjoying the music, La Cuéva consistently delivers. The dedication to providing fast service ensures that patrons, especially those on a tight schedule during lunch or just popping in for a quick drink, can rely on efficiency without sacrificing quality.

Location and Accessibility for the New York Crowd

La Cuéva is strategically positioned at 691 Bay St, Staten Island, NY 10304. For New York City residents, accessibility is often key, and this location in the Stapleton area checks many of the right boxes. Stapleton is a neighborhood known for its burgeoning mix of residential and commercial spaces, situated conveniently along the waterfront.

For those utilizing public transportation, the venue is exceptionally well-placed. It is a very short walk—approximately four to six minutes—from the

Stapleton

and

Clifton

stops on the Staten Island Railway (SIR), making it incredibly convenient for locals. Moreover, the area boasts a

Good Transit

score, indicating that numerous bus lines serve the immediate vicinity, connecting it to other parts of Staten Island and the St. George Ferry Terminal. While the commute from other boroughs is facilitated by the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and the proximity to the Staten Island Ferry, the ease of access via the SIR and local buses makes it a true local gem for Staten Islanders.

Furthermore, with a high

Walk Score

, the location is

Very Walkable

, meaning that most errands, including walking to and from the bar, can be accomplished on foot. This makes it an ideal spot for those living nearby to meet up with friends without needing to drive. The vibrant atmosphere of Bay Street, coupled with the local transit options, firmly establishes La Cuéva as an easily reachable and attractive destination within the borough’s dynamic landscape.

Services Offered

La Cuéva provides a comprehensive set of services designed to accommodate various dining and social needs throughout the day and into the night. Their operational model is focused on flexibility and customer convenience, making it a reliable spot for different occasions.

Takeout Service: Perfect for those who want to enjoy the flavor of the bar and grill menu from the comfort of their home or workplace.
Dine-in Service: The primary experience, featuring table service for both lunch and dinner in their inviting atmosphere.
Lunch Dining Option: A convenient and popular choice for a mid-day meal, whether for solo diners or groups.
Dinner Dining Option: A full evening meal experience with table service.
Table Service: Full service provided during both lunch and dinner hours, ensuring a comfortable and seamless dining experience.
Late-Night Food: Catering to the later crowd, offering food options for those enjoying the social atmosphere or looking for a post-dinner bite.

Features and Highlights

What truly sets La Cuéva apart from other local establishments are its specific features and the overall lively, welcoming vibe it cultivates. It successfully blends the casual charm of a neighborhood bar with the excitement of a trendy nightspot.

Fast Service: Highlighted by patrons, this ensures minimal wait times for both food and drinks, a crucial factor in the fast-paced New York environment.
Great Beer Selection: A wide variety of beers are available, catering to both casual drinkers and aficionados looking for quality local or international brews.
Great Cocktails: The bartenders are known for crafting excellent mixed drinks, making it a prime destination for cocktail lovers in search of quality hard liquor creations.
Bar Onsite: A central feature providing a full range of alcoholic beverages—including wine, beer, hard liquor, and custom cocktails—and a lively social setting.
Live Entertainment and Activities: Reviews mention features like
Karaoke
and a
pool table
, demonstrating a commitment to creating an interactive and fun atmosphere beyond just dining.
Music and Vibes: Praised for its
great music
and a generally
"cool vibes"
atmosphere, often featuring excellent DJs who keep the energy high.
Trendy, Cozy, and Casual Atmosphere: The establishment manages to be all three, making it welcoming for a wide variety of customers, from large groups to solo diners.

Offerings and Crowd

The menu and beverage list at La Cuéva are designed to please a diverse clientele, focusing on satisfying comfort food and a wide array of drink options. The offerings include:

Food Offerings:
Comfort food
,
Quick bites
,
Small plates
, and
Food at the bar
.
Beverage Offerings: A full spectrum including
Alcohol
,
Beer
,
Wine
,
Hard liquor
, and specialty
Cocktails
.
Crowd Demographics: The venue is a hub for
Locals
and is popular for
Groups
looking for a lively place to socialize.
Popularity: Highly regarded for
Lunch
,
Dinner
, and a solid option for
Solo dining
.
Amenities: Includes a
Restroom
and accepts various
Payments
, including
Credit cards
and
Debit cards
.

Contact Information

For New York users looking to plan a visit, here is the essential information:

Address: 691 Bay St, Staten Island, NY 10304, USA

Phone:

What is Worth Choosing La Cuéva

In a city filled with endless dining and drinking options, choosing a local spot that genuinely delivers on its promises is essential. La Cuéva stands out as a unique and magnetic establishment in the Staten Island bar and grill scene, particularly within the Stapleton area.

It is worth choosing La Cuéva specifically for its successful blend of casual daytime dining and vibrant nighttime energy. The consistent praise for their

great cocktails

and

great beer selection

positions it as a serious contender for one of the best local drinking spots. The staff is repeatedly described as

mad cool

, creating an inviting and friendly environment that makes both first-time visitors and regulars feel welcome—a key component of the quintessential neighborhood bar experience.

The commitment to providing

fast service

is another significant draw, ensuring that even during peak hours, patrons can enjoy their experience efficiently. Whether you are craving substantial

comfort food

for dinner or just a

quick bite

alongside a late-night drink, the menu is built to satisfy.

The lively social aspect, enhanced by

music that is always off the chain

, karaoke, and a pool table, transforms a simple dinner out into an evening of entertainment. This is the place where locals go to feel the pulse of their community, enjoy great value, and have a guaranteed good time. While one review did mention an issue with a transaction and the cleanliness of a restroom—points which patrons should be aware of and which the business can hopefully address—the overwhelmingly positive consensus revolves around the fantastic atmosphere, the quality of the drinks, and the overall engaging experience. For a lively, cozy, and high-energy bar and grill experience in Staten Island, La Cuéva remains a top choice for New Yorkers seeking genuine local flavor.

La Cuéva Details

Service options
Takeout
Dine-in
Delivery

Highlights
Fast service
Great beer selection
Great cocktails

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Comfort food
Food
Food at bar
Hard liquor
Late-night food
Quick bite
Small plates
Wine

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
Groups
Locals

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards

La Cuéva Photos

La Cuéva Location

La Cuéva

New York Richmond County Clifton Bay Street

691 Bay St, Staten Island, NY 10304, USA

La Cuéva Reviews

An average rating of ★4.5 from 16 user reviews.

hookah

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Never had their food but I will no longer go there and use my debit card. I got charged $70 for a $7 beer. It will only be cash for now on. Thank God after I go out I always go to my bank app to see what was spent. The atmosphere is cool vibes. The music is great. The girls bathroom is disgusting. It's always water on the floor, never any tissue. Seems as if that bathroom is never clean.
March 19 · Bianca Butler
Place is "popping" as some maybe most would say lol. Music is always off the chain - shoutour to the DJ's. Bartenders are mad cool and make the best drinks. Beautiful women - even the staff 😉. Karaoke and pool table? Doesn't get better than that. Hookah available as well.
September 14 · Stefan Castro
I was visiting the neighborhood (a preserved architectural gem) and found La Cueva, where I had lunch. In one word: a gem too, which reconciled me with Mexican cuisine -- the one we eat in America, as I found, is a pale copy of the diversity and subtlety of the traditional cuisine in Mexico.The owners are young, passionate, and always eager to help you discover new meals on the menu.I had a wonderful meal and time: highly recommended!
May 06 · Stephen S
Excellent place for a drink, hookah, and to lounge. Great drinks and food! Not overpriced and friendly staff. They even stream all the fights! Check La Cuéva out!
June 12 · Matteo F
Loved this place, perfect spot for some good drinks and food. Vibe is lively and definitely I dope meet up spot to catch up with friends.
March 29 · Khaneisha Lovejoy