Postcard Brewing

- 111-30 Beach Channel Dr, Queens, NY 11694

Welcome to the Rockaways, a vibrant and sun-drenched slice of Queens that feels a million miles from Manhattan’s hustle, but is still very much a part of New York City’s unique culture. Nestled right by the water, Postcard Brewing stands out as an essential destination, capturing the quintessential laid-back, coastal energy of the neighborhood. This isn't your average city bar; it's a multi-faceted local gem that combines the best of a relaxed waterfront hangout, a community gathering spot, and a true Rockaway lifestyle destination.

More than just a bar, Postcard Brewing is an experience. As one local fan enthusiastically put it, "You gotta check out Postcard Brewing. It's the size of a postcard with matching views. Great if you're waiting by the ferry, or anytime in the summer." This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the spot's unique charm: it’s intimate, unpretentious, and boasts some of the most beautiful sunset views overlooking Jamaica Bay, a rare and cherished sight in the city. For New Yorkers craving a genuine beach-before-the-beach vibe, this is your place to unwind, grab a drink, and soak in the coastal atmosphere.

The concept behind Postcard Brewing is wonderfully simple and perfectly executed: a mellow setup built from repurposed materials like an RV and shipping containers, giving it a funky, fun, and down-to-earth aesthetic that is pure Rockaway. It’s the kind of place you can come to straight from the beach, sandy feet and all, and feel immediately at home. Whether you're a local resident, a day-tripper arriving via the ferry, or an out-of-towner exploring the Queens coastline, Postcard Brewing offers a genuinely friendly, inclusive, and memorable stop.

The establishment successfully bridges several local needs, functioning concurrently as a casual waterfront bar, a bustling café for your morning or afternoon pick-me-up, and a surf-centric lifestyle spot. This combination creates a dynamic atmosphere that attracts a diverse and vibrant crowd, from surfers swapping tales to neighbors catching up over a pint to tourists watching the Manhattan skyline fade into the sunset. It’s a perfect microcosm of the Rockaway spirit: funky, welcoming, and perpetually chill.

Beyond the inviting atmosphere, the core of the business centers on providing an excellent selection of refreshments. While the name suggests a focus on brewing, Postcard is recognized for its great beer selection on tap and in cans, complemented by other popular adult beverages like wine, sake, and cider. They focus on delivering a quality drinking experience in a setting that’s truly hard to beat. The service is often described as fast and friendly, a welcome trait whether you're hurrying to catch a boat or simply settling in for an evening of relaxation. This commitment to simple quality and a great time is what makes this spot a beloved fixture in the Queens community.

It's important to note a distinction from the original search results, which mention a different entity, Post Card Brewing Company based in Ireland, that focuses on contract brewing and exporting. The Postcard Brewing located in Queens, NY, at 111-30 Beach Channel Dr, is the distinct Rockaway Park establishment known for its local bar, cafe, and surf shop identity, offering a carefully curated selection of craft beers and a unique New York coastal experience, which is the focus of this article.

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Location and Accessibility

Postcard Brewing boasts an enviable waterfront location in Rockaway Park, Queens, making it one of the most accessible and picturesque spots in the entire borough. Situated right on Jamaica Bay, it provides stunning, unobstructed water views and the unforgettable backdrop of the Manhattan skyline in the distance. Its placement is strategically ideal for both locals and those traveling from other boroughs.

The biggest draw for accessibility is its proximity to the NYC Ferry, being just a stone's throw—literally steps—from the ferry landing. This makes it a perfect first or last stop on any Rockaway excursion. Whether you're arriving for a day of surfing or heading back after a sunset drink, the ease of access via the ferry is a major convenience. For those driving, the location is made even more appealing by the availability of free parking, including a free parking lot and free street parking, a true rarity in NYC.

Furthermore, Postcard Brewing is committed to being accessible to everyone. The facility offers a wheelchair-accessible entrance and wheelchair-accessible seating, ensuring a comfortable experience for all patrons. Its 'ferry-adjacent' setup and welcoming vibe make it a truly inclusive gateway to the Rockaways.

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Services Offered at Postcard Brewing

• Bar Service: A comprehensive selection of alcoholic beverages including beer (both on tap and a great can selection), wine, cider, and sake.
• Happy Hour: Enjoy special pricing on select happy hour drinks and happy hour food items.
• Dining Options: Food is offered at the bar, and the venue is famously relaxed, with a policy that allows outside food, perfect for patrons who want to pair their drinks with a meal from nearby Rockaway eateries.
• Coffee & Café Service: Functions as a café and coffee roasters, pouring excellent coffee and, according to some visitors, offering morning pastries/breakfast items.
• Retail & Lifestyle: Operates as a surf shop and lifestyle spot, selling new and used surfboards, vintage clothing, and locally made goods.
• Entertainment: Regularly features live music and live performances, as well as karaoke nights and bar games.
• Event Planning: The venue accepts reservations, making it a viable option for planning small gatherings.
• Takeout and Dine-in: Both options are available to accommodate different needs and preferences.
• Pet-Friendly Space: Dogs are allowed, particularly in the outdoor seating area, making it a great stop for dog owners.

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Features and Highlights

• Unparalleled Jamaica Bay Views and Sunsets: The main highlight is the breathtaking, waterfront setting, offering a perfect, tranquil spot to watch the sunset over the water and the distant Manhattan skyline.
• The 'Beach-Before-the-Beach' Vibe: The atmosphere is distinctly chill, casual, and trendy, built from a unique setup involving an RV and shipping containers, creating a funky, down-to-earth aesthetic.
• Multi-Purpose Destination: It is not just a bar; it doubles as a surf shop/surf school (with board rentals and lessons mentioned in reviews), a café, and a retail spot with vintage clothing and vinyl records for sale.
• Exceptional Proximity to NYC Ferry: Located steps from the Rockaway Park ferry stop, making it a convenient and essential stop for travelers.
• Great Selection of Beverages: Known for its great craft beer selection, wine, cider, and sake, catering to diverse tastes.
• Inclusive and Friendly Crowd: Highly popular with locals, tourists, and groups, and explicitly welcoming as an LGBTQ+ friendly and Transgender safespace.
• Entertainment Focus: Regularly hosts live music, live performances, and karaoke for a lively social environment.
• Solo Dining and Meeting Spot: Popular for solo dining, offering a comfortable and welcoming environment for individuals, and is a well-known community meet-up spot.
• Excellent Amenities: Offers free Wi-Fi, restroom facilities, and accepts various payment methods including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

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Contact Information

To plan your visit or inquire about their current offerings and events, here is the essential contact information for Postcard Brewing:

• Address: 111-30 Beach Channel Dr, Queens, NY 11694, USA
• Phone: (917) 822-4793

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What is Worth Choosing at Postcard Brewing

For New Yorkers and visitors to the Rockaways, Postcard Brewing offers a compelling blend of elements that make it a truly unique and worthwhile stop. You should choose this Queens staple for several key reasons that elevate it far beyond a standard bar experience. The foremost reason is the extraordinary location and atmosphere. Where else in New York City can you find a chill, no-frills spot right on the water, offering a beautiful view of the Jamaica Bay sunset and the distant Manhattan skyline? As one customer noted, the atmosphere is "priceless," and the vibe is often described as "chill," "funky," and "down-to-earth." This is the ultimate escape from the concrete jungle without ever leaving the city limits.

The practical convenience is another major draw. Its immediate adjacency to the NYC Ferry stop is perfect for an effortless commute. Imagine stepping off the boat and being steps away from a cold craft beer or a glass of wine, ready to relax. This convenience is amplified by the rare availability of free parking, making it easy to access whether you’re traveling by land or sea.

But the true value of Postcard Brewing lies in its identity as a community hub and a multifaceted lifestyle destination. It’s a bar, a café, and a surf shop—a one-stop spot for a post-surf beer, a morning coffee, or simply picking up some vintage Rockaway gear. This blend of services creates a dynamic and welcoming environment. You can get a sense of the authentic Rockaway culture here, interacting with both friendly locals and appreciative tourists in a space that celebrates the area’s unique coastal identity.

The hospitality is another strong point, with customers consistently praising the friendly staff and the genuinely inclusive atmosphere. As an explicitly LGBTQ+ friendly and Transgender safespace, the bar stands out as a place where 'Nobody's Perfect, Everyone's Welcome'—a core message of their establishment. The combination of great drinks, stunning views, engaging live music and karaoke, and a truly welcoming, laid-back setting ensures that Postcard Brewing is far more than a stop—it's a destination that perfectly encapsulates the best of the Rockaways.

Postcard Brewing

111-30 Beach Channel Dr, Queens, NY 11694, USA