Velma Tavern Introduce
For New Yorkers, the ideal neighborhood spot offers more than just a meal; it provides an atmosphere, a reliable drink, and food that feels both comforting and elevated. Velma Tavern in Ridgewood, Queens, aims to be that essential local gathering place. Categorized as a Restaurant and a Bar & Grill, it successfully blends the casual, welcoming environment of a local tavern with a menu that focuses on robust Italian-American classics and hearty comfort food. Located in one of Queens' most dynamic neighborhoods, Velma Tavern quickly establishes itself as a go-to destination for everything from a quick weeknight bite to a lively weekend dinner.
The concept of a "Tavern" in the city often evokes a sense of timeless community—a place where quality beverages meet satisfying, unfussy food. Velma Tavern embraces this, offering a space that is both cozy and trendy, making it appealing to a wide variety of local patrons, including groups looking for a casual night out or individuals seeking a great spot for solo dining. The aesthetic, noted by locals as featuring elements like old Italian-style red checkered tablecloths and an eclectic bar area, creates a unique character that is appreciated in a city always looking for authentic and memorable experiences.
Velma Tavern is strategically located at 5-84 Seneca Ave, Ridgewood, NY 11385, USA. This address places it squarely in the heart of the Ridgewood neighborhood, making it easily accessible for residents of Queens and Brooklyn, particularly those near the border of the two boroughs.
The restaurant's positioning on Seneca Avenue benefits from local foot traffic and is conveniently situated near public transportation options, which is a key consideration for New York diners. Accessibility features are a noted highlight, ensuring the space is welcoming to all members of the community. Specifically, the establishment offers a Wheelchair accessible entrance and Wheelchair accessible seating, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity that is important for a local establishment. Whether arriving on foot, by bus, or by car, the tavern's location is integrated into the daily flow of the neighborhood, solidifying its place as a true local favorite.
Velma Tavern provides a comprehensive set of services designed to meet the diverse dining needs of the New York consumer, covering everything from a quick meal on the run to a fully seated dinner experience.
- Full Dining Service: They offer table service and seating for Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner, accommodating groups and individual diners alike.
- Convenience Options: Recognizing the fast-paced nature of the city, the tavern provides multiple ways to get their food, including Curbside pickup, Delivery, and Takeout.
- Beverage Program: A full-service bar is available, offering a great selection of Beer, Wine, Cocktails, and Hard liquor. They also serve Coffee.
- Special Dining Programs: The tavern caters to budgetary and time-sensitive needs by offering Happy hour drinks and Happy hour food specials.
- Event and Group Services: Catering services are available, and the space is noted to be popular for Groups, with the ability to accept Dinner reservations.
- Family-Friendly Amenities: The restaurant is Good for kids and offers High chairs and a Kids' menu, and even includes changing table(s), making it a viable option for families.
Several key features and highlights contribute to Velma Tavern’s reputation as a standout establishment in Ridgewood's dining scene, appealing directly to the discerning tastes of New York patrons.
- Exceptional Beverage Offerings: The tavern is highlighted for its Great cocktails and Great wine list, confirming its status as a serious bar as well as a restaurant. The bar itself is described as a unique and well-designed space that enhances the overall experience.
- Comfort and Atmosphere: The atmosphere is a successful blend of Casual, Cozy, and Trendy, providing a relaxed yet stylish backdrop for any meal. The intentional decor, featuring classic Italian elements and eclectic memorabilia, is a strong talking point.
- Speed of Service: The highlight of Fast service is a significant advantage in NYC, assuring patrons that they can enjoy a quality meal without excessive waiting times.
- Menu Variety with Italian Focus: The menu offers popular categories like Small plates (such as Baked Clams and Whipped Ricotta), classic Pies (including Grandma, Vodkaroni, and Meat Lovers), comforting Pasta dishes (Spicy Vodka, Bolognese), and satisfying Mains (Velma Parmigiana, Pork Chop, Velma Burger). Vegetarian options are also available.
- Convenient Planning and Payment: The tavern Accepts reservations (with dinner reservations recommended) and accepts various payment methods, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, for maximum guest ease.
Velma Tavern can be reached through the following contact methods for reservations, take-out orders, and general inquiries:
Address: 5-84 Seneca Ave, Ridgewood, NY 11385, USA
Phone: (347) 798-4303
Mobile Phone: +1 347-798-4303
Velma Tavern is worth choosing for the Ridgewood local because it delivers a triple threat: excellent drinks, a uniquely cozy atmosphere, and reliably good Italian-American comfort food. For New Yorkers who appreciate a well-crafted cocktail or a great glass of wine, the tavern’s highlighted beverage program makes it a top contender in the local bar scene. This quality is matched by an appealing food menu that satisfies serious cravings.
Patrons frequently praise the classic items that embody Italian-American home cooking, with the Meatballs often cited as "excellent" and the pasta cooked "perfectly al dente." The Velma Salad is also a local favorite, praised for its "super lemony goodness" vinaigrette. The mix of high-quality comfort food (like the Grandma Pie and the Velma Parmigiana) and the tavern environment creates a relaxed yet spirited dining experience, making it perfect for various occasions—from a dinner date to a casual gathering with friends. The commitment to fast service and accessibility further cements its status as a reliable and thoughtful neighborhood establishment. When seeking a place that effortlessly blends a cozy, fun environment with satisfying comfort cuisine and a great drink selection in Ridgewood, Velma Tavern is a standout choice.
Velma Tavern Menu
Appetizers
- BAKED CLAMS $19.00
littleneck clam, breadcrumbs
- WINGS $18.00
jumbo twice cooked wings, buffalo sauce
- CRUDITÉ $18.00
garbanzo bean hummus, carrot, endive, cucumber, cherry tomato, green bean, sweet pepper
- FRIED MOZZARELLA $17.00
housemade breaded mozzarella served with marinara sauce
- FRIED CALAMARI $19.00
served with marinara
- NUGGETS $10.00
10 piece of double battered chicken breast
- WHIPPED RICOTTA $17.00
fresh ricotta, chili honey, garlic chips, basil, parsley, mint
Pies
- GRANDMA $30.00
fresh mozzarella, basil, garlic, tomato sauce. Square pie.
- VODKARONI $30.00
vodka sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, cheese
- MUSHROOM $32.00
wild mushrooms, five cheeses, pesto
- POTATO $30.00
potato, rosemary, roasted garlic, onion, mozzarella
- MEAT LOVERS $30.00
pepperoni, crumbled italian sausage, mozzarella, ricotta
- VELMA $30.00
jalapeño, shallot, green olives, pepperoni
Salads
- VELMA SALAD $14.00
romaine lettuce, lemon vinaigrette, grated pecorino, pistachios, grated egg
- CAESAR SALAD $16.00
romaine, housemade caesar dressing, housemade croutons, white anchovies
- MANDOLINA SALAD $18.00
arugula, endive, pear, walnuts, imported gorgonzola with prosecco vinaigrette
- WEDGE SALAD $20.00
iceberg lettuce, buttermilk blue cheese dressing, thick cut bacon, tomato, red onion, egg
Mains
- ROASTED CHICKEN $30.00
chicken breast, herbs, french carrots, fingerling potatoes
- PORK CHOP $28.00
double bone in pork chop, porcini mushrooms, marsala sauce
- VELMA PARMIGIANA $30.00
chicken cutlet, vodka sauce, cherry pepper, spaghetti
- TAVERN STEAK $28.00
hanger, served medium
- MUSSELS FRA DIAVOLO $18.00
organic mussels, Calabrian chili, marinara
- VELMA BURGER $17.00
4oz charbroiled burger, special sauce, shredded lettuce, tomato, red onion, dill pickles (served medium) with herb fries
Pasta
- SPICY VODKA $18.00
mezze rigatoni, calabrian chili, vodka sauce
- LEMON PASTA $16.00
spaghetti, lemon, parmigiana
- KALE ALFREDO $18.00
rigatoni in cream sauce, kale, pecorino
- BOLOGNESE $20.00
beat and park balegnese, withsspaghetti
Sides
- DRESSED ARUGULA $5.00
- FINGERLING POTATO $8.00
- FRENCH CARROTS $10.00
- FRENCH STRING BEANS $10.00
- HERB FRIES $7.00
Dessert
- TIRAMISU $12.00
- SUNDAE $18.00
Velma Tavern Details
Service options
- Curbside pickup
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great cocktails
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- Has changing table(s)
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Velma Tavern Photos










Velma Tavern Location
Velma Tavern Reviews
pricesitalianatmospheresaladcocktailsspicypool tablelumachehappy hoursunday sauce
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1VELMA’S IS GRRREAT. Pasta is perfectly Al dente and the Velma salad is PERFECTION. I’m a sucker for a good vinaigrette and the lemon vinaigrette here is so refreshing and has this super lemony goodness. Love love love it here. Will be back, highly recommend!
March 21 · Kary SartanWalked in with a friend on Friday night for dinner. It was busy but they were able to seat us quickly.Beautiful space. A lot of thought and intentionality was put into the flow of the space, with different types of seating and an “m” shaped bar which is a welcome alternative that allows the flow of people to be uninterrupted when people gather, and gives good visual space markers between the bar area and table area. Decor is cute, and with old italian style red checkered table clothes with paper on tol, lots of deep greens and great use of texture in the space. Behind the bar is reminiscent of scorpion records but organized, with old license plates, trucker hats and electicisms.Good wine list, and drinks are appropriately priced for the neighborhood.My friend and I ordered meatballs, the velma salad, and the vodka lumache. Meatballs were excellent, exactly what we were looking for- great texture, excellent slightly spicy and appropriately salted meat, and classic red sauce that makes you want to lick the dish. Bread with meatballs was perfect for the dish. The velma salad was ok- it could have been either better dressed or just salted before tossing for better flavor. The spicy vodka lumache was good- but not a pasta I would order again. It wasn’t particularly spicy nor did it have the creamy classic vodka sauce taste. Still, the flavor was good, just not what we expected. Pasta was cooked perfectly al-dente. I would definitely order the meatballs again.Overall, great atmosphere and good experience. Will be back to try their other offerings
September 21 · Elizabeth LawrensenNothing special. Average food. Average drinks. Nothing to rave about . Completely over priced. Decor is nice. Staff is cool.….Super mediocre. Many more spots locally that you can go, spend the same amount and have a better meal / experience.Glad I was able to check them out, but wouldn’t recommend it to anyone.For the price you’re paying you’re expecting something above average, guess my expectations weren’t met.
May 10 · Dwight KennethListen babe just do yourself a favor and bring yourself and whoever is special to you to this restaurant! From the vibe to the food to the staff - all is a 10/10! Thank me later 😘
May 08 · Joshua NealVelma was named as one of the best bars & restaurants in NYC this year. We visited last weekend since we heard about their Sunday Special and we love limited offers.We are not fans of alcohol but Velma is signature as a bar so we gave it a try. Tom Collins used Gin as base & Mai Tai used Rum and both cocktails were refreshing and tasty.We got their Shrimp Oreganata, Spicy Vodka Lumache, Velma’s Juicy Chicken and Sunday Sauce. Sunday Sauce was their Sunday Special Menu and it was extremely satisfying with its portion. However our favorite was the Lumache since the sauce was appetizing and flavorful.
May 17 · Hsin Yi Wei
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