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Published on 7/23/08
Published on 7/23/08
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1. Jade Eatery and Lounge
We arrive at this elegant, if overpriced, first stop at 10:30pm, just in time to miss a bachelorette party leaving for Manhattan. This was the first of many indications that Forest Hills is more a preparty than late-night scene, and that I should have arrived two hours earlier. Still, Jade is a nice place to get your bearings, with a large, sunken dining area and a clean, bronze-topped bar in back. 1 Station Sq at Continental Ave (718-793-2203). Drinks $7–$12.
2. Danny Brown Wine Bar & Kitchen
I hustle my friend to this new hot spot, only to discover that I’ve made two more missteps: Not only do we rush in at 11:15, just as it’s closing, but in walking to Metropolitan Avenue, I’ve removed us from the nexus of drinking spots around the subway and LIRR stops. From the menu, I discern that this place has a commitment to affordable drinking. On its ten-page wine list, all but five bottles are under $60, and three-glass flights are $12. When I return to Forest Hills, this will be my first stop for sure. 104-02 Metropolitan Ave at 71st Dr (718-261-2144). Drinks $7–$11.50.
3. St. James Restaurant
My friend and I console ourselves a few doors down at St. James, where the bartender immediately recognizes my drinking companion from an unrequited flirtation several months back. Feeling uncomfortable—and disappointed by our grotesquely skunked tap beer anyway—we exit with relative haste. But not before two girls at the bar ask why we are leaving so quickly. “I’m really kinky,” one of them calls as we walk out. 104-08 Metropolitan Ave between 71st and 72nd Drs (718-793-0600). Drinks $5–$8.
4. Austin’s Steak and Ale House
A word of advice: Never “crawl” from Metropolitan Avenue to Austin’s. Ever. We wander along countless residential streets that, with their Continental-looking homes, seem more apt to lead us to equestrian stables than a bar. Fortunately, Austin’s (which is actually in Kew Gardens) turns out to be a real find. It embodies in many ways both the best and worst of this area. Several guys mill about in unironic gold chains while waiting to play Big Buck Hunter. The place has off-track betting (an instant party), a good beer selection (I have a Franziskaner Hefe-Weiss for $6, Lindemans Framboise for $5 and Troegs for $5.50), delicious wings (an amazing hybrid of barbecue and buffalo styles is $8 for a plate of about 12) and a ravishing bartender whom I fall in love with instantly. 82-70 Austin St at Lefferts Blvd, Kew Gardens (718-849-3939). Drinks $4–$40.
5. 5 Burro Cafe
Austin Street leads us directly back to the subway and the main cluster of Forest Hills bars (where we should have stayed all along). A quick impression from my post-2am visit: 5 Burro is a skinny space with only slightly oversweetened frozen margaritas. 72-05 Austin St between 72nd Ave and 72nd Rd (718-544-2984, 5burrocafe.com). Drinks $4–$14.
6. Modus Cafe & Lounge
The crappy front bar hides a wonderfully date-friendly area in back, with plush suede and leather banquettes. 72-07 Austin St between 72nd Ave and 72nd Rd (718-997-0500). Drinks $2–$10.
7. The Billiard Company
This is a basic but lively pool hall, where two people play for $14 per hour (additional players $3 each). 70-49 Austin St between 70th Rd and 71st Ave, No. 2 (718-520-7665). Drinks $5–$35.
8. Dirty Pierre’s
This unremarkable dive seems to be popular with the locals. 13 Station Sq at Continental Ave (718-830-9698). Drinks $4–$12.50.
FINISH Bartini's
My night ends, teeteringly, at Bartini’s. Located in Station Square, the same cobblestoned hub where I found Jade, it’s a perfect last glimpse of Forest Hills’ strange mix. As I wander in (after 3am), I notice an ambulance idling out front—the EMTs are just sitting in the cab, presumably waiting for the inevitable. Then, I descend into the one crowded spot I’d found all night: a heavily black and Latino, booty-shaking dance haven with an atmosphere I’d describe as “strip club, minus the scent.” It’s improbable. It’s cheesy. It’s kind of awesome. 1 Station Sq at Continental Ave (718-896-5445).
BigAL
Mon, May 12, at 12:47pm
Modus is definitely the most pathetic bar in Forest Hills. Don't go unless you want to meet some very low class trashy people who will sell you anything.
Anna
Mon, Mar 17, at 10:37am
The last bar is a typo -- it's from the Harlem bar crawl. Otherwise, that's a bit of a hike all the way from FH to Harlem.
All things Zen
Fri, Mar 14, at 11:08pm
Why send someone who is completely clueless about FH? No pub crawl should miss the Irish Cottage and it should end at the T-Bone Diner. Who treks to the Austin Ale House from 71st? Come on, send someone who knows the joint to get a halfway decent view on the scene.
