NEIGHBORHOOD
DINING
One of the most underrated aspects of LIC has to be its dining scene. Authentic spots like Casa Enrique, which has a Michelin star and serves some of the best Mexican food in the five boroughs, casual Indian eatery, Adda, and BBQ haven, John Brown Smokehouse, are all must visits. Maiella serves up great Italian food as well as stunning views, and LIC Market is a go-to for delicious food from locally-sourced ingredients. Sapps is a trendy Japanese spot, and Levante is the go-to sit-down pizza joint.
Shopping & Grocery
LIC is perfect for fans of mom-and-pop type shops over big brand retailers. Just Things lives up to its name, offering vintage knick-knacks and clothing, and shoppers are sure to find a home accessory or an accent piece at Slovak-Czech varieties. Underpenny and Long Island City Kleaners are also worth a visit. As for groceries, there may not be a Whole Foods, but the multitude of independent markets have everything covered. Make sure to check out LIC Flea & Food in the warmer months of the year. Best yet, Trader Joe’s right below Prime LIC.
MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT
Music and museums is an apt description for LIC. MoMA PS1 is the most acclaimed of the neighborhood’s current institutions, offering continually rotating exhibitions of experimental contemporary art. The Museum of the Moving Image and The Noguchi Museum are also worthwhile visits. Live music is prevalent at bars throughout LIC, but the impending opening of the massive recording and performance space, The Arc, is sure to liven things up even more.
NIGHTLIFE
From cocktail specialists like The Standing Room and Dutch Kills to beer enthusiasts like Alewife, Fifth Hammer Brewing, and Bierocracy, there’s a bar for every taste in LIC. Domaine Bar a Vins serves up a selection of more than 40 wines, and The Creek and the Cave is part café, part bar, part comedy club, and more. Penthouse 808 is a rooftop bar with stunning Manhattan views, and LIC Bar is a low-key neighborhood stalwart.
RECREATION & FITNESS
The gorgeous Gantry Plaza State Park straddles the East River and is perfect for jogging or long walks, while Queens West Sports Field and Murray Park are ideal for pick-up soccer or football. The Cliffs is a massive rock climbing warehouse offering classes, a gym, and membership passes. There are also a number of different gyms covering powerlifters, CrossFitters, spinners, and everyone in between.
TRANSPORTATION
The Prime LIC is surrounded by plenty of restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops with easy access to the stunning Long Island City Waterfront. Travel by Citi Bike, hop on the 7/N/W/R/E/M/G subway lines, or ride one of the two NYC ferry lines to Manhattan on the waterfront.