Forest Hills isn’t necessarily known as a nightlife destination. If, however, you find yourself in this mostly quiet, residential part of Queens for an event at Forest Hills Stadium, you’ll likely need a spot to post up and throw back a couple pre-show. To that end, we’ve rounded up five great bars and restaurants within walking distance of the stadium.
(This list will be updated regularly. Did we miss one? Let us know.)
FOREST HILLS STATION HOUSE
106-11 71st Ave.
Just a quick 5-minute walk from the stadium, the Station House tends to be packed before events, for good reason. The Irish gastropub has 16 rotating craft beers on tap (plus a good selection of cans and bottles) and a short list of rare and specialty brews. Frequent flyers can join a beer club – and get their names permanently etched into the bar’s “wall of fame.” Plus, they boast an extensive whiskey list featuring 70+ fine pours. Those looking to fuel up before a show can nosh from a menu of well-executed pub food, with savory dishes like a double stuffed BBQ hot dog, a French Onion grilled cheese, and Scotch Bonnet sliders.
CABANA
107-10 70th Rd
Visit Little Havana by way of Queens at this lively Cuban spot with balmy Miami vibes. Cabana has a large menu of traditional Latin American plates like chicharrons de pollo and a variety of empanadas. Locals know Cabana for their top-notch mojitos, but the bar also mixes a number of tropical drinks, like a mango daquiri. Just a 10-minute stroll from the stadium, Cabana has outdoor seating at which to linger over drinks on sunny days.
MANOR OKTOBERFEST
7311 Yellowstone Blvd
If pints and pretzels are more your speed, head to Manor Oktoberfest, a traditional German beer hall a 10-minute walk from the stadium that rivals Astoria’s Bohemian Hall. Order a heady pint from their rotating taps and pair it with filling German fare like a giant Bavarian pretzel with beer cheese, a selection of wursts, or a traditional schnitzel. Rolling with the whole family? They also offer a menu of kid-friendly bites like chicken fingers, grilled cheese, or kid’s wiener schnitzel.
5 BURRO CAFE
72-05 Austin St.
If tequila is more your speed, head to 5 Burro Café, a popular Mexican bar and restaurant serving up their “famous” margaritas on the rocks, frozen, or by the pitcher. No matter how you order, you’ll get your money’s worth–their margs pack a boozy wallop. They come in a variety of fruity flavors (order one or get crazy and mix a few) and are the perfect complement to a menu of elevated Mexican fare…including an entire section of different nacho combinations.
KEUKA KAFE WINE BAR & KITCHEN
11204 Queens Blvd
A little farther afield, Keuka Kafe (no relation to the Kardashians) is a great option for stadium-goers looking for a slightly more refined drink experience. About a 20-minute walk from the stadium, Keuka is laid-back wine bar in an intimate, well-appointed space. Oenophiles can build their own charcuterie board from a selection of fine cheeses and meats and wash it down with a fine wine menu featuring mostly reasonably priced quaffs – or a pitcher of sangria. Not feeling wine? They also have three beers on tap and a handful of craft brews and cider by the can.
Written by Alexandra Cavallo