9 Must-See Spots in Long Island City
Published 11/11/2016
Map out your Long Island City itinerary with these neighborhood hot spots.
1
MoMA PS1
1
22-25 Jackson Ave.
The Queens branch of the Museum of Modern Art (located in a refurbished school, as its name would lead you to believe) features witty, provocative work by contemporary masters. A notable permanent exhibit is James Turrell's open-air Meeting.
2
John Brown Smokehouse
2
27-20 40th Ave.
This acclaimed Kansas City–style barbecue joint brings the regional specialty right to New York City. They’ve got the usual smoked-meat suspects like pulled pork, brisket and burnt ends, plus some curveballs like home-cured pastrami.
3
Pepsi-Cola Sign
3
30-99 48th Avenue
You can’t miss this landmark when admiring the Queens view from the Manhattan side of the East River. The sign, which was installed in 1940 at a now-demolished Pepsi bottling site, recalls Long Island City’s former industrial character—as well as a time when large-scale neon advertising was all the rage.
4
Mu Ramen
4
1209 Jackson Avenue
This celebrated spot, started by Per Se alum Joshua Smookler, takes ramen seriously. Sure, its namesake bowl will impress, with its beefy base (cooked for 20 hours) and deli-style toppings like half-sour pickle and shredded cabbage. It’s the apps, though, that really pack a punch: don’t miss the foie-gras-stuffed chicken wings or the U&I, an uni-and-roe rice bowl.
5
Noguchi Museum
5
9-01 33rd Rd. @ Vernon Blvd.
Founded by Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi and dedicated to exhibiting his art and design, this museum has 27,000 square feet of exhibits and a lovely sculpture garden, one of the City’s most tranquil spaces. Note for thrifty types: on the first Friday of the month, admission is free.
6
Bierocracy
6
12-23 Jackson Avenue
This Euro-inspired beer hall has a massive selection of seasonal beers available on tap and by the bottle. Supplement the locally brewed Queensbridge IPA with a fluffy Bavarian pretzel.
7
Socrates Sculpture Park
7
32-01 Sculpture Park at Broadway
This outdoor gallery space for sculpture is located on the East River waterfront. Along with the art, there are a lot of special events taking place on the grounds of the park including art workshops, movies and a farmer's market during warmer weather.
8
Dutch Kills
8
27-24 Jackson Ave.
Slide into this narrow, low-lit saloon for some killer craft cocktails and a speakeasy vibe. You can pick a libation from the well-rounded—and well-priced—menu or have an expert mixologist personalize one.
9
Casa Enrique
9
5-48 49th Ave.
This restaurant has held a Michelin star since 2015 (the only Mexican eatery in NYC awarded with one); once you taste its made-from-scratch recipes, you’ll know why. Chef Cosme Aguilar takes inspiration from his home region of Chiapas, Mexico, serving up authentic yet refined dishes like chunky guacamole and savory cochinito Chiapaneco (roasted chili-marinated ribs).
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