New York City Queens

Dutch Kills, 27-24 Jackson Ave. (www.dutchkillsbars.com), Visible on the street only by means of a small neon “BAR” sign, this prohibition-style bar boasts an infinite supply of unique cocktails that vary by season. The Sunset Park is a blend of rye whiskey, dry vermouth, peach liqueur, and Angostura bitters. If that isn't original enough for you, you can also order Bartender's Choice, whereby the man behind the counter will make you a custom drink based on your preferences, mood, or even the type of day you've had. A bar so cool it should be illegal. Beer $6-8. Mixed drinks $10. Wine $8. Open daily 5pm-2am. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access.
Rapture Lounge, 34-27 28th Ave., at 34th St. (www.rapturelounge.com), Like hanging out in your living room, except with better music, booze, and food. No tables; just big comfy couches where you can lounge around, play board games, or shoot the breeze with fellow night owls. Low lights, exotic plants, and a menu of gourmet international food (empanadas $9; crepes $7-9; hummus and pita $7) give this lounge an overwhelmingly classy ambience. Happy hour nightly 5-8pm. Appetizers $4-12. Sandwiches $8-10. Mixed drinks $10-11. Beer $4-6. Wine $7-9. Open daily 5pm-3:30am. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access.
Beer Garden at Bohemian Hall, 29-19 24th Ave., in Astoria (www.bohemianhall.com), The beer garden feels like an outdoor festival that is open every day of the week. You can order a bratwurst ($8) and any beer ($5) and sit at a table under the stars, while listening to the live music that plays from the outdoor stage regularly: Thursdays feature live jazz (6:30-9:30pm), Wednesdays are Open Jam night (10pm-2am), and be sure to catch “Surprise Sundays” (4-7pm). They mean Bohemian as in Central European, not Bohemian as in artsy. Beer $5. Mixed drinks $6-7. Fast food $6-38. Open daily 10am-2:30am. Kitchen open M-Th 10am-2:30am, F-Sa 10am-11pm, Su 10am-2:30am. Takes credit cards.
Sweet Afton, 3009 34th St. (www.sweetaftonbar.com), First you hear the funky-yet-relaxed beat that says “I'm hip and I don't even try.” Then you notice the homemade-looking jar candles covering the tables, shelves, and bar. Then you catch a tantalizing whiff of bar treats made with local ingredients, such as Beer Battered Fried McClure's Brooklyn Pickles ($5). And you know you've found a sweet spot to spend your night. Beer $5-7. Mixed drinks $8-9. Wine $7-9. Food $5-12. Open M-F 4pm-3:30am, Sa-Su 10am-3:30am. Kitchen open until 1am. Brunch Sa-Su 11am-4pm. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access.
Jimbo's, 30-05 Astoria Blvd., between 30th and 31st St. If you've ever wanted to drink like a Greek with other Greeks in a Greek-owned establishment, here is your chance! Blue walls and Greek music create a Mediterranean mood, and there is live Greek music every M, W, and Sa night. The kitchen is open late, so you can responsibly line your stomach with lots of delicious Greek food. Mixed drinks $7-10. Wine $8. Beer $4-5. Appetizers $6-12. Entrees $15-25. Open daily noon-4am. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access.