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A former industrial hub turned thriving residential enclave, Long Island City used to be one of New York’s best kept secrets.

It is now one of the most sought-after destinations for young professionals and new families seeking small community vibes and stunning river views.

 
 

Restaurants

  1. Levante
  2. Sapps
  3. Xi’an Famous Foods
  4. Indie LIC
  5. M. Wells Steakhouse
  6. THE BARONESS bar + kitchen
  7. The Jacx Food Hall
  8. Bareburger
  9. Bellweather
  10. Casa Enrique
  11. Maiella
  12. Mu Ramen
  13. SHI
  14. Sweet Chick

Drinks / Nightlife

  1. Fifth Hammer Brewing Company
  2. The Gutter Bar LIC
  3. Big aLICe Brewing
  4. Dutch Kills
  5. The Beast Next Door
  6. Gantry Bar LIC

Groceries / Convenience

  1. Foodcellar & Co.
  2. 2704 S & A Wines and Spirits
  3. Olives Organic Market
  4. Cranberry
  5. Key Food Supermarket
  6. LIC Beer Project

Shopping

  1. Book Culture LIC
  2. City Chemist
  3. Ravioli Store
  4. LIC Flea & Food
  5. fLorEsta
  6. Matted
  7. Sadowski Guitars

Cafes / Coffee

  1. Partners Coffee
  2. Birch Coffee
  3. Etto Espresso Bar
  4. Starbucks
  5. Sweetleaf Coffee Roasters
  6. Communitea
  7. Something Sweet LIC

Fitness

  1. The Cliffs at LIC
  2. Yoga Studio 6 LIC
  3. Brooklyn Boulders
  4. Queensbridge
  5. SLT Long Island City
  6. Crank Cycling Studio
  7. SacredWaters
  8. Pranavah Yoga Studio
  9. CrossFit Gantry

Arts

  1. MoMA PS1
  2. SculptureCenter
  3. The Secret Theatre
  4. Flux Factory
  5. SPACE Gallery
  6. Chocolate Factory Theater

Transportation

  1. Queensboro Plaza Station
  2. Queens Plaza Station
  3. Court Square Station

Citi Bike

LIC is home to a mix of new high-rises, old factories and warehouses, and it offers up a perpetually evolving variety of restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops.

There are a plethora of activities to fill up lazy, “stay local” weekends, and the parks and greenspaces are well maintained and easy to get to.

 
 

DINING

One of the most underrated aspects of LIC is its dining scene. Avant-garde steakhouse, M. Wells, BBQ Haven, and John Brown Smokehouse, are all must-visits. Indie LIC serves up a delectable menu of clean and simple small bites and dinner plates, 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

LIC is perfect for fans of mom-and-pop style 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, Sadowsky Guitars, and Long Island City Kleaners are also worth a visit. As for groceries, the multitude of independent markets—like Olives Organic, Baker House, and Food Cellar—have everything covered. Specialty shops such as Murray’s Cheese have dozens of varieties of cheese and other treats, and Ravioli Store supplies you with all of the artisan pasta you can dream of.

MUSIC / ENTERTAINMENT

LIC is well-known for it’s music scene and museums. 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.

BARS / NIGHTLIFE

From cocktail specialists like Dutch Kills to beer enthusiasts like Fifth Hammer Brewing and LIC Beer Project, there’s a bar for every taste in LIC. Domaine Bar a Vins serves up a selection of more than 40 wines, while 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 The Beast Next Door is a casual spot that regularly offers up live music.

RECREATION / FITNESS

The gorgeous Gantry Plaza State Park hugs 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. Brooklyn Boulders is a massive rock climbing warehouse offering classes and membership passes. There are also a number of different gyms covering powerlifters, CrossFitters, spinners, and everyone in between.

TRANSPORTATION

Hero is surrounded by plenty of restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops with easy access to the stunning Long Island City Waterfront. The 7/N/W/R/E/M/G subway lines are just outside your door. In addition, there are two NYC ferry lines to Manhattan on the waterfront and multiple Citi Bike locations surrounding the building.

 
 
 
 
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In particular, those along the waterfront are ideal for biking and jogging and possess some of best skyline views anywhere in the city.

Of course, when Manhattan beckons, LIC is just a few stops away on the 7/N/W/R/E/M subway lines and is also served by the NYC Ferry. LIC is truly a best-of-both-worlds neighborhood, a harmony of culture and convenience.