A former industrial hub turned thriving residential enclave, Long Island City is home to a mix new high-rises, old factories and warehouses as well as a variety of restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops. There are plenty of activities to fill up lazy weekends with destinations like PS1 MoMA and Museum of the Moving Image easily accessible.
Parks 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, it is just a few stops away on the 7/N/W/R/E/M subway lines and a short ride on the NYC Ferry. Truly, LIC is a best-of-both-worlds neighborhood, a harmony of culture and convenience.
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.