Exploring Long Island City: Where To Eat, See And Play
Across the Queensboro Bridge, there is a thriving neighborhood that is becoming a popular destination for New Yorkers. Long Island City is easily accessed by the E, R, N, Q or 7 train and a short drive from Midtown Manhattan. Here are some of the best things to do in the Long Island City. By John Friia
MoMA PS 1
22-25 Jackson Avenue
Long Island City, NY
718-784-2084
www.ps1.org
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TO LEARN: Founded in 1971, MoMA PS1 is one of the oldest and largest nonprofit contemporary art institutions in the country and part of The Museum of Modern Art. The museum is an outlet for new ideas and trends in contemporary art, including artists' retrospectives, site-specific installations and artists from across the country. Throughout the year, the museum hosts numerous events, including outdoor summer parties with music and dance.
Socrates Sculpture Park
32-01 Vernon Boulevard
Long Island City, NY 11101
718-956-1819
www.socratessculpturepark.org
TO DISCOVER: Once an abandoned riverside landfill, Socrates Sculpture Park is now a thriving park for artists to exhibit their work to the neighborhood. With the Manhattan skyline in the background and over four acres, the park is one of the only sites in the city that is specifically dedicated to providing artists with opportunities to create and exhibit large-scale sculptures and installations. People can appreciate local and international artists, while taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The Cliffs at LIC
11-11 44th Drive
Long Island City, NY 11101
www.thecliffsclimbing.com
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TO WORK OUT: Thrill seekers can climb high at The Cliffs at Long Island City. Boasting up to 50 feet climbing, it is one of the largest indoor rock climbing facilities in New York City. People can purchase a day pass to take advantage of the gym facility and learn different styles of climbing, including boulder and top rope.
ORO
41-17 Crescent Street
Long Island City, NY 11101
718-729-1801
www.orolicrestaurant.com
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TO EAT: The dining scene in Long Island City continues to grow, and Oro is one of the latest restaurants in the area. Offering contemporary Italian dishes, Chef Scott Andriani designed a menu focusing on seasonal ingredients, homemade pizzas, pasta and a robust selection of fish and meat. Some of their signature dishes include Lemon Spaghetti Vongole with clams, roasted garlic, parsley and white wine, along with their Brick Oven Chicken with olive jus and cauliflower puree. Oro is a spacious restaurant that boasts a curved bar that reflects a wave-accented ceiling. From the impressive display of more than 200 wine bottles to their cozy fireplace, Oro brings the chic atmosphere of Manhattan to Queens.
Dutch Kills Bar
27-24 Jackson Avenue
Long Island City, NY
718-383-2724
www.dutchkillsbar.com
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TO DRINK: As people walk along Jackson Avenue, they might not recognize Dutch Kills Bar. With a neon bar sign, the underground bar transports guests to a bygone era of big band music and classic craft cocktails. From the wooden booths to the chalkboard menu and the intimate atmosphere, this lounge offers mouth-watering drinks and savory dishes that are hard to resist. The ideal place for a late-night drink or a friends gathering.
Z Hotel NYC
11-01 43rd Avenue
Long Island City, NY 11101
212-319-7000
www.zhotelny.com
TO STAY: To capture the true to beauty of Long Island City, people can spend the night at Z Hotel NYC. Perched along the East River, this boutique hotel features a sleek Jazz age-meets-modern industrial style and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. With floor-to-ceiling windows, people will wish this is the view they woke up to every day. Offering various hotel packages throughout the year, the hotel boasts a subterranean restaurant and a rooftop that serve delectable cocktails with panoramic views of Manhattan. During the summer months, Z Hotel offers rooftop yoga with the skyline as the backdrop.
John Friia is a freelance journalist and native New Yorker writing about food, drinks and lifestyle. You can follow his adventures on Instagram.
