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Categories: Lounges, Restaurants [Edit]
Neighborhood: Long Island CityAstoria Blvd (N, W)
Mon-Sun. 5:00 p.m. - 4:00 a.m.
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I had some sex on the sofa to help cure breast cancer. That's one of the many things you can accurately say at Rapture Lounge.
The drinks have the kind of names that you'll find fun or embarrassing. From 9/11/09-10/11/09, $1 from each of their specialty drinks goes to breast cancer research. Their happy hour is 2 for 1, so you can enjoy their good beats, awesome decor, comfortable couches, and tasty drinks without burning a hole in your wallet.
I wish the plants were real, though.
The waitress was pretty useless. She came infrequently and ignored much of the table, so I missed out on a free drink.
couch bar! dim lights, DECENT drink specials, fun loungy decor. there's a "penthouse" for a bit of privacy. friendly staff.
mid-3s, just a tad shy of that 4th star.
If you love vintage style (as do I) and a dim lit, lounge filled with comfy sofas, this place is for you. I've been here a few times, all with some dates, and we've always had good times, this place is definetely guaranteed to receive some ooohs and ahhhs from your date, especially if they've never heard about it. Its in a location away from the normal traffic on steinway st, but not so far where it becomes lost, get here early and claim a nice comfy spot, the drinks there are made perfect and the prices weren't bad at all.
Definetly a place to impress your date, if they're in to the trendy, vintage style this place has to offer, and music, gets my thumbs up.
Great food, great staff (though I MISS APRIL!!!) and great atmosphere. Drinks are great (depending on who's making them) but a little pricey. Happy hour is 2 for 1 though so that makes it doable. And they usually play great music (indie rock/eighties/rock/hip hop)
I LOVE this place!
Probably my favorite in the city and SUCH a blessing to have it right here in Astoria. I hosted my husband's 30th birthday at the lounge, the staff was AMAZING, we had great food, shots, bottles....the time of our lives. The price, could not be beat.
Hands down, the greatest. LOVE the plantain empanadas, chicken fingers, sangria, cosmos.....just the whole menu! Great two for one drinks, sexy vibe. Go. Go now.
For selfish reason I do not want to give this too much of a good review.
I love that it never gets uncomfortably crowded. I love that they are usually generous with how much alcohol they put into my cosmo. I love that for $30, I can have 4 cosmo's and a delicious hot dog that has potatochip crumbs, pineapple, and sour cream on it (i think that's what's on it, it's too yummy for words whatever it is), I love that I can have all of this while sinking into a comfy sofa, I love that I can be as loud as I want talking to my friends and no one else can hear our conversation (or so I believe), I love that when I walk in they know what I'm having, I love Jen, the coolest waitress ever, I love bringing new people here and getting them hooked, I love how the theme song to "Cheers" plays in my head when I'm there, I love the diversity of the customers....
Okay this needs to stop.
I've been waiting to find a great lounge since I've been in NYC. Rapture is totally my vibe. Casual. Laid back. Good music. Not too loud and not crowded at all. (I could actually hold a conversation!)
Nice outdoor seating. A great place to just hangout at the bar, with a friend or two on the sofas, or boo'd up with your significant other.
Saturday, I met up with one of my home girls who used to live around the corner from this place. We hadn't seen each other in months, so there was a lot of catching up to do. That's exactly what we did over some pretty large cocktails . She had a drink called the Jealous Bitch (?) and I had the Horny Dragon. A raspberry mojito kinda drink. We devoured super-fresh guacamole and chips (one of the best guacs I've ever had). Then, the Cointreau girls gave us some free 'ritas. And somehow we left with free t-shirts. Go figure.
Anyway, it was a great night. I definitely can see Rapture as my go-to place for chillin'.
I've been here a handful of times with friends and always enjoyed the comfy couches and vibe. It never seems to get too crowded, which is also a major plus.
I think the best part of the whole place are their hot dogs with the potato chip/pineapple crumbs. I'm a big fan of non-traditional hot dog topping places, such as crif dogs and new york and coffee company.
I could probably write a better review of Rapture if I could ever clearly remember being there. But here goes....
First, the staff there are awesome. April is cute as a button and Jeff is probably the best bartender in town with mad skills and pyrotechnic tricks. They don't really let him do those any more since that eye brow incident with the twins from Reno but the talent is still there.
The lounge atmosphere is a welcome respite from the typical bar scene in Astoria. In the dark light the sofas are welcoming and comfortable and can handle large crowds. Of course, like any well-worn lounge establishment, don't look too closely at the upholstery cause you'll probably wanna run out and grab a jug of Purell.
The kitchen puts out a decent snack menu with fresh ingredients and pretty yummy results. Of course, the main reason to come are the cheap, high-octane drinks the great staff, and the comfy yet sticky sofas.
An absolute must-have is the pineapple infused tequila. I'm telling you, this stuff is muy dangeroso. My only advice is no matter how drunk you get on the stuff, never NEVER eat the pineapple. Trust me, it will not end well for you.
A fantastic candidate for a DYL. Hmmmmm?
(I wasn't feeling well when I was here, so I will try not to let that cloud my judgment.)
I think I liked this place. The sofas and decor were interesting. It was pretty crowded on this particular Saturday evening, however the bartenders were pretty speedy. I would've liked to see more than two or three beers on tap though.
A couple of my friends are friendly with the owner, who was celebrating her birthday ... she brought us slices of cake which was truly delicious. I think someone who works there makes it -- really truly delicious.
Been here a number of times. Just wish my friends would like going here more.
Rapture has a really chilled out vibe. The majority of the seating are these huge, antique couches along with little love seats and ottomans. The crowd is usally locals, from what I could tell, but everyone is there usually hang out, bs'ing, having a few drinks and chillin, no assholes. The music is blasting to the point that you want to scream bloody mary, you can actually have a conversation with your friends.
The menu for both drinks and food is diverse. Some of the better appetizers I had were the flautas, beef empanadas and the seasoned garlic fries. The portions are just the right size and aren't pricey at all. I really want to try to botanas next time though. All their speciality drinks have odd names such as "1-900-FCK-MEUP", "Tie me to the Bedpost" and "Acid Trip". While I can only remember having the 1-900-fuckmeup, which was a bit sweet but really strong and good, my gf and other people I've been there with have said the other drinks are good as well. Most drinks they serve, in general, are made strong.
I really really like this place, just the one thing that blows is the parking. Rapture is in the middle of a residential area and after rush hour, you definetly have to do some searching to find a spot. I remember my gf telling me a story about how it was so bad with parking, after looking for like 20 minutes, they just left and went to some other place in Astoria, so yeah just beware.
Many a night have I found myself and a friend running down to Rapture for a quick few cocktails before bed. This wonderful little hole in the wall type lounge is perfect for the Astoria atmosphere. Comfy couches, a small patio area in front, friendly bartenders and cocktail waitresses, and delicious drinks are just some of the many wonderful aspects you'll find when you come in.
Is the extensive drink list not exactly what you were looking for? I have asked for a new suggestion by the staff and they were more than creatively satisfying. I go back again and again. I hope to share a drink with some of you there soon!
Holy crap, Rapture....why didn't I know you exist?? Maiah J. and I ventured to Rapture under the recommendation of a random guy we met a few days before. Boy, am I glad we acted on his advice.
Rapture is one of those hidden gems in Queens. People think Astoria is not for the "cool"....I mean, really? I happen to think we're pretty awesome. Rapture sits amongst a more residential part of the neighborhood and just looks so inviting all around. Inside there is the PERFECT volume of music playing (I heard many old school favorites, which was great!) and everything just looks so cozy with the plush chairs and low-lighting.
Maiah and I were able to scoot up to a 2-seater table and sampled one of the great 20 oz cocktails (I think we ordered 'Tie Me To the Bedpost'?). It was a bitttt sweet for our tastes so we stuck with white wine for the rest of the evening. Our waitress was great and even gave us our third glass on the house. Amazing!
We also ordered the dessert crepe. OMFG. Do it. Please, please do it. It's big enough to share and has just the right amount of toppings in it. I'm incredibly excited to try the rest of the menu.
And at the end of the night, our bill was brought out in a light-up bill fold. Do I know the technical term for the pleather thing that your bill comes in? No. But I can say that this one was AMAZING. There was a light on the inside so you could actually see what you owe. Such a petty thing but oh man, that made my night. Maiah and I were playing with it for a good 5 minutes before the waitress stole it away from us.
The only downside to the evening was seeing a woman with huge 80's hair making out with a guy on the couch next to us. They couldn't have just moved it to the bedroom? Rude.
How did I find Rapture? Through a young man with bad teeth who invited Kristin S. and I to his New Years Eve party there. He wanted to "smush" us at midnight...
Obviously, Kristin S. and I did not go for fear of smushing, but we did go few days later and found Rapture to be a wonderful little gem on 28th Ave!
You walk through very exclusive looking ropes to the front door which I admit is a little out of place on the same avenue that houses Irish Rover but still... I appreciate the sentiment. Inside the place feels cozy: huge couches, large lounge chairs, warm and low lighting, and friendly people.
Kristin and I found a cute little table for two and immediately ordered of those 20 oz drinks with the ridiculous names (read: the 1-900 fuckmeup, the tie me to the bed post, the sex on the sofa). Unfortunately, they were sort of expensive and a little too sweet so we switched to wine. I guess we drank so much that the waitress felt compelled to put one round on the house! We also ordered the dessert crepe with strawberries and nutella - ugh, it was incredible.
I will say, there seems to be something about this place that makes people make out - there were people making out eeeeeverywhere! I decided they were influenced by all the naked artwork. Hell, I'd probably have made out too if I had been with a man. Hm, maybe next time...
Anyway, I highly suggest you check out Rapture if you live in Astoria - it's a great departure from the usual of 30th Avenue.
I had dated a girl a few years ago who lived in Astoria and she introduced me to Rapture. The name has a ring to it like some swanky happening nightclub with music blasting so loud you have to literally stick your mouth in someone's ear and yell as loud as you can to be heard. But it isn't at all. Very friendly staff, very intimate lighting, big puffy couches and chairs, a couple of nice HD tvs....I just love this place. Every time I've gone there I felt compelled to dress it up. Get all GQ, lol. But when I'm in there, I don't feel all stuffy and uppity. It's just so relaxing.
They have some great little appetizers to pick on as well. Anyone who is in the area and hasn't yet been to this little place should definitely check it out.
I came here late one night with a friend after reading all the glowing reviews here.
I liked the atmosphere all though I felt like everyone was looking at us as soon as we walked in the door - I don't know what that was about.
We sat on one of the couches and had a few drinks. The couch was extremely uncomfortable, I sank way too far in. The noise level was at the perfect talking volume. It was maybe a little darker then I'd prefer (but that's minor). The waitress was friendly so that's a plus.
I'd like to go again and explore it more, it could easily jump up to a 5 star rating.
Hidden in the mostly residential stretch on 28th Avenue between Steinway and 31st Street, previous reviewers' "hidden gem" descriptions of Rapture definitely ring true. Taking a long walk with my roommate last Sunday we stopped to peak inside, since I pass it every day walking the dog but have never gone in. When we leaned in to check out the menu on the door we found they were playing Veruca Salt. So we had to go in.
On a Sunday night we were met with very friendly, un-pushy servers and tenders and fun/moderately affordable drinking. I'm usually sensitive to loud music and didn't find it uncomfortable (though I'm sure this varies with who is staffing the bar on a given night). So nice for people who appreciate a laid-back atmosphere but need to take a break from their usual dive.
This comfy lounge is good for both dates and small groups. The couches and red decor give off a snuggly home-ish vibe with a touch of posh. The drink menu names are entertaining, with the choices including "Mexican Nightmare" and "Acid Trip." The crowd is usually, down to earth people and the service is good and friendly, without being in-your-face.
Wow, who'd a thunk there'd be a cool bar on 28th Ave? I'm a former resident of Astoria (before the "hip" days) and I went here with a friend after leaving the oh-so-crowded Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden - and loved it. The place is small and cozy - the mood is nice, lighting is perfect, music was great!
Drank beer here and ate chicken fingers - the waitress wasn't pushy whatsoever. The seating is a little awkward, as you might have to look at other people across from you, but everyone here is in their own little world, so no need to feel self-conscious.
The only annoying thing was due to another patron - toward the end of my stay here, someone next to us decided to put this random lamp on. It completely ruined the ambiance - but I didn't want to cause a scene with this obviously clueless patron who didn't get that the place is supposed to be dark and mysterious - and that there were other people sitting next to them who might not appreciate the burst of light. Sigh! I'd definitely go here again when I'm in Astoria, though. :)
Love it. The staff is very friendly. The low lighting and couches make for a calm, sheik atmosphere. I had the house Riesling and the pour was generous. A few glasses later an ahi tuna sandwich hit the spot.
This is the kind of spot where you can go alone to hang at the bar or bring friends. I highly recommend it.
It's a chill place with couches to just lounge on. The music has been EXCELLENT everytime I've been there and the staff is always friendly. It's unlike the other obnoxious Astoria cafes that are full with annoying 17 year olds.
P.S. The garlic fries that are on the menu do not taste like garlic. Just wanted to share that.
This is the kind of place that could be perfect, but it loses major points in several departments.
Exhibit A: The music is way too loud. Even on a weeknight when there are hardly any people in there, you literally can't hear the person next to you.
Exhibit B: At "peak" times, it gets very crowded with an unexpected type of crowd. It's like a B&T crowd, except you're already over/through the B&Ts, so that's not applicable. Let's just say that in my experience, they're not the most desirable or polite people to be sharing a lounge with.
Exhibit C: Even with aforementioned exhibits, this is honestly the one thing that will keep me from going back to Rapture. For some reason, you come out of this place REEKING like fried food. You know the "I just waited 10 minutes for my cheap Chinese Take-Out" smell? Yeah, that's the one. I had to air out my peacoat for a week to get rid out it, and my hair, yuck...well, thank god that's washable.
It keeps 3 stars because if you do manage to stop by on a warm weekday night and sit outside away from the greasy smells and loud music, you'll be able to enjoy some nice martinis and AMAZING guacamole.
An outer-borough GEM. An actor friend of mine introduced me to this place -- what's the deal with all of these actors living in Astoria?
The list of special cocktails are hilarious. Last night, I got the 'Tie Me to the Bedpost,' it was pretty good. They have a decent amount of alcohol in them (and you can't tell), so watch it. They also have Magic Hat, if you'd rather have a fun beer.
I went for the 2-for-1 happy hour at 6:30, and I opted to get food too. I got the Basil Chicken Sandwich with Gouda. It was very tasty -- surprising for bar food. The place is a little loud for my taste, but the music is very eclectic (read: good), there is a big flat-screen for sport-Os, and the place was gay friendly. There is also outdoor seating (should it decide to be warmer for a few more weeks) and an elevated VIP area (which looks like an elevated 'back-room').
Why couldn't there be cool places like this when I lived in Brooklyn?
Unpretentious and nice lounge in Astoria trying to be a little more extravagant than the norm and not quite being able to muster up enough real pazazz, its very cheap for beer and has these cool plastic menus from which to select light snacks.
I attended Chelsea's birthday party here and found it to be a cool little slice, my problem is that my friend pointed out that he heard a couple songs twice already. That's probably not good.
The music was a throwback to top hits from like 2000 (the managers looked like clubbers from 1995), which was cheesy and charming at the same time. I'd say its a good place for groups and beers.
cute very college vibe space.
well priced drinks. night i went there had crazy deal on AMAZING tequila pineapple shots. was planning on one or two drinks stayed for way too long because it was too tasty.
nice neighborhood lounge
I think I found my 'end of the week happy hour place'. 2 for 1 drinks from 5 to 8pm (DAILY!). Their mixed drinks are big, like ' ....aren't those glasses meant for milk shakes?' kind'a big. They have my favorite beer (Magic hat #9), My friend and I split 8 beers, chicken fingers and pierogi's for just 29 bucks during happy hour. Groovy baby.
Good food, cool barmaids and dare I say good music...ok, good as in broad range of music, from J.lo to Metallica, not much of the latest tracks but spins the popular tunes within the different genres.
The decor is funky and clean, not funky and "funky", like some other places that looks as if they got theirs at a dirty thrift shop. Its also a good place to take a date. Not too many places like this in Astoria, definitely check it out.
*update* prices went up a bit, about a dollar up on drinks. Blame the economy.
I have been here a few times and each time was different. But on average this place is ok. The decor is pretty cool and the people are nice. Bar tenders know how to mix. Not really my cup of tea though. I'm more of a pub sports bar kind of guy. But for those out there that like cocktails and just happen to find your selfs roaming around Astoria then I would recommend you stop by. Warmer weather is the best time to visit this spot because they bring out the patio chairs for the sidewalk. Nice place to just kinda people watch. That being said you should check it out.... if you live around this place. Other wise I wouldn't travel for it
I had been a bit reluctant of going into this place based on the outside appearance, ie pretentious as hell!
Went in for a few drinks last night and was pleasantly surprised with the very chill atmosphere and mostly friendly wait staff and patrons....the bartender was a little too-cool-for-school but anyway. On a Friday night btwn 10:30 and 12:30 the place was full but still room to maneuver and the music was quiet enough to allow for easy conversation.
Can't really comment on the food or drinks....just had a few beers.
I'll definately be back for another round :)
This place is fantastic. Taken tons of people there and always have a good time. Drinks have quite interesting titles (not that I've ever ordered one) but people with me have and they are true to their word.
I've come with people I work with, close friends, even my parents. The music is muted and its a place made for conversations (albeit, a bit of yelling involved.)
The reason for 4 stars and not 5 is the inconsistent waitress service, which you can choose not to use. Some nights, the drinks are out quick and right on the money. Other nights, drinks fail to appear (but show on the bill).
All in all, if you use the bar and you come with a good group, the Rapture Lounge is a great time.
I had the best time here! I went to meet a friend with the hopes of watching game 7 of the world series, which, although it wasn't really the crowd for it, they graciously put on for me :) Our server was the sweetest, and happy hour (2 for 1 drinks AND food) lasts until 8pm. I eventually staggered home to my husband with a confident "I'm Drunk!" pronouncement. He was somewhat amused.
Decor: Cozy couches, ornately carved chairs, PLENTY of places to sit, a bar in the back, clean bathrooms, and outside seating as well. The chairs out front are translucent molded plastic that are lit up inside showing through orange, red, blue.
Great place to meet a friend for drink and conversation. Stay as long as you want, but eat somewhere else beforehand. The food was mediocre.
I *adore* Rapture. It's this little hidden gem that just doesn't seem to belong in that part of Astoria. And like Aaron K. said I too was a bit intimidated to go in at first, but I am totally glad I did!
It's dimly lit, filled with velvet couches and unique decor, awesome drinks, amazing guacamole (warning: if you're sensitive to spicy foods ask the bartender to make it mild) and an all around good vibe.
Happy hour is even on Saturdays!
This place is GREAT! The super cool, colorful (yet not tacky) vibe and the big comfy couches make this a fun hang out. The enormous drinks have names like 1-900-FUCKMEUP and Tie Me to the Bed Post. How could this place not be awesome?!
The bartenders are ultra cool, without that too-cool-for-you attitude. They have 2 for 1 drink specials every day! So skip the AA meeting and head to this place!
Definitely the coolest spot in the neighborhood. Maybe I have a biased opinion because my mom met my step-dad here. At least I like him, and I know he has good taste in hang outs... Oh, yeah, and women... Hi, mom!
The couches are cozy and they have board games. Great place to snuggle up and cuddle on cold days or sit back with a group of friends and chill. They have good taste in games because I spotted both Clue and Taboo. They have crazy names for drinks like "sex on the sofa" and their couches are comfy enough to do it. If absinthe is your drink of choice you're in luck because they have a cocktail with just enough of a kick to spice up the night. The artwork is, to say the least, interesting. The painting of the woman eating her baby totally creeped me out. If I ever find myself in this part of Astoria again, I'll definitely hit this spot up.
Wanting to throw a decent surprise party for my gf, I called Rapture based on reviews from all sources. Turns out, the average rating for Rapture was between 4 to 4.5 stars. I figured I couldn't go wrong with those ratings.
When I called the lounge to arrange the party, I was given the number to an event planner named April. The reservation was no problem and I was given a party menu via email. The menu had great choices at reasonable prices. Everything was set up beautifully on the night of the surprise and best of all, my gf had no clue.
Considering that I only called three days in advance of the party date, Rapture was very accommodating. The champagnes were great, the appetizers yummy, and the ambiance great (no loud music!). Everyone at the lounge was gracious enough to sing and clap as the birthday cake was being presented. The whole thing didn't feel cheesy as it would at an Applebee's or TGIF; it felt more intimate. The servers were super although the bartender was icy for some reason or another. In any case, I had a great time at Rapture and look forward to another visit soon.
I went to Chelsea J.'s birthday get together here. I simply adored the atmosphere --- a kind of loungey, artsy, middle-eastern flair with huge chairs, sofas, pillows, lanterns and there was even a loft with tons of pillows and chairs to hang out in.
The music is the usual, alternative-dancey fair. The bathrooms are painted with Bettie Page-esque pin ups and there's usually a line outside of them. The servers are friendly and will happily start up a tab for a group. And our drink orders were refilled very quickly, too.
I had a few drinks, average price ($6 for a gin & tonic). There's a drink menu ranging from specialty cocktails, wine, and general-guarenteed-to-get-you-piss-drunk-for-$10-a -glass. The lounge also serves food and has a rather big menu. I sampled some appetizers and they were quite good. I didn't order anything but a few others in my group did and they seemed happy with their meals. All in all, a good experience since I've never been to a lounge before.
Something I thought I yelped but didn't. Funny since I am in the main photo for this place. But, anyway. It is an enjoyable relaxing lounge-type bar. This place seems for mixed drinks as for beer they only have bottles, if I remember correctly.
It was a good place to just kick back on a sofa and sip a drink. Unlike many other lounges this wasn't pretentious, full of scumbags, or anything like that. It was pretty fun. I'd go back, but I don't know how much I'd go out of my way for it. Good place, but not 4-5 stars for me.
quaint and cozy...totally my style. The drinks on the menu are far out...I got zombified by their 1900fuckmeup drink. Yes, that's the actual name of the drink. After 4 of 'em, I was read to rock!!! Oh wait...there's no stage here, oops. Overall, the mood there was pleasant.
This is a great little lounge in Astoria. I've only been a couple times, both after trips to the Bohemian Hall Beer Garden, but if it were closer or lived in the neighborhood, this would be my preferred hangout.
The decor and vibe is super cool and the paintings on the walls are disturbingly fascinating. Lots of comfy couches and seating. Two super large and clean bathrooms! The drink menu is fairly extensive, and while still mostly qualifying as "bar food" I've had bites of a few of their dishes and it's been good.
Both nights I've been it wasn't too crowded, so it's a great spot to bring a date or a group of friends.
Was taken there after dinner one night last year, because my cousin was in dire need of some tasty alkyhol. I had no knowledge of the place whatsoever, but upon walking in, I felt instantly at ease. The ambiance was fantastic and unpretentious, the staff so cool and helpful with not-a-frequent-drinker-so-I have-no-idea-what-I'm-ordering folks like myself, the decor was perfect (I sunk into a plush velvet chair and felt right at home). I moved to Brooklyn not long after the visit, but it left a lasting impression. If I ever go back to Queens, this is where I'll take my girls to just chill, gossip, and vent. Oh, and maybe get a little lushed up.
An odd swanky lounge in a quiet section of Astoria. I used to live around the corner but was never dazzled by the mood here. Never had the impulse to return The disheveled seating configuration may throw you off at first but this place is eccentric enough to make you want to stay. Difficult to find seating with large parties- you may be squashed up against a total stranger and inadvertently engage in conversation. But whatever- drinks are cheap- and it turns out to be an OK place at which to pre-game.
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