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36th Ave (N, W)
36th St (G, R, V)
Mon-Thu. 4:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Fri. 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 a.m.
Sat. 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 a.m.
Sun. 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
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Going by the 5 star definition, it really is as good as it gets. Studio Square lived up to all the hype and more. You really can't believe it till you see it. Approaching from the outside, large flags greet you with the Studio Square coat of arms. Pass the colossal bouncers and get ready to drink.
They have a great selection of beers on tap including my favorite Franziskaner. The place is HUGE! You almost get the same feeling you get when you walk through the tunnel and emerge into a ballpark (Citi or Yankee take your picks) Once you reach the outside is when everything comes together. Tons of people, tons of benches.
Been there twice since the opening and it looks like its going to be the go to spot for this summer.
*****5 stars for great selection of beers, great food, and for its comfortable feeling. This place is here to stay. Grab a beer with friends and enjoy the nights to come. If you want a bench try to get in early. (way before 9)
in-freaking-credible European biergarten with an American twist to it (Sam Adams and Captain Lawrence next to Spaten and Hofbrauhaus). very spacious, comfortable, and clean.
during the Yankee game, $15 pitchers of beer - OH HO HO YEAH! this was enough to turn me, a normally apathetic-about-most- sports-and-only-slightly-caring-about-baseball Mets fan into a rabid anti-Phillies crusader.
too bad it was raining on Halloween, but there was a lot of space indoors and along the outside terrace.
they've got an interesting assortment of food - German (sausages, pretzels) with American (pulled pork) and...sushi? hey, why not.
music was off during the Yankee game, but afterwards they turned it on - it was pretty much a mix of pop and rock (everything from Bon Jovi to Lady Gaga).
AND THEY HAVE THE BAVARIAN MUSTARD. if you've been to Germany you know exactly what I am talking about. I seriously debated "liberating" the giant tub of it, but luckily, cooler heads (and another pitcher of beer) prevailed.
the staff are cool and friendly people, even if some of them didn't understand my costume (I was the Evil Mr. Spock - yes, I am a geek).
can't wait to go back.
People thought this was:
Oh Studio Square, I am completely conflicted.
You are infringing on the the turf of the Bohemian Hall Beer Garden, aka the only place in Astoria that should be called the beer garden. When my friend was having her birthday party here, part of me wanted to say no. When I walked in, I felt like I was cheating on my aint a beauty but hey you're alright outdoor drinking place in Queens.
But I walked in anyway. And this place is huge, and its clean and there's a better beer selection than the beer garden. And you can buy 1 liter mugs instead of pitchers. All of these things scream five stars.
But there's no soul. Its too nice. I like a place that's got a little dirt and a little character. To me, Studio Square is the outdoor Queens drinking establishment version of the new Yankee Stadium. Yes it's a spectacle, and yes its nice, but is it necessary? Did the old place need improving? How many more rhetorical questions can I ask about a stadium I need to get over?
Basically I'll never turn down a trip to Studio Square, but I dont see myself ever suggesting it either. If there's any benefit, a lot of the annoying crowd from the beer gardennow only goes here, so it's a little more manageable to get in there on the weekends. That's not great for their business, but it works for me. I never said I wasn't selfish.
Note: there's a bathroom for guys to use where I never had to wait in line, but I'm not saying where it is here. Some secrets need to be kept.
There are tons of different beers here - like tons from local to German. The place is huge, and clean. There is a wonderful wraparound porch area that is great for shade or to go to if it rains.
Their indoor space is huge, and the bathrooms are well maintained. I've not used their "Studio Space Event Space" yet.
The food is standard food for a beergarden, although there are some unusual treats like California rolls. The prices are definitely not bad at all.
I highly recommend this place in the summer, or fall (they have an outdoor fire pit which keeps you warm.
Great addition to Astoria!
I left here drunk as a skunk.
Seriously, it wasn't pretty. I was a drunken, sloppy mess.
And the scary part is, I was sober in comparison to the rest of the crowd in attendance! By nights end, I was burned with a cigarette twice by a friend of mine, thrown up on (unfortunate, but luckily it was just on my inexpensive flip flops!) and had a good amount of booze spilled on my shirt.
I arrived on a Saturday night, and it was insanely packed. There was a lengthy line to get in, and all the bouncers insisted on inspecting purses. Normally, this would piss me off, but there were so many people here that I suppose it was necessary.
I don't like beer, and I never have. I prefer wine or liquor, because it's tastier and frankly it's just more bang for the buck. I ordered a pitcher of sangria for $25 which at the time I thought was absurd. The pitcher only pours out around four cups worth! But actually, it was a fair price because the sangria is pretty strong.
Of course, I didn't find this out until much later when my friends and I were already three pitchers deep. They must spike it with brandy or something, because that stuff is lethal!
When my boyfriend went to get another pitcher, the bartender asked if he'd like to try their lemonade and vodka. He did, and liked it so much that he returned with a pitcher full. I remember savoring the flavor and enjoying it. After that, my memory fails me and it all goes black.
The atmosphere is pleasant, although I think this place is a meat market. There were plenty of cougars and playboys on the prowl.
But for an enormous bar full of drunken fools, the place was almost spotlessly clean.
It can get pricey, but if you pregame before coming, you shouldn't be dropping an obscene amount. Better to come on a weekday though when it's less crowded and less insane. Be wary of the sangria. It's been a few weeks since I was last there and still can't drink the stuff without being reminded of that night and becoming nauseous.
People thought this was:
Plenty of open space and great selection of beer. I hope this place stays open during the winter. Much better than the bohemian beer garden and less
sloppy- the only drawbacks being the semi-trashy crowd it attracts and its tendency to appear more as a sports bar rather than an actual beer garden.
Love the space! Love the beer! No love for the service!
The place is very spacious with different areas to party in...indoors or out so its best to meet at one spot when organizing a gathering of friends. Best time to get there on a Sunday is noon...prime table picking all for yourself and your party, especially if you have kids' like we did. The space reminds me of my high school cafeteria, just outside and without the social stereotype, but indoors has the standard clean bar and another section that looked more lounge-like.
Food was mediocre, but the beer was plentiful and enjoyable as most beers make any scene fun & relaxed.
I was a little miffed by the "cashier" service and maybe it was me, but I heard the same from other customers in line. The cashier (who worked on the outdoors area) was very cold and showed no smile or interest. She just looked at you, smacking away at her gum. WHAT A BIATCH!
Overall the experience was fun and we'll come back for the beer, not the service.
People thought this was:
HUGE!!
this beer garden is a little too Disney for me. a little too manicured. lots of space and good beer. but the eternal flame type contraption in the middle of the space reminded me, for some reason, of the scene in Scrooged where Bill Murray is watching his own coffin being rolled into a cremator.
sorry to bring death into this. not really fair.
anyway...it's an ok place. if you want to go to Astoria.
People thought this was:
Love it. It is lots of fun their pitchers of Sangria and Beer are well priced and tastes great then when you get hungry you have an assortment of good comfort foods to buy at really good prices! Okay I know the sushi seems out of place but it was the first thing I ran to after a few drinks and it was really good!
I went when it was still warm enough to sit outside but I do not know what they do in the winter months. The outside area is huge and very well maintained. The crew cleans up right away so you are not sitting at a table with peoples old pitchers and glasses.
Downside: Parking is impossible to find!!
My experiences at Studio Square have been decidedly mixed. I can't quibble with the beautiful space, or the excellent beer selection, or even the tasty avocado-cucumber rolls. The staff is really nice, too.
The problem? The crowd. I was there today on a crisp Sunday afternoon, and the people were great -- families with kids, young hipsters, middle-aged locals, a 30th birthday party, etc.
Last Sunday, however, was a different story -- a hellish mix of frat boys, thugs and thugettes. We vowed never to go back, and it was only the thought of an al fresco beer on a sunny October day that made us risk it just one more time.
Today there were signs posted at the door saying, "No baseball 'style' caps, hoodies or doo-rags after 8 pm." I'm wondering if something happened or if they were just trying to weed out a certain type of clientele.
I don't know, man. I like it when it's mellow, but I guess you never know who's gonna show up. Today gets five stars; last week, one.
Compared to the original Beer Garden in Astoria this place is great!
$25 for a pitcher of Sangria? Uhmmm, not so hot. Especially, since you have to pay cash - no cards allowed!
Good beers, but they need more. After all it is a beer garden, and if I were a beer-lover I'd be mad at their lack of selection.
The highlights are: you can wear almost anything, great place to meet with friends.
Studio Square is a casual, fun place to spend an afternoon hanging out with your friends and having a few drinks. I haven't come here in the evening, and I'm not sure I really want to. During the day, there's never a problem finding space for a small group, and the vibe is pretty low-key and not rowdy. I also like how diverse the crowd is - you get everything from young couples with their children to middle age folks and everyone else in between.
They've got a lot of beer on tap, including gluten-free and non-alcoholic. They allow you to sample the beers before ordering, which is really helpful. The sangria on tap is also pretty good, not to mention strong!
The food is also pretty tasty and reasonably priced ($10 for entrée plus fries). I had a burger once, and while it was a tad underseasoned, it still hit the spot. The chicken tenders have a light crust and are more filling than you expect. The fries are perfect - thin, crispy and salty. They even make some decent sushi ($6 for 8 pieces). My only wish is that they had more snack options besides the fries and jumbo pretzels.
My only complaint is that it's cash only, so you can't even set up a tab at the bar. So be prepared with a stuffed wallet...and you'll be sure to leave with a stuffed beer belly.
People thought this was:
Beer Garden review 4 of 4
The "classiest" of the 4. That being said, no beer garden can truly be classy. This one is trying though.
Pricing is still spot on $18 for a pitcher and normal food prices.
For starters, very good beer selection with some good craft beers thrown in there too.
The food was great, out of the 4 gardens ive been to this had the best overall food (with the grilled corn at http://www.yelp.com/bi... definitely up there too)
I will definitely be back to Studio Square. It has good atmosphere, good beer, good food. Good combo.
People thought this was:
First, let me start off by saying that I love beer. My favorite thing to do in the summer is drink beer (or margaritas) in the sun and basically lay around and relax. Beer gardens like Studio Square give me the perfect opportunity to do two of the things that I love.
I have to say that really enjoy the original Bohemian Beer Garden in Astoria much more than this new up-classed version that they recently opened. It's nice and clean but when I think of real German Biergartens, I think of something else... and its not Studio Square.
Their food is good and resonably priced.
The bartenders that I experienced were pretty rude and at around 9 or 10pm some bouncer came over to me and told me that I needed to take my hat off. I pointed out another guy was wearing a hat and he said that the hat he was wearing was allowed. I was wearing an Ivy cap, not some "I hate the Yankees" trucker cap. When I am in an oudoor drinking environment the last thing that I want is a club style dress code. THIS IS ASTORIA AND IT IS NOT A MANHATTAN CLUB.
They may have wanted a hip beer spot for the uber gentrified crowd of Astoria, which they achieved, but I think there are other "German" spots in NYC that hit the mark better than this place.
People thought this was:
I'm no beer connoisseur; I'm not even a beer drinker. In fact, I've always professed a profound distaste for this carbonated, carbohydrated brew. So, if I can have a good time at Studio Square Beer Garden, anyone can.
I had done my research ahead of time and knew that there would be an array of choices available for non-beer drinkers, and I worked my way through most of them. The Absolut lemonade on tap had a nice balance of sweetness and sourness, but I didn't detect much alcohol in it. On my next trip to the bar, the friendly and knowledgeable bartender offered samples of virtually everything on tap. I tried the cider, which was light and sweet and served on ice, which is tremendously helpful for this type of beverage which tastes rank when warm, and the Sam Adams cherry wheat beer, which is one of few real beers I can tolerate (shout-out to Ithaca apricot wheat beer--the other). Others in my group complained that the Sam Adams 1) was dominated by cherry, which reminded them either of a) Robitusson or B) Cherry Chapstick (and perhaps Katy Perry by extension). I wish they would offer lambics on tap here, or at least Lindemann's by the bottle, as those are my preferred wheat beer/fruit combos. I also wish that the pitcher discounts on non-beer beverages matched those of the beer (as it stands, pitchers of the former are almost $10 more than those of the latter, even though a glass of each costs the same).
For sustenance, I tried the chicken fingers with french fries. The fries were hot and fresh, skinny and salty, but the chicken was cold--not even lukewarm. Perhaps the food station should borrow one of those laser beam-turbo-charged-high-speed hand dryers from the bathrooms. The sauce offerings for the food were excellent, particularly the sweet and spicy mustard.
I found the seating to be ample, but I was there in October and on the early side. I didn't encounter too many douches, but an all-important baseball game on the tv screens did elicit some chest-thumping, testosterone-laden moments. The busboys were a little too officious at some moments yet simultaneously unavailable when needed. I actually didn't mind the Disneyfication going on at Studio Square complained of by other reviewers. I found the shtick--complete with a jumbo foam beer mug and giant pumpkins and scarecrows for Halloween to be cute. As for the people complaining of SS's cleanliness (seriously?!), there's plenty of grime on the subway ride home. All in all, this is not at all a bad place to have fun with friends in a city where no one is likely to have the luxury of a private backyard.
People thought this was:
i like this place. as another reviewer mentioned, i've been saying that its difficult reconciling this new place w/ THE old standard.
it helped that the universe-famous astoria bier garden got a bit goofy, in a way that bothers me. when i went over the summer, they required i get a seat at a table to get some wurst. in the past, its been a good to stand in line for my keilbasa, as a segway from teh workweek, gently easing me into the garten. now, i need to sit and wait for someone to serve me? they didnt' even let me wait at one of those standing tables by the door. i was waiting for friends, and there wasn't much seating available; i simply wasn't ready to ordnung muss sein, at least in that way.
i've yet to return.
SS2 allows me to stand in line for food. the sangria rates, the wine is drinkable, and i actually enjoy having the racer5 IPA. the other-than-beer options are much less palatable at the universe-famous.
it also helps that SS2 is 3 blocks from work, and the work crew goes.
the ambiance has more a new, squeeky-clean feel; warm and welcoming, but not quite the familiarity as U-FABG; latter's stage is much more accommodating but SS2 fits in some live entertainment as well.
after work, its much more a party atmosphere; at or about 9p the stretch limos start arriving and it changes into more a clubby feel. that's usually when we clear out; it coincides when that 10% in the work crew also changes personality with too much drink. last time i was there, it was the other two sole survivors in my company that instigated conflict (one was being dumb, the other was slighted by ignorance in others).
this area is changing; SS2 has contributed to extending the steinway area in the direction of the 36ave N/W stop. is it a good thing? does it matter? its happening. check it out.
One day Nat V. was like, Jamel, Im going to the beer garden...Studio Square...this was like 11am...My brother and I had lunch did all sorts of other stuff and at around 7pm, decided to go see Nat V. and Co...who were still there...
I ordered a pitcher of Blue Moon Honey Moon and we sat down...My brother got a pitcher of Sangria...very diverse crowd...However, no one that jumped out to talk to...it was a weird vibe...the place is modern, big and even sells food...in due time though...
So I started seeing all these random people...people from clubs...people from the shoe store...people from myspace who were nice to let me know we are friends...it was quite odd at some points...One friend said, "Jamel, those people over there are watching you.." I looked and just said...I dont know, wave...so we waved...
So finally we got hungry...They have sushi...we didnt have any...but they sell it...we got burgers and chicken kabobs which were wiiiizzzaaccckk..no one finished their food...and we were hungry...the woman at the counter almost didnt give me my food cause I didnt have my receipt when I was called...she grilled me on the temperature of our burgers...I said well done...she refused to give me the burgers...she was like it said extra well done...I was thinking, no, thats what you guys did with the burger, burned it...
Oh, saving grace, there is a fire place...like a fire in a structure that is about as high as your chest that you can stand in front of (think bbq grill horizontal and not santa claus vertical). I think thats used to sacrifice the virgins....but what do I know...I thought i was gonna see sponge bob square pants, but instead I saw all sorts of other people who probably live in a pineapple under the sea...Maybe on another day things will get better. Oh yeah, some guys next to us started reading the palms of the women that were in our group...including, some "amazing looking girls" that came to meet my brothers friend who turned out to look like the cow and the moon the cow jumped over...luckily we were at studio square! They fit right in.
This place can be great, if you bring your own friends...otherwise you might be stuck in a cartoon, a nursery rhyme, or with random dudes grabbing your palms...hit Nat V. up and find out if her reading was accurate!
People thought this was:
OK. Here's what I loved:
1. The food is really good (try the cheddar bratwurst and the pretzels).
2. The place is beautiful. Yes it's "manicured" and "classed up" but I liked that
3. Lots of beer to choose from and they have 2 full service bars
4. It's 3 blocks away from my apt (and on my street) so stumbling home is much easier than stumbling home from the other beer garden
What I didn't like:
1. They serve sushi. At a beer garden. I mean, really?
2. The crowd was kind of hoochie. Short skirts and straight guys with over-styled hair. My friends and I used the term "guido" more than once.
3. Cash only? It's almost 2010 people! get over yourselves and buy the visa/mastercard machine. Please!
Bottom line: If you're looking for a more authentic beer garden, go to Bohemian Beer Garden. I'll be there next time with cheaper beer, comparable food, and a cooler "crunchier" crowd.
"...you see the line to get in. And you're like oh, this is actually a douchey club. And this line of spikey haired douchebags are the people you'll be surrounded by when you get in." Dave R./Brooklyn
Dave pretty much hit the nail on the head, i.e. the crowd leaves a little something to be desired.
I went for my birthday. I heard Hootie and the Blowfish. I saw men wearing t-shirts with sparkly applique and too much hair product and really bad shoes. I saw velour outfits. I glimpsed my own personal hell.
If the above sounds like your cup of tea, then you will love this place. If not, go to the other beer garden in Astoria, or the beer hall in Williamsburg.
Oh, and for the record, the beer is good here. They've got that going for them.
People thought this was:
Drinks: Good selection of beer on tap, ranging from microbrews to macrobrews. Something for everyone. Can't speak about the cocktails, sangria is horrible. My girl tried the Absolut Vodka Lemonade, very fruity, hint of alcohol, good for non-drinkers.
Food: Fairly priced bar food. Crispy fries, good sausages, hamburgers. Won't blow you out of your seat delicious but fits the environment accordingly.
Service: Standard bar service. Order at drinks at bar, food at food stations, and bus boys roam around cleaning up your table when done with food. Won't clean or wipe up anything, just take plates, pitchers, cups.
Crowd: Gets crowded on weekends, weekdays, not so much. Definitely have to fight for giving your order on the weekends during summer, way too much people. Mixed crowd, smoking allowed outdoors, mostly Queens/LongIsland heads from the looks of things. Nice place to go with a group of rowdy friends.
This place is just superfluously big. Like ridiculously large...aaaaand still waits for the bathroom.
You walk in, there's the large bar area and then you make your way through the crowd to the "garden" which is overflowing with people, some huddled around a mini bonfire all on the wrap-around patio...deck...area. The actual garden is of course, crowded. We stuck with ordering beer...I mean, why am I gonna order sangria or a rum &coke at a beer garden? Anyway, the prices are kinda up there. Also, there's an upstairs that looks like (as my friends and I decided) a P.Diddy video, or a Miami beach club--same thing. That should be interesting come winter time. But I'm sure I'll be back time and time again even though it's a little harder to get to than the original Bohemian Beer Hall. Mmm, it's a'ight, but I still profer the OG Beer Garden instead!
People thought this was:
I found this place highly disappointing.
At first glance it looks like a gym from the outside.
Then you see the line to get in. And you're like oh, this is actually a douchey club. And this line of spikey haired douchebags are the people you'll be surrounded by when you get in.
Then you see all the kit cars driving by with giant mufflers, cruising slow and bumping their stereos and revving their engines, and you're like oh this is where the year 2000 is still being kept alive.
And then you still get in line despite all these horrible signs and the bouncer won't let your friends in because they are wearing hats.
And then you leave because you wanted to go to a beer garden not an uppity nightclub to be surrounded by people you hate.
And you go to Bohemian Hall, a real beer garden and have an amazing night and try to forget about Studio Square forever.
People thought this was:
Good selection of beer.
Nice atmosphere.
Food is not good and pricy, except for the fries, but then again how can you mess up french fries.
They wont take credit cards which is a drag.
It seems like a nicer version of the bohemian beer garden for yuppies. A lot more modern, they serve yuppy food such as sushi and sangria (i have no objections at all). Not bad I must say, being a yuppy myself.
People thought this was:
studio square was my first beer garden experience....bc i'm just not a beer drinker.
i went on a friday evening and it wasn't as packed as i thought it would be. but as it got cold, peopl migrated indoors and it was pretty crowded.
i like the bathroom hand dyers. there's a cool laser beam that comes out of it.
i drank the most beer i've ever drank in my entire life. 1/2 liter/ 1 mug. hahahaha. wow! for girly/weak beers, try purple haze and sam adam's cherry wheat!
i didn't try the sushi bc i mean, who would get sushi at a beer garden?
i did see one guy get it. and immediately i judged him as lame and weak.
i got the kielbasa (2 per order) and fries. you get a variety of dipping sauces.
really nice space and it didn't feel dirty, as i thought a beer garden would feel!
oh, no hats allowed. some bouncer dude came over and told my friend to take off his hat.
People thought this was:
I came here for an alumni event Sunday early afternoon and was intrigued by its take on the Beer Garden. The buiding's exterior is designed like a modern studio (for space, production) which doesn't shout out beer garden. There are two major spaces, the spacious indoor bar, and of course, the Beer Garden outside. Like a typical beer garden, there are rows of benches with umbrellas here and there and ample offerings of food and beer, however, its modern, industrial surroundings brings a different appeal (compared to the highly favored Bohemian Beer Garden). If you don't mind the hybrid take, then you'll enjoy chilling here with your friends.
Let's talk about grub. Its wide selection of food (hamburgers, sausages, sushi, side dishes) and drinks (pitchers also availabe for sangria) ensures your party will have a good time, including your vegetarian and non-beer drinking friends. My picks are the kielbasa, with sauerkrauts and fries, spicy tuna roll, and mini cupcakes (recommend the red velvet and cookie dough).
I'll come back for the sangria and the burger (looked mighty good). Did I mention there's live music daily? Oh, one thing I found to be slightly odd is the fact that there's only one relatively small television outside. Twas funny seeing people cheer out of a small screen.
Definitely awesome the first couple of times and for parties... but I wouldn't treat it like my local bar, that would be lame.
When you walk into Studio Square it's like you're in a whole new different world with each picnic table established as its own country. The diversity in this place is great. They have about 20 different beers on tap. You can come with 2 friends or 20 friends for a relaxed time or a loud time. They've got plenty of space inside & out. You can come in at anytime of the day; Morning, Evening, Night.. WHATEVER! Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays are their busiest days. OBVIOUSLY! and you cant reserve picnic tables.
OH! and.. they serve food too. Burgers are excellent and shish ka bob as well. Fries could use a little less work. (less salt!). and they have sushi rolls. $10 for burgers with fries. $6 for 8 rolls.. not bad.
Women's bathroom line SUCKS!
btw- less a star for not carrying the raspberry beer anymore. that's lame too
People thought this was:
As I drove passed Studio Square I couldn't believe how long the line was. I thought it would take at least an hour to get in but the line moves efficiently. One person enters and two stumble out.
As I entered and saw the bar on the left I didn't think the place was big at all. But then I walked up the stairs... Holy rusted metal Batman! This place is HUGE!
We got a few pitchers. I liked the Blue Moon the best.
The crowd is diverse which I appreciate. I've grown tired of the Asian only scene.
Stop reading this and go get your drink on!
Met up with a huge group of friends here for a friends 30th Bday celebration. This place was much bigger than I expected even after checking out the photos. The photos just don't do this place justice. I got there early, grabbed some Sangria on tap and walked the entire place.
Then we took some pics with our beers and looked like the typical Asians using our camera phones to take a pic of the bartender with the Sangria on tap. I was so excited to see this, he could tell we were first timers here.
The Sangria was pretty damn good, I had a few and then a beer.
This place got packed fast after 10 PM and there was a mixture of eclectic people. It's a great place to talk and catch up with friends. I'll definitely be back again soon. I wonder if it's open in the winter? They had a fire pit that was too warm to stand around last weekend.
People thought this was:
When I arrive in heaven (riiiight, like I'm going there), I expect it to be exactly like Studio Square. If it's not, I'm taking the elevator down south to the fiery pits of doom and gloom.
Studio Square is everything I dreamed of and more. It's clean, spacious, the crowd is diverse/fun, and my two favorite things in life are there-beer and meat.
The Beer
Pitchers are reasonably priced-$18 for a pitcher of Blue Moon. Why you would order anything other than a pitcher is beyond me, so go ahead and order that pitcher. Even if you're going to drink it all yourself. I'm not going to judge (says the girl who went through 5 pitchers w/2 friends in a 6 hour span).
The Food
The food is delicious. I'm not sure how I feel about having sushi with my beer, but I'm sure the time will come. I'm more of a bratwurst (extra spicy mustard, please!) and french fries kind of gal. I also stole a bite of burger from a friend and that was also awesome.
The Music
Although my memory is quite cloudy from all the beers, I think I remember jamming to some top 40's, The Cure, The Smiths, Bon Jovi, and more....very well done. The music was at a volume that still allowed for talking.
The Crowd
Everything rolled up into one-suits, frat boys, girls with their boobs hanging out, meatheads, beer lovers, hipsters....I could go on forever. Go with a bunch of friends, grab a table, eat some food, bring cards, and drink/laugh the night away. Oh, and don't forget the bug spray.
CASH ONLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
People thought this was:
This place is badass. Got invited here by a friend while visiting New York. I don't know why there aren't more places like this. Just a huge outdoor seating area with picnic tables and such that is absolutely great for spending a day drinking and talking with friends.
Aside from just the overall concept of this place, some things about it I liked:
- This music was really quiet and no live music. I prefer to be able to hear and speak to the person next to me audibly and without having to yell over crappy music.
- The bathrooms. Instead of one big men and women's bathroom. Each men and women had about 8-10 private stalls that were clean. Very nice touch.
I believe there's also indoor stuff to do here, but I didn't really get a chance to go here.
I was also here during the day on a Saturday, great spot for day drinking. Not sure about night.
People thought this was:
My friends and I affectionaly call it The Bro' Garden.
A few months back I would've given it fewer stars but I came back a 2nd time for a friend's birthday and was happy to see that the food selection has increased.
Even though the place is MASSIVE, you're still jostling with crowds for a table, and the line for food is at least 15 minutes from start to finish....which is a really awful long time when you're drunk.
This is not entirely my idea of fun--being surrounded by bros with slicked back hair and girls in Forever 21 tube tops and hairsprayed curls, but hey, you can't please everyone.
This place is great place to chill if you bring a lot of your friends. Sure, its true that there are some jerks here but there are also a lot of cool people. There are always going to be some a-holes when that many drunk people congregate in one place. It's like a baseball game.
Sangria on tap, a decent enough selection of beers, and its outdoors, you can't really beat that. I haven't tried any of the food other than the fries, so buyer beware there.
Only knock is the bathroom situation. Long lines and sloppy drunk pee habits make for some disinfecting of your shoes later because you will step in a layer of pee.
This was such a great find in Astoria. A large, buzzing beer garden - and tons of indoor space. Standard bar food but also with sushi. Fire pit.
Make sure to go up and get your own beer/food. My friends and I waited about 10 minutes before we figured out we had to serve ourselves.
The hamburger my friend ordered was WAY undercooked, despite his asking for medium well. He was given a brand new, well done burger after he returned it to them.
Live music was playing on Thursday - of varying quality - and the music sound was way too loud. It was hard to hear myself think!
Nonetheless, I would definitely come back here on a nice summer night. Great ambiance!
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I went here on a week night during the "after work" crowd. It was such a delight! Very enjoyable. Large space. Great beer selection. Even enjoyed my chicken tenders and fries! I find it slightly odd that they have sushi, so I didn't try that, but maybe next time. I also find it odd (though fantastic) that they have sangria on tap.
There were so many free seats on a week night. I doubt it's like that during the weekend, but it was a real treat after many attempts of fighting for a seat over at the Astoria beer garden. Even so, I still waited for the ladies' room. Figures.
This place is a huge step up from the "original" beer garden in Astoria. There is more of an indoor area, and the outdoor area actually feels like a bar instead of a campground. The picnic tables are made of solid, lacquered wood instead of the wobbly, splinter-inducing kind at the other location. There was no waitress service outside when I went, but the bartender was great, and there was no line for drinks, so I didn't mind. The menu is also somewhat limited. I asked what came with the pulled pork sandwich (hoping for cole slaw and/or pickles), but the answer was, "Just bread." Then I asked what came with the chicken souvlaki--rice? vegetables? And the answer came back, "Just bread." So I ordered some kielbasa with a side of--you guessed it--bread. And french fries. They had a nice selection of gourmet mustards for dipping.
The menu at the other beer garden definitely wins out, for both food and drinks, but the atmosphere here makes it much more pleasant. Great place for drinks on a nice summer day with good friends.
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Really nice!!! Place is very chic... great outdoor area... plenty of room to sit..
and i love the 1/2 liter beer for i think it was $13 bucks??? two of those and i am done!!!!
plus - they serve the Honeymoon (Blue Moon Summer Ale)
the sangria sucks.. too watered down... on the flip side they have apple cider...hmmm... i'll keep you posted..
The best day to go to is on a sunday bc you could actually see the place and find a seat!! They also have live performances on sunday which is pretty cool..
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Beer garden part deux....cool.. Astoria you said?? GREAT! :) This place is as huge as Joan Rivers… Read more »
Atmosphere
Awesome. Sitting outdoor at picnic tables, chugging beers and enjoying the nice weather. Feels like an enormous barbecue. It can can bring back memories of being at college all over again. But that's not a bad thing.
Beer
The beer selection isn't as great as I think it should be at a "beer garden". I mean, you can get much better beer at plenty of other places in the city. also, $18 Dollars a pitcher ain't bad but ain't cheap.
Sangria
Didn't try. but my friend had one. didn't look too fantastic as she only drank a quarter of it.
Food
The burgers tasted like burgers which is always a good thing. Fries were yummy. My friend ordered sushi. what is she smoking? but thats' her fault for ordering sushi at a beer garden.
Crowd
very douchey. I never seen so many affliction & ed hardy tshirts EVER.. except at penn station on a friday night. but ignore the douchieness and just have a good time with your friends.. hopefully they're not douches either.
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Studio Square is one of those sad but all too common tragedies to appear in the city: amazing venue, adequate service, rubbish people.
I can't find fault with the site: it's a sleak, angular beer garden with multiple bars, polished concrete, open flames and even sushi. It's great on Sunday afternoons when they feature a righteous soul band with swaying dancers.
Likewise, the service is tolerable. At the bar, you can usually get a pitcher of Stone IPA or Captain Lawrence Pale Ale within a few minutes. I'm not sure what to make of their army of TSA rejects, patrolling the grounds in black muscle shirts. Keep cool.
For some reason, however, the people who crowd to Studio Square after 7:00PM on any given night are simply absymal. I've had open-collared meatheads stick unlit cigarettes in my face and shove me aside for the bathroom. It's like a drunken gamespace for angry, sexually dissatisfied imbeciles.
What infuriates me most is that Sunswick--a far superior bar on 35th Ave.--was forced to hire a bouncer (for the first time in its history) to deflect the army of salivating drones down the street.
I urge Yelp readers, especially neighborhood residents who have some interest in retaining the unique character of Astoria, to avoid Studio Square and satisfy their thirst elsewhere. There's no lack of options.
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