Friend's Tavern

Stopped in for the first time over the weekend and the staff made me and my best friend feel very welcomed and very safe. We enjoyed the frozen margaritas (careful, they can be dangerous in a good way!) and the service was absolutely on point. And at $10 each, the price was right for what we got and it didn't break the bank. Will be back again!

The venue is cute. Unfortunately though it is not cute enough to excuse its poor service. During my time there I felt a bit ignored by the bartenders. Also, as I was sitting in my chair at the bar around 11:45pm I was approached by a staff member who asked to take my chair because "it was time to take all of them from the bar for space." I waited 10 minutes and did not see ANYONE else have their chair taken. As a matter of fact, after removing mine he told someone else who inquired they were fine and proceeded to do whatever else around the bar. This type of action is not only embarrassing but disrespectful to say the least, and the patrons sitting next to me would agree by the appaled looks on their faces as they still sat comfortably in their seats. I counted at least 6 other people relaxing at the bar without interruption. As a former drag entertainer and current hospitality manager.....I'm baffled. Would not recommend. There other more hospitable options nearby. But like I said, the venue itself is cute.

Friend’s Tavern is a wonderful place to go to. Immediately upon entering the establishment, I was greeted by a friendly face and offered a drink. Other times it’s been packed but I’ve still received fantastic service! And it’s always a vibe, slay the house boots down 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 10/10

What a incredible time I had at this bar ✨ This bar is safe for the community 🏳️‍🌈 Great music, sexy and incredible staff, You’ll find people of many different nationalities is amazing 🫶🏻 They have different events every single day like Bingo nights, karaoke nights, drag shows, circuit nights, Latin nights, 5$$ drinks day. You should go to this bar.

Long time customer of this establishment. Been going there for 12 years but last night was the first time I ever felt uncomfortable and ended up leaving within minutes of arriving. First, at the door the security guard was giving me a hard time letting me in because I had a small travel size bottle of Listerine on me that was half used. He told me that he doesn't know what I put in the bottle and that I could had potentially poured some of the Listerine ("mixed with something else") into someone's drink. But another security said it was fine and that I could come in with the bottle. Fine, I came in. Then I went to use the restroom and the same security that was giving me a hard time letting me in, opened the door of the restroom twice when I was using the urinal. I felt like I was being spied on while I was doing a necessity. After being a long time loyal customer since December 2011, I'm probably going to take a break from going there. Not saying I won't go back again but I probably won't be going back for awhile. I get they're trying to enforce rules and make sure everyone is safe inside but I think this security guard was crossing the line last night

The atmosphere is super pleasant, and the waiters and bartenders are very friendly, I love the energy of the place, it is good to spend time with friends and family ❤️.

Beautiful place . The staff are really polite when I’m going to feel very comfortable and enjoy the music . I recommend this bar

To the night staff on Friday night , thank you for doing a great job in returning a jacket and backpack left there by a friend, and Eddie Valentin thank you for coming through, your the best !! ♥️😉👍🏼

Stopped in for the first time over the weekend and the staff made me and my best friend feel very welcomed and very safe. We enjoyed the frozen margaritas (careful, they can be dangerous in a good way!) and the service was absolutely on point. And at $10 each, the price was right for what we got and it didn't break the bank. Will be back again!

I decided to stop by a tiny bar in Queens for a nightcap, but it was kind of a slow night and there weren't any drag queens or male strippers as I had expected (lol). They didn't have aperol spritz, which was a bit disappointing, so I ended up settling for a Long Island iced tea. Surprisingly, they didn't have a menu, so I asked the bartender about the drink prices and he told me $8 for mixed drinks. However, the service was quite slow and to top it off, the bartender then changed the price of my drink from $8 to $10, which I found a bit odd. Maybe he was looking for an extra tip since the place was dead! Geez... I always tip dude. The vibe was certainly off. Needless to say, I was not amused.

I love this bar for many years I have been going and the atmosphere is great the prices the customer service from both the bartenders and the waiters 100x100 recommended

Avoid this place at all costs. They will charge you and charge you again... There's no way that 2 people rack up 300 for 12 shots and 2 beers... Shady service, and terrible business practices.

Servers treat people like shit. I am not Latino and some servers refused to talk to me or help me.

One of the longest standing LGBT nightlife options in the super diverse and super gay friendly Jackson Heights, Friend's Tavern is a place where alcohol meets inclusivity. I admit I've always had fun here largely due to good company and good timing. If not, the ultra hunky bartenders, drag shows, and relatively fun crowd certainly keep things entertaining even while inebriated. Though decorated with a scintillating rainbow'ish theme, Friend's is really a relatively small spot with all things considered. Given it's longevity in the community, there is a relatively decent crowd here night in and out. Weekends can get super packed and super muggy on the dance floor. Like many bars along Roosevelt Ave, Friend's is also a Spanish friendly venue. Their line up of music changes per DJ, but it can get very house music heavy to a super salsa soundtrack in a matter of minutes. Even if you're not the one dancing, at some point during the scandalous evening the bartenders are likely to get down on the counters (a la Coyote Ugly style). Drinks really depend on who's serving / pouring them, but I've always maintained that their friendly bartenders do a stand up job getting people the right amount of booze for a good time. Always double check your tab (with an itemized drink list) when it's pay time. Sometimes things get a little foggy when there is fun to be had.

Friendly staff,love juan pablo and santiago at karaoke nights,I truly recommend this place!

"salsa and hookahs" It seems that the trend for these bars on the Roosevelt ave strip is to blast the music so loudly that you can notice that the speakers have been blown out. And, I do not mean a Brazilian blow out. I will say that the place does play a nice mix of popular and traditional latin music. It's kind of funny when I am there and some of the clientele are surprised that I know the words to many of the songs. The bartenders are beefy and sometimes a little inattentive. But, if you go there a few times they will remember you and the service will be better. The bar is a little small with a small dance floor. I will say that the place was recently renovated (2/3 years ago) and it looks a million times better than before. Like, the outside of the bar (old and dingy) does not match the interior. This place seems always be crowed probably because it does not charge a cover unlike club evolution. After clubbing, you can always grab a taco.

This was my first time in a Queens gay bar and I was not disappointed by the energy of the place and the friendliness of the crowd. This bar is maybe a mile from where I grew up but it is worlds away in terms of the demographics of 1970s Woodside. While there was a Central and South American presence then, it dominates today. And while there were queers in the neighborhood I am sure, the idea of a gay bar was unthinkable. So, good for the gays and the Dominicans who now live in the neighborhood. The music was entirely Latin when me arrived around 8pm and the bar was full, mostly couples and groups, and a range of ages. I'd go back, especially for a theme night or with a group who gusta bailer!

Great music but CASH ONLY NOW. They have an atm built in the bar but cash only come on!!!

The best place to hang out with friends, just need to have a open mind.. my husband and I come here every Sunday, just love it.

Truly a staple of the Queens community, Friends Tavern has become my place to hang out on a Sunday night. However I do find myself going there on other nights as well just to see the variety of the crowd. One such reason is because of Jhon the waiter. He has always got a table ready for me, gives me his undivided attention and makes sure I don't have to look for him. He's considerate, polite and accommodating. I'm thankful to management for such an individual. Other such employees that I have enjoyed are too many to name, but among them is Mauricio the manager, their hookah servers, Sebastian, DJ Joss and even security. This collective group has helped shape my great experience throughout the years and I will continue to patronize this establishment. Way to go Friends Tavern!

Came here with a friend for a night of fun, and that I did have. Lets start with the amazingly good looking bartenders that are absolutely not interested in me but i am madly in love with them. They were all so nice and well dress in their cute little uniforms and i absolutely loved looking at them. The drinks were good and flowing, well price for the area and the music was diffidently on point to the crowed they had. in the back of the bar you can shake your week of stress and annoying coworkers and boss out of your system. Enough space to look up at the male dancer at the bar and just give the look of .... YES DARLING YOU ARE A 10!! i'm going to come again with my beautiful darling friend Nasha, she missed out on this place.

This is one of my favorite places in NYC. it's a hidden gem. Music, food and people are amazing. You could go here and be yourself without any restrictions. The owner and manager are the best!

Patio is kind of nice and the place is clean, but don't count on getting a drink from the bartender if you're a white guy unless you want to wait 20 minutes while he waits on everyone else in the bar, washes some glasses, moves some boxes, plays with his computer and then finally decides he might want to take some of your money in exchange for a cocktail.

I was in the area today and wanted to go to a gay bar in the area. I had passed Club Atlantis but it was closed. So I looked it up and found out where Friend's Tavern was. I haven't been here in years and I don't remember much about that experience. Today I came in here around 4:30 after a street fair in the area at which I was helping man one of the tables. There was maybe 4 people in here, all guys (or so they appeared).. I ordered a rum and coke not wanting to bother to see if they had any specials. The bartender poured it and I asked how much. I was told $3. Very nice. I gave the bartender his money. The drink was nice and strong. I looked around and saw it looked like alot of gay bars that were a bit low key. Except for the lighting. Very flashy kind of lighting. They have 3 tv's but they are not that big. They seemed to have a few weekly theme nights/signature parties. Very low key at least at that time of day on a Sunday.

It is a great place I travel from NJ to visit and I have fun There always , Great people nice ambiances cool place

Although this was one my first bars I ever went back in the 80s it is not the same . They have a 2x1 after 10 pm BUT we have to be on the look oit for the extra ticket as the bartenders do not volunteer in giving it to you .. YOU have to ask for it . Other than that it is still a friendly hood bar ..

Great place! I was there only a little time but I had the best time in New York for my short trip there. Great bartenders I think one was called Ruben, I got pictures but I lost his e-mail address so get at me If you reed this. ;)

I LOVE THIS PLACE FOR SO MANY REASONS! The drinks are always amazing. The beer is always super cold. The music is fabulous. The bartenders are literally the friendliest! The entertainment varies from go-go dancers, to GORGEOUS drag queens, to wonderful train wrecks singing karaoke on select nights lol. The music varies from Latin the house primarily. The beats always soothe! Flawless new renovations they did to this intimate neighborhood bar make this place 6 stars in my book!

Not having been to this bar in years, I recently stopped by again, and fell in love with this local Jackson Heights bar. The staff is friendly, both to the regulars and the ir-regulars. Stop by any night of the week, always entertaining. Say hi to Alejandro, Arturo and the rest of the hot staff

I like Latinos...so I like to go places where Latinos hang out. Sadly this place has far more drawbacks than positives. 1) Very cramped. You'll be brushing up against people all night. That's NOT a positive. 2) Noisy..I mean VERY noisy . Even for a bar. 3) Wear duck or galoshes when you need to use the restroom. 4) The young attractive people seemingly do NOT go here. The older attractive people seemingly do NOT go here. You're essentially "stuck" w/ what's left, Which ain't that much. 5) Did I say it was cramped? I drove over from New Jersey so I could check out the scene in Queens. Between this place and Atlantis, not sure if I'd do that again.

Effortlessly blends two cultures without missing a beat. There are more than a few bars on Roosevelt that cater to the Latin LGBT community. Friends has a strong following in this community and it's a rare night that it isn't full. It's not hard to tell why. Friends packs all the elements of both a boy bar and a latin bar in a relatively small space. As a gay bar, Friends has the requisite topless bartenders, cross dressing singers and erotica on the walls. As a latin bar, it offers salsa and meringue music, intricate dancing, Shakira concert footage in heavy rotation on the TV screens, and the older ladies who always sit in the corner like somebody's aunt being treated like royalty by the staff. If Cubby Hole and Copacabana had a love child in Queens, it woild probably be Friends. If you need a good latin boy bar in Jackson Heights, go to Friends. If you just need a good bar in Jackson Heights you should still go to Friends, but only if you like salsa music. Have fun. G

Newly renovated, an ideal place to go with a bunch of friends if you want to have a great time. Awesome service and amazing music. Saturdays are usually packed and the live DJ plays the best sets of House music. DJ JOSS is incredible, always spinning the hottest beats. His sets will keep the crowd on their feet all night long!!!!

Most of the reviews for Friends are pretty accurate. I wish I could give 3.5 stars but I gave Music Box 4 stars and I prefer Music Box to Friends so here we are. Yes, it's cramped around the weekends, but during the middle of the week or early in the evening it's mellow- even sometimes deserted. The very first time I went I was coming back from the US Open in Flushing with a friend who recommended it. It was like 6 or 7 in the evening and there were only a handful of people there. They hooked everyone up with free pizza! It's cheap. The drinks are strong. Hate the music and yes, it's loud. It's possible to shag a guy but the crowd in general is a bit less hook up oriented than any of the other gay bars in the area. No night of bar hopping along the Roosevelt Ave. strip would be complete without a trip to Friends.

Pretty good ambiance in the room, lots of hot sexy spanish guys and great spanish music. Definitely a place you want to chill in if you want to bring home a hot papi. although... It's wayyy too small! That's pretty much my only complaint.

Love it. Had lots of fun as a straight person, don't discriminate, lots of love and fun. Super hot guys felt like I was on the other side hitting on them hahaha. Definitely coming back!

I would have to say standard local gay dive with excellent Latino flavor. A meat rack at times and a great place to hang with the locals. I should know as I have been a local visiting for 15 plus years now, even before I was a local. Tight space but maneuverable. Excellent place to stop by if you are heading to the trendier Atlantic bar, run by the same owners. The waiters/bartenders are friendly and very attentive to regulars.

OMG!! Went there last week for a friends birthday - Wow we had FUN!! It was packed. Great music and the staff was so hot! Great music - latin vibe / house music! The shows and performance were outstanding, it was busy and staff were sociable!! I'll only invite my Best Friends here!!

Best bartender, Gustavito. And of course who takes down the house with his dance mixes, DJ Henry. Girl friendly bar too! No one discriminates here. All just having a blast.

First time here. Pretty good experience. Nice mix of pop music from past and present with a mix of latin jams. Dance floor could be a little bigger but they work well with the space they have. Drink prices were reasonable compared to places in Hell's Kitchen and Chelsea.

Went last night 8/29/15. Wasn't happy at all didn't even stay. It was like bumper to bumper. To crowded. Did not want to be rubbing on everyone

We have been regulars at Friend's for years and after last night we will never return to this establishment. The door man refused to let our friend in claiming she was drunk when on the contrary, she can't even drink because she is battling cancer and therefore her limping is due to side effects of her brain tumor. Both manager and doorman had the audacity to laugh and call us liars. This is an ableist venue and we will never support a venue that practices disability discrimination.

Went in with my husband for an impromptu drink and had such a nice time! The staff was super friendly and attentive and the music was great.

Great dance music. Good crowd. Fun go-go dancers. The bar backs and other staff are a little touchy freely -- not complaining about that one bit!

As a resident of Jackson Heights, I am a frequent patron on Friend's Tavern. I enjoy the staff, and the atmosphere at peak times is always festive and fun. The recent renovation turned a cramped, dark space into one that feels much bigger and brighter. It was progressive of them to install power sockets along the client side of the bar. I feel fortunate to live in a community with gay bars, and I very much want them to thrive. However, I have some misgivings about this place. Drink prices are comparable to what you'd pay in a Manhattan bar, although happy hour goes quite late (10:00 most nights). All of the other gay bars in the area do the same thing. A practice I find shadier is that they raise drink prices at Queens Pride (surge pricing?) and also on Wednesdays, their 2-4-1 night (WTF?). More troubling, and I write this reluctantly, is that I am convinced they are compromising their premium spirits, either diluting them or substituting well liquor. I usually drink beer, but when I have ordered simple cocktails like scotch and soda or gin and tonic with brands I know, I felt certain I wasn't getting the drink I asked for, even though I watched the bartender pour it from the bottle I ordered. I'd love to be wrong about this, but I think I'm right. At slower times, the bartender may have to double as DJ. Some of them are better at this than others. Also at slower times, the bartender may be paying more attention to his phone than you. I've come to terms with the extreme volume of the music, because nobody else seems to mind, but even in the early evening when there may be less than a dozen people at the bar, the music can be borderline deafening. I don't think anybody drinking at that time of day wants that experience, but the staff have been rather tone deaf, if you will, when I've suggested lowering the volume. The smoke machine is a tacky artifact from a bygone era of gay night life, and I wish they'd lose it. It may not cause cancer, but the smoke is no more pleasant to breathe than cigarettes. Bottom line: It's a fun place late nights and weekends, and definitely worth a stop on a tour of Jackson Heights gay nightlife. Stick to beer and well drinks, and bring ear plugs if your ears are sensitive.

There is a reason this place is called Friends. From the moment you walk in the staff makes you feel so welcomed. They have a great happy hour everyday of the week from 4pm till 9pm and all night on Wednesdays. The music is always great and the night DJs work really hard to play all your favorite tunes and music videos on the tv screens. The place was just remodeled and looks amazing. Admission is always free and you can be sure to walk into a great crowd on the weekends. Drinks are always strong, served right and with a smile. Next time your in Queens stop in and see why Friends has been around for 26years. Cheers

Checked this place out around 7pm on a Saturday night. Definitely has a Latin feel, music was pumping with spanish flair. Bartender was super nice, people were friendly. Drinks were made great. Would like to go back when it's more crowded as I can see it can be a fun time to dance and party.

One of the friendliest gay bars in queens the service was amazing the bar back and bartenders were so hot and easy to talk though although it was busy no one was left unattended. Had a GREAT time. Gay or straight this place makes you feel right at home with a NO JUDGMENT POLICY. Great music Latin house and throwbacks! Such a fun crowd awesome performance with sensational performers! Any night is a fun night at friends tavern!!

This is apparently the oldest gay bar in Queens. Tucked away amongst the dirt and sketchiness of Roosevelt Avenue, it's truly a gem. A lot of the older gay population hangs out here, and it's a really chill environment. Cheap drinks, awesome crowd, a great place to stop by, especially earlier in the evening.

for a local bar, you can't ask / expect for more. Friendly bartenders, great music and a great vibe! Why so many cranky people writing bad reviews for a local bar. If y'all want a Gansevort-type bar experience, go to Manhattan - the Meatpacking Disrict and pay 2x the price! SMH!

I have to agree again with Robert R. here! I've definitely gotten my groove on here on more than one occasion. Rubbing against hot and not-so-hot boys is pretty standard on the weekends. However, one cold winter day, I checked my coat and recently hand-made scarf! The fuckers lost it and never found it! I was really pissed because it took a long time to make and they didn't bother to offer any compensation! Needless to say, I never set foot in there again. My boyfriend keeps bugging me to go, but I just can't be bothered! Not to mention, I hate going to gay bars when I'm in a relationship!

I always preferred the staff and layout of Friend's over Caja (although they are pretty similar!). The bartenders here are a lot more engaging with its patrons than at the Box and less pretentious. The dance floor is bigger here than Caja (but is easily trumped by Atlant...I mean Club Evolution and True Colors.) If Alejandro's around, ask him for an "Alejandro Slammer." The drink you'll get will be super-sweet but the service you'll get in return is sweeter.

Recent renovation. Bar looks great. Same 'ol locals!

I celebrated my birthday here. Great music, free buffet of food (it was amazing) when I went on Saturday, No Cover, and the people are very nice. Only thing is it is a tight space. But my friends and I really enjoyed our time here and will definitely come back

My favorite neighborhood bar hands down. My friend and I stop by here all the time and always have such a blast good music good people good booze great time for this faghag :)

this is a nice place to visit, especially during happy hours (up to 9pm). people are friendly, and the staff are helpful. don't expect much from seeing dancers, as i don't think they have dancers here. it's kinda low key actually in ambiance, but i can always relax here without thinking anything untoward may happen anytime.

I have been going to Friend's Tavern for years. Our community usually involves people that are understanding and compassionate but last night was one of the worst night club experiences I have ever had. To celebrate a friend's birthday we decided to head to Friend's Tavern only to be turned away while the bouncer pointed at one of our friends and said she was drunk. We told him she was sick with brain cancer and she was not drunk but he only called us liars and told us to go away. I managed to get inside to get the manager feeling that he would remedy the situation. Instead, the manager who refused to give us his name said if indeed she was sick she shouldn't be out in a bar anyway. Obviously we were very insulted and most of all felt the pain and humiliation our sick friend who was being called a drunk to her face must of felt. The manager continued to say that he had to back up his staff and that we would not get in. I will never step foot in this place again. The compassion, friendly atmosphere and care we usually find in our community is no where to be found in this place. DISRESPECTFUL and DISCRIMINATORY place.

This place is awesome!!! This is THE bar in queens. Great crowd and the atmosphere is kicking with high energy. The bartenders are nice and the drinks are well priced. I strongly suggest it over the other gay bars in queens.