Upstairs Cocktail Bar

Jackson Heights Upstairs Bar has a great vibe and friendly staff, making it a solid spot for a night out. The drinks are creative, though some felt a bit too strong or overly filtered. The espresso martini, while promising, had a slightly burnt taste, and fresh-squeezed juices would really elevate the cocktail experience. That said, the atmosphere is nice, and with a few tweaks, the drinks could match the ambiance perfectly!

GREAT for a first date night around this area. It’s set up for having a conversation. Chill atmosphere!! Deco.. 5 out of 5 Cocktails.. they are okay, they could be better for the size of the place. But I understand! This is the business (maybe I’m judging to hard)(I’m a lover of craft cocktails) Overall.. I’ll come back and bring my partner and friends over!!

Speakeasy type of cocktail bar quietly hidden above a fried chicken spot in Queens. Lee, the owner and bartender, is so warm and welcoming. His presence sets the vibe of this cozy spot. It’s easy to lose yourself in good conversation here. Highly recommend. Cash only, establishment, but accepts venmo

I never knew there was such a cool bar on Roosevelt Ave of all places! I live further east of here in Queens so now I do not have to go all the way to Astoria. The owner Lee is super cool and so are the other patrons. I ended up chatting with strangers and we all had a great time

Alan and Lee are exactly who you want to be as your proprietors and bartenders for a night out. If you want a bar like Cheers, where everyone knows your name, this is where you need to go. Awesome people. Great cocktails. Wonderful atmosphere. We were tourists and they made us feel like home. We even spent a good long while talking with the other customers. And that’s a rarity these days. Honestly, top 3 bar experience ever. Please go. You won’t regret it. Thank you for having us. Also! Cash only but they take Venmo!

Have been here many times. Changing cocktail menu and great owners. The cherry soda was delicious. They make solid drinks and the crowd is great too. Cash and venmo only.

Amazing spot-- looking for aesthetic setting and speakeasy vibe? This is it! Love the Manhattan drink. And the bartender, also owner, can strike up a great conversation. Sassy guy, too! Even though I'm not a local I look forward to becoming Upstair's patron.

Outstanding on all levels. I’ve just glanced at the previous reviews and the amount of people who have said what I was planning on writing about this place is brilliant. My wife found this spot based on her meticulous ability to find amazing and interesting places. I love that it took a moment to see the front door as it’s hidden away amongst the rest of the surrounding establishments. You press a bell to gain entry, hit me with the speak easy vibes yes please! Then when you are upstairs you turn the corner and are confronted with a cosy, low lit atmosphere with a gleaming back bar and a handsome bartender (Lee - the owner). The way the decor has been painstakingly built shows the unique eye the owner has for class and style. It’s basically like what a lot of cocktail bars strive for but never come close to achieving. Effortlessly well laid out unique ornaments, fixtures and decorations. Ask about the chess board. You will know what I mean when you see it. The drinks are top shelf and at the bottom of the menu it states you can tell the bartender a spirit that you like and they will create something on the spot for you. We ended up meeting Lee’s exquisite husband Alan and their long time friend Chris which turned a single drink into a wonderful evening of great conversation and laughter. We had intended on staying for one drink and ended up leaving about 6 hours later extremely satisfied and comfortably drunk. I’ve given 5 stars for the food side of things as they graciously allowed us to order some delicious food from bellow them, a place called UFC which I also highly recommend just from their coconut shrimp! If your lucky enough to find this place and get inside then treat it and them with respect as I know no other bar in NYC that deserves it more.

Upstairs Cocktail Bar is a cozy, intimate spot tucked away above Roosevelt Avenue, perfect for those seeking a hidden retreat from the busy streets below. With its dim, stylish lighting and mellow music, it's the ideal setting for a date or a low-key evening with friends. I stopped by recently and opted for their sangria, which came in a generous portion and was refreshingly flavorful. The bar itself is small, fitting about 25 people comfortably, which adds to its charm and exclusivity. The bartender was welcoming and attentive, ensuring the experience felt personal and inviting. Whether you're looking to enjoy a perfectly crafted cocktail or a relaxed night out, this hidden gem delivers on all fronts. It's a wonderful escape for anyone in the area looking for a quiet yet classy vibe.

Cute quiet speakeasy. It's cash or Venmo only. Nice spot to hang out with friends. The decor is nice and feels cozy. Prices weren't bad either. I'll stop by again if I'm in the neighborhood.

Note: Can't remember exact details for drinks outside of them being quite tasty. Went here a while ago after a diner nearby at the hard to pronounce but delicious Kasthamandap. A friend recommended this bar as I think a friend of his is the bartender. It's quite small and up some blue lighted steps. The bartender was friendly and had a boatload of liquor for the small space. He asked if I wanted one from the menu or if I wanted to pick an ingredient. I decided to customize so I asked for an amaro based drink that had no Aperol. The drink had some bitterness with a touch of sweetness and it was tasty. They had a drink made with fresh ginger syrup and I think whiskey? We got a second one where he got the same thing and I got something else from the menu. I think it was the Paper Plane and it was tasty also. Good extensive liquor selection and the prices are fine for a fancier bar. Regarding the other review, yes it's tiny. I didn't find it loud and the music was super quiet. No smoking I noticed and I have just about zero tolerance for cigarette or weed so I would have been able to tell as I certainly wouldn't have liquor if I had a headache from the smell. You sure it wasn't another bar nearby? Low 4

We had sushi in a restaurant downstairs and came up here after for a few drinks. The bar was very lovely and the bartender was great. The bar is cozy but has nice decor and the drinks were great. We would def come back here again.

I rarely go out for drinks in Queens, just because there's so many more options in the city, but this place is definitely one to try. I've been here two times, the first I was able to snag a seat at the bar and the second time I had a lounge seat. However, wherever you sit, the service will be great. The cocktails are $15 each (at least last time I went) and it's cash only. The place can get noisy because it's a small area, but I never felt claustrophobic. The bathroom is well kept and while they don't serve food, they are plenty of places to grab a bite in the area. Definitely recommend this place for anyone looking to have a drink here!

awesome bar beautiful, clean and tasty drinks. Bathroom was clean and cool design. Service is very gentle!!

Great place with great drinks at great prices. Tough to beat. Upstairs Cocktail Bar is a lovely addition, not just to the block, but to the neighborhood overall. Jackson Heights is not in need of another sports bar, which is why a cocktail bar/lounge is just the vibe the neighborhood needs. Upstairs already resides on a pretty hip block; you've got Japanese Izakaya, great Thai, Japanese desserts, funmakase, and korean fried chicken. All that was missing was a great cocktail place. Walking up the stairs, you're already put in the right mindset before you ascend to the 2nd floor. The decor of the place is pretty relax. You'll find it dimly lit with books and art. It's intimate, but spacious enough to usually snag a seat. It's great to come with a date, but if you roll more than four deep, you may have trouble finding space together. There's seats at the bar, small two-person tables against the wall, and lots of sofa space in the back. The cocktails are straight-forward as opposed to the typical 20-ingredient monstrosities you find at "fancy places". Separated into two sections, there's a classics side and there's a seasonal side. Mocktails are also a possible go-to if you're more of a teetotaler. Overall, Upstairs is where I wanna go after a long day at work, or if I just need a place to think, or if I'm looking for that 2nd place to go after the first on a fun night out. It's tough not to enjoy yourself while you're here. Note: Cash Only.

TLDR: Dick's last resort in Jackson Heights! Upsides: The entrance is above UFC and is lighted. There are at least 15 to 20 seats. Some stools at the bar and several chairs. You can have a conversation and hear the person next to you speaking. There is a cute backdrop of books if you like that kind of ambience. My friend recommended me this place, so I was so excited to try it so I could tell her how much fun it was. And yes, there was dancing when I was there last Thursday. Romeo Santos was playing, and there were ladies dancing Bachata, to be specific. This is what I observed. **I could see that due to the owner's response that he definitely had a different experience that I had.** The only way to find out if it's true is to go there, have a drink, and report back with your Yelp review. Why I won't return: Downsides: It's cozy. There's not much room to pass right at the front to get to the very back. Think rush hour on the 7 train express. There is secondhand smoke. In specific, I see the owner lighting up a cigarette inside while introducing himself. I wanted to mention this, because my hair and my clothes smell like smoke. I am alerting those who have an asthma or anyone who doesn't prefer not inhaling any smoke while enjoying their drinks. **There was smoking inside even if the owner denies it.** The drinks are okay, not strong. They are priced at $14 a cocktail. There is minimal lighting if you like to take photographs of your drink. Photos or selfies may need extra lighting. The owner Lee had decided without my consent to make me a drink. He didn't even consult with me. This is not professional. I am not sure why he presumed that I wanted dealer's choice without confirming with me. That caused great discomfort. At that point, I was still perusing the menu. There is a clear lack of direct communication. At no point was I given the opportunity to verify approval of his request. At no point did I say I wanted "dealer's choice." What I had to learn from this is that when you disagree, it's possible to still listen usually, but not here. His ego took over, and he got so defensive that he felt compelled to call me names for not enjoying the drink that I didn't ask for and then threaten to kick me out for handing the rest of my drink to my friend which is my call. It was absolutely bizarre. I cannot safely recommend this place. If you prefer being spoken to in a patronizing manner, and you like roasts, especially when you are taking the lashings, then this is truly the place for you. Here you will find unwitty banter and utter contempt. I have warned you.

Nice speakeasy type bar. Not too many tables so you want to get there early. Service is attentive and friendly, just be a little patient if it gets crowded. There was 1 bartender/server. We stayed for one round. Cozy spot.

- located upstairs from USC - awesome and personalized service - awesome decor - cozy and dark-ish - relaxed cool environment and music - bartender and owner really cares about his customers and business - small but delicious drink menu - creative drink menu as well

What a cozy space. This is an idealistic setting for an evening cocktail or to just hang with friends in a non pretentious environment. Fabulous drinks. Look for the blacklight lit stairs to the right of the restaurant.

This is such an amazing addition to the neighborhood. A much needed speakeasy cocktail bar. The owner Lee and his wonderful staff make this place like no other. They truly take care of you! Thank you Lee for your wonderful service and the memories we share together (if only I could remember them lol).

Really fantastic drinks, a cute space, and Lee and Alan, who I think are the co-owners, both seem like great guys! It's also in a location conveniently near some great food spots. I will definitely be back!

Updated: been back a few times now and it's still great. Tell Ly the bartender, the types of things you like in your drink and I'll make a custom one just for you, but it's not. They finally have a menu now to. Their cherry soda is great, but then again, so is their Manhattan.

Such an unexpected place located literally upstairs on the 2nd floor of a building. I really liked the stairs area leading up to the bar with the white light and graphics on the wall - It heightens your excitement to get into the bar. Once you step inside the bar, it's a very cozy and intimate place with cool vibes. The cocktails our group ordered were good but generally pretty strong. The server there was super friendly and attentive in bringing us water all throughout our visit. It gets pretty crowded so if you're going with a group you might have to wait a bit to get a bigger seating area.

Great cocktails in a really cool space. Mellow vibe, a great place to have a conversation, and nothing else like it in Jackson Heights or Elmhurst.

I was asked to leave tonite due to an incident with a friend of mine a few weeks ago. I feel extremely apologetic and I must admit the bartender handled it with class. I will respect their wishes to not return but also I want to apologize for any incident that made the staff feel unworthy. This is a great bar with great cocktails and I only wish them the best. I'm sad because I was hoping for this to be my new fave local. All the best! I hope no hard feelings.

I am so happy this exists in the neighborhood. The cocktails, I had an old fashioned and the blueberry old fashioned, are incredible. It's small, but the space works and is smartly utilized. The bartender/owner, Lee is friendly and so funny. The place is so well decorated and just a perfect space to have a cocktail or more.... There is also a rack to charge your cellphone!

Upstairs Cocktail Bar is the bar that I've always dreamed of having in my neighborhood. It manages to be intimate, classy, and fun without being pretentious or obnoxious in any way. The vibe is very relaxed and welcoming. The decor is eclectic and unique and adds to an overall sense of comfort, almost as though you're hanging out in your friend's living room. That friend in this case happens to be Lee, the man behind the bar. Lee is the friend you never knew you were missing in your life. He's a great host, a fun storyteller, and an amazing mixologist. He makes the only perfect martini I've ever had in this neighborhood, and my friends who have ordered other cocktails off the menu have loved them as well. The bar offers an extensive range of liquor options, from well known brands and high-end single malts to samplings from lesser known local distilleries. I would definitely frequent this place more often if (a) I had unlimited wealth, and (b) it didn't take me a week to recover from my visits here. It's well worth it though, and I definitely plan to be back soon!

The best cocktails in Jackson heights! Cool speakeasy vibes, incredible drinks, and the coolest bartender you'll ever meet. This place is a must if you're in the neighborhood and looking for a drink!

I live in the neighborhood, & didn't know about this little gem until a year after they opened ! It's truly the ONLY genuine cocktail bar in the area. The vibe reminds me of a boutique hotel bar

Awesome bar. Great drinks. Great bartender. You're going to want to come here again and again for a local haunt. It's an amazing place to chill on your own or bring your best buds!

Great cocktails, really beautifully mixed and served (lovely presentation/glassware) and very tasty. Reasonably priced. I tried a martini and an old fashioned both were delicious! Staff was kind and courteous. You should go!

Happy hour it's well over priced a 12 dollar drink cool place but come on dude ur drinks aren't that good

This is a great place. I absolutely love going. The service is always top tier. The attention they give to their cocktails is undeniable. A true speakeasy experience. Every time I go It is always a respectful and friendly experience.

Amazing spot-- looking for aesthetic setting and speakeasy vibe? This is it! Love the Manhattan drink. And the bartender, also owner, can strike up a great conversation. Sassy guy, too! Even though I'm not a local I look forward to becoming Upstair's patron.

Great cocktail bar in Jackson heights- really like the vibe and has some of the best drinks. Cool space and nice for drinks before or after dinner :) nice addition to the neighborhood

awesome to finally have a local watering hole, although that's really underselling the space. it's a really cute, modern, well decorate little nook that's great for a date or small groups. the bartender/owner is friendly and clearly excited to be there, but not overly intrusive if you're the only ones in the space. the drinks were great. really nothing bad to say, hope this place thrives.