Restaurants & Bars

'Hottest' Queens' Eateries List Includes New LIC Gastropub

This new eatery opened last month, but already Eater says locals have been going for 'quality' fare making it among Queens' 'hottest' spots.

LONG ISLAND CITY, QUEENS — It might have only opened last month, but critics say that this 'quality' Long Island City gastropub is already among the new, 'hottest' restaurants in Queens.

Carla, a new American style restaurant that opened this June at 2503 40th Avenue, was named among the 15 "hottest new restaurants in Queens" by Eater editors this month.

The gastropub is one of many restaurants that's opened in recent months, as the devastated hospitality industry in northwestern Queens begins to slowly recover from the coronavirus pandemic alongside the city.

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Eater editors said that Carla has already impressed Long Island City locals with its "quality gastropub fare."

Among the food offerings, the editors call out the restaurant's cauliflower pesto, chicken thigh sandwich, and clam chowder as "hits."

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They also give high marks to the craft cocktail menu which includes "fun" drinks like watermelon frose and Capri Sun cocktails that can be "sipped straight out of the juice packet" (a nice addition to brunch, according to Eater).

And it's not just the food and drinks that make Carla a worthwhile place to dine out at — editors specifically note the spot's "chic vibes" made possible by emerald-and-brass stools, hanging light bulbs, and floral wallpaper.

Carla is open Tuesdays through Sundays from noon to 9:00 p.m.

Make a reservation at Carla here. Read Eater's full list here.

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