Crescent Lounge

Let me preface by saying this: I have a love/hate relationship with Yelp due to its shady ranking system. That said, I reactivated my account solely to review this place because I think it's misrepresented.

First, it is full of regulars, which sounds intimidating, but it's really not. The bartender knew the names of nearly everyone who walked in, but was extremely friendly to my girlfriend and me the first time we ever went.  She also knew how to make a dirty martini and remembered I liked 3:2:1 ratio of olive juice to vodka to vermouth. Service can be a bit slow, but it's because there's one bartender and she's talking to everyone she serves.

There's a list of speciality drinks and the lighting and atmosphere is really worth going for alone. As others have said, there are board games and couches--it's perfect for a casual, low key night.

I think it's silly to hate on Crescent Lounge because the bartender ordered take-out. God forbid anyone should eat FRIED FOOD in plain sight! Horrors! Anyway, I think they work 12 hour shifts and man the whole place alone, so good for them for eating.

I had always been apprehensive to go as the reviews made Crescent seem almost intimidating/awkward. The truth is, Crescent is like the somewhat gay Cheers of Astoria. The first and only time I ever visited, the bartender was a sweetheart, poured drinks willy-nilly, and knew every. single. person. sitting at the bar/coming in the door. My kind of place. Despite knowing everyone else, she still acted like she knew us forever, chatting us up and asking where we lived.

Crescent is great for a low-key night, pretty cheap/strong drinks, and some great conversation. Will definitely return!

Crescent Lounge is my go to when I visit friends in Astoria. The crowd is nice, the seating is plentiful and comfortable and the board games are a nice plus. The crown jewel of this place is the Bartender June! She pours a mean cocktail (Try the Ginger Baby!) is beyond nice and keeps me coming back for more! Don't miss out on this Astoria gem.