What to do and eat in burgeoning Long Island City, Queens

The NYC Ferry route between Manhattan and Long Island City offers a scenic view of the skyline and a quick, hassle-free way to get between the boroughs for $2.75 — the same price as the subway. It also stops at Roosevelt Island, if you’re feeling extra adventurous and want to explore more of the city’s waterfront. From the landing, it is an easy and pleasant walk into the heart of the neighborhood.

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Photo Credit: Shaye Weaver

The original Sweetleaf at 10-93 Jackson Ave., which opened in 2008, is the optimal spot to start your day. Espresso drinks are the star of the coffee counter, with classics poured out excellently. There’s also the signature Voodoo Child (pictured) — a chilled, Vietnamese-style cold brew. Pair with any bakery pick.

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Photo Credit: Linda Rosier

this outdoor museum along the waterfront. The recent Socrates Annual exhibition featured Tanda Francis’ “Take Me With You” (pictured), meant to address the scarcity of clean water. The park is open to the public daily from 9 a.m. to sundown. (32-01 Vernon Blvd.)” data-id=”123376885″ data-link=”https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/7498_image.jpg” class=”wp-image-1.23376885″/>
Photo Credit: Shaye Weaver

Shift gears for a Brazilian lunch at Beija Flor (38-02 29th St.). Rustic interiors set the mood for a menu of lively flavors. Lunch specials include sandwich options or larger plates like the frango grelhado (chicken with yucca and collards) or the filé de peixe (swai fish with tomatoes and onions). (Pictured: The seafood stew entree, with swai fish and shrimp in coconut milk.) Don’t forget to order a Brazilian beer or a caipirinha, Brazil’s national cocktail.

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Photo Credit: Linda Rosier

Welling Court Mural Project. Colors, shapes and words seem to pop off the buildings as you pass by. New Yorkers and artists from around the world, including Abe Lincoln Jr., Lady Pink, Magda Love and Icy & Sot, have contributed to the project. You’ll see political cartoons (President Donald Trump as a spoiled child), inspirational quotes (“Do or do not. There is no try,” by “Star Wars” icon Yoda), grotesque and dark characters (a terrifying octopus), as well as beautiful and peaceful murals (a group of boys in a boat). ” data-id=”123376894″ data-link=”https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/7687_image.jpg” class=”wp-image-1.23376894″/>
Photo Credit: Shaye Weaver

Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi designed and built the Noguchi Museum to serve as a place to house his work. With a career of nearly six decades, and work spanning everything from sculpture to landscape architecture, Noguchi left a definitive mark. Though his work can be found around the world, the museum offers an unrivaled, intimate look at his unique form. (9-01 33rd Rd., 718-204-7088)

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Photo Credit: Linda Rosier

Take a breather at Gantry State Park in LIC’s Hunters Point. Located in a former dockyard, the waterfront stretch of parkland still contains remnants of its manufacturing district past. This includes the northern portion which was a former Pepsi bottling plant, where a large landmark Pepsi-Cola sign can still be found. (4-09 47th Rd.)

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Photo Credit: Linda Rosier

Opened by a Queens native, LIC Market (21-52 44th Dr.) maintains strong relationships with local farmers and purveyors to make sure that the menu is true to the seasonal American mantra. The humbly decorated space recalls a more country setting than the modern design high-rises that surround it. Try the burger and add foie gras (for $15 more) along with any of the natural wine selections. Other must-trys include The Creek at the Cave (10-93 Jackson Ave.) and Manetta’s Ristorante (10-76 Jackson Ave.).

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Photo Credit: Linda Rosier

A day both outdoors and indoors, and full of art and city views, means a nightcap is of utmost importance. Winos are on the return to Domaine Bar a Vins, located conveniently off the 7 train — and for good reason. With over 40 wines by the glass, choosing what to sip may prove difficult. Which means only one thing: You need not limit yourself to one glass. (50-04 Vernon Blvd., 718-784-2350)

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Photo Credit: Linda Rosier

Long Island City was once its very own city, until the consolidation of New York City in 1898. Today LIC is known for a cutting-edge art and design scenes, and possibly the tech scene with the announcement of Amazon’s forthcoming HQ2 — all contributing to rapid growth in residential and corporate properties. However, everywhere you turn in this waterfront community you’ll find bold reminders of the area’s once industrial past.

Spend the day museum hopping at the Museum of Modern Art’s avant-garde offshoot MoMA PS1, the Museum of the Moving Image, and the niche Noguchi Museum. Explore sculpture parks and actual parks, and toss in a couple of delicious meals (hello, Brazilian lunch). Here’s how to do LIC with a little savoir-faire.