Insider Pages Reviews for Rapture Lounge

5 Stars: The Coolest Spot to Chill (by mblackford)

mblackford — Sun, 17 May 2009 02:00:00 GMT

We love this place! The cocktail menu is awesome and they seem to always have a really good special going on like happy hour or something. The snack menu is good and has everything you could want to supplement your drinking. There is hip music, a flat screen, board games (our favorite is clue) and vintage sofas to pile on to with your group of friends. This is our sunday evening routine and we love it! Great staff who always seem in the mood to have fun. Go Rapture!

5 Stars: Fun, Fun, Fun (by Linn)

Linn — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 02:00:00 GMT

This is one of the coolest places in Astoria. Try the Flautas with the drinks. Stay till 4am.

Did I mention that this place is fun?

2 Stars: disapointed.. (by lilo718)

lilo718 — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 01:00:00 GMT

so disappointed..we used to come here and we USED to love it! We haven't been there in a while and I don't know what is going on there but the drinks are weaker and he apps were not as great or the size they used to be?? We were in there for happy hour but the service was so slow we really didn't get much out of it...it was buy one get one 5-8, we maybe got one of those deals and we were there from 6:15-8.
The one thing that really irritated me was that the ONLY vodka I drink is goose and I know for a fact that I was not served that last time I was there..I questioned the vodka and was given an attitude and shown "a grey goose bottle". My boyfriend ordered his goose with cranberry and he also had an issue , but with the juice ..it was way sweet and did not taste right..the bartender claimed the cranberry juice from the "tap" is very sweet and NEVER tart?? It tasted like kool aid???? I don't know...it put a real "damper" on the night...I hope they don't have new management because they were a great "local" hangout =(

1 Stars: Try somewhere else... (by rhoughtlin)

rhoughtlin — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 01:00:00 GMT

This place used to be a great Astoria hangout, but after living out of town for the past few months, I took some out of town friends and was seriously disappointed. It took ages for anyone to take our order and then the drinks were only delivered after we asked a second time. To make matters worse, the apps were lukewarm at best when they arrived. Also, the place had a funky smell like old cooking grease. maybe a kitchen problem?
Try Indigo for something similar and close by.

4 Stars: Great place for drinks and conversation (by NewYorCity)

NewYorCity — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 02:00:00 GMT

Found Rapture on Citysearch looking for a lounge. After looking at the pictures I thought it would be some where downtown, NY. Turned out to be in Astoria!!! Great place friendly staff, very cozy place, loved the dark atmosphere & Plush chairs. The music wasn't loud which was great because I hate repeating the same thing ten times before the other person can hear what I am saying. The music selection was OK as well. We spent about 4 hours over drinks, conversation and appetizers....I would highly recommend this place, great place for drinks and conversation.

4 Stars: Manhattan style in Astoria.... (by bitteractor)

bitteractor — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 02:00:00 GMT

This is in response to to akelly81.

II love the place. The food is great and only second to the wonderful cocktails.

5 Stars: Yeya is out of her mind (by FulalahBaker)

FulalahBaker — Sun, 11 May 2008 02:00:00 GMT

Regarding Yeya's comment below:
It sounds to me like the management was 100% right to ask an a patron who was "really drunk" and "throwing up" to leave. Guess what - paying customers who know how to behave in public generally don't consider that kind of behavior a great addition to their evening. Would you have prefered the bar serve you even more alchohol? That story only makes me love this place even more.
I have visited Rapture more times than I can count and have always had a great experience. Its usually a sophisticated crowd that is welcoming at the same time. The sorotity antics wouldn't really fly here (thank god!)

1 Stars: Do not go there horrible service! (by Yeya)

Yeya — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 02:00:00 GMT

I used to frequent there summer until the last time I went with some cousins from out of town. One of my cousins got really drunk and was throwing up in the bathroom. The owner then proceeded to ask us to leave saying it looks bad for business. Can you believe the nerve of him! The drinks are good and their appetizers are good but their customer service is aweful and I wouldn't go back if you paid me! Also on their website they mention giving free appetizers with drinks, that is such a lie and the bartenders are rude at times!

5 Stars: Made birthday party special....no favors asked!!!1 (by ontawen)

ontawen — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 01:00:00 GMT

Rapture lounge seems like the last place in New York where you can go for specialty cocktails....I had a martini made with Stoli O and Moet, garnished with an orange wedge. To have gourmet cocktails like this in an atmosphere so dark and funky was exactly what I expected from my visit to New York....the prices were also reasonable which surprised all of my friends!!! We ordered chicken flautas....cooked perfectly...served with a homemade black bean salad and refried spiced beans for dipping....they were a drunken decision...made at 3 a.m. (they were still serving their full menu) and turned out to be a recurring favorite! Because it was my friend's birthday...the waitress came over singing with a slice of slammin chocolate cake ( that we didn't ask for....she overheard that it was a b day!!!) and totally made the night special. This kind of service and special attention to detail is rare in NY and has convinced all of us that Rapture is the best bar in our hood....and possibly in the city since we have since left manhattan to go chill at Rapture Lounge on Saturday nights. Way to go Rapture...thanks for the cool spot!

5 Stars: Best hangout in Astoria!! Actually beats Manhattan!!! (by matunuck)

matunuck — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 01:00:00 GMT

Rapture is tucked away on 28th avenue....thank god!!! It's the only place to go where you can grab a cool candle lit table and listen to good, diverse music while casually drinking cheap drinks and snacking on quality late night food! The bar is funky....vintage couches....colorful lights and spunky bartenders set the mood while their extensive specialty drink menu and "off the hook" drink specials entice you to get wasted. The food is well above bar-quality and the service makes you feel at home...like being in a really cool friend's livingroom. Thank god we found this place!! Rapture is the typical Astoria place without the Euro attitude...no dress code...no late night coffee drinkers....just "anything goes" service with a full bar and a cool local crowd. They serve food till closing time and have a different drink special every night. This place has become my home away from home!!!

5 Stars: Feel At Home (by mrsblackford)

mrsblackford — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 02:00:00 GMT

This place is full of surprises!!! Fun surprises. Thier drink specials are crazy good. 2 for 1 everything included till eight and then $5 margaritas(pretty good!) on wed. I guess every night has a different special but all seem generous and the food is impressive. They serve the full menu till 4am (try cocount shrimp and seasoned garlic fries) and the staff is so cool that you will find yourself sitting with the ecclectic blend of locals till last call. Rapture is the only place in astoria where I feel at home...give it a go!!

2 Stars: Inconsistent bartenders (by polesfromkrakow)

polesfromkrakow — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 02:00:00 GMT

We loved this place, but the other night we were extremely disappointed with the bartending service. The bartender was definitely not in perfect form and this led to a long wait-time for drinks service. Thankfully the waitress tried her utmost to get our drinks, but we waited on average about 25 minutes for a drink, even though the place wasn't crowded. Also, he did not know how to make some of the drinks listed on the menu and instead came up with some unpleasant concoctions. This was a sad turn of events for us, as we used to go to Rapture often on Saturday nights and get fantastic service with fantastic drinks. We hope this was an unusual occurence!

5 Stars: Best drinks I've ever had (by robinmiajen)

robinmiajen — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 01:00:00 GMT

I love this place. I like to go here before I head out to a big club or even just to chill for the whole night. I thought it was in an odd spot because it's residential but I love now because it's kind of hidden.

5 Stars: Best Bar\Lounge in Astoria (by nathanal)

nathanal — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 02:00:00 GMT

Walked into Rapture for the 1st time on Friday and was pleasantly surprised at their Mojitos. Place is cozy with lots of places to sit in comfort. The crowd was a nice mix, music was right, service was friendly and attentive, and the food excellent (chicken tenders\calamari). So good, I was there the next night with a friend, and it was even better than the night before. Nice looking crowd. This is now my favorite Bar\Lounge in Astoria.

4 Stars: A "goto" spot in Queens! (by nikajoy)

nikajoy — Mon, 11 Sep 2006 02:00:00 GMT

I went in on a Thursday night and enjoyed it. Cozy lounge with attentive waitstaff. Happy hour is 2 for 1 until 8pm, take advantage of that. We ordered 3 appetizers. 2 out of three were good. The crabcakes were the pits but the drinks/wine (Reisling and Boujealois) were really good. Music is very eclectic, something for everyone, if you sit a while they'll play something you really love. A great place to hangout and romantic as well.

5 Stars: Fun lounge (by caz1221)

caz1221 — Mon, 19 Jun 2006 02:00:00 GMT

I went to Rapture with 6 friends on 06.17.06 (a Saturday night), and we had a phenomenal time. The waitress was attentive; the drinks were delicious and fairly large; the atmosphere was perfect for a group our size (comfy couches and chairs, music at the right volume so we could talk, and table service rather than having to go to the bar every time you wanted a drink). The drink prices are about what you would pay in Manhattan, but the drinks were much bigger. We will definitely be back.

4 Stars: Cozy Neighborhood Spot (by layla456)

layla456 — Mon, 10 Apr 2006 02:00:00 GMT

I went here on Saturday 04/08/06, This is a very cute and intimate place. Service is good, only had one waitress but she was very attentive to everyone Great date spot. Tapas were good and the Martini's are awesome, great drink selection. The only thing is the music is mainly 80's so if you love the 80's this would be ur place..Would definitly go back...

4 Stars: Beer and Wine list leaves much to be desired (by jonathanwinn)

jonathanwinn — Thu, 23 Mar 2006 01:00:00 GMT

After reading the reviews here, I was very excited about going to Rapture for happy hour the other night, and for the most part, it didn't disappoint. Service was great, food was great, ambiance was great, and the margaritas were strong and 100% agave.

My only niggling nag was that the beer and wine selection were, to put it kindly, PEDESTRIAN. Brooklyn Lager and Brooklyn Pilsner were the only two beers on tap (so much for variety). And you could find this same wine list in most TGI Fridays (or Denny's) around the country. Not one Rioja on the list--in a place that serves TAPAS.

That said, we'll be back, and we'll hope they get their beer and wine act together.

5 Stars: Great lounge in AQ (by dbletrble)

dbletrble — Fri, 28 Oct 2005 02:00:00 GMT

I've been going there since it was Sofa lounge. The new owner did a great job re-designing the place. They always seem to have an even ratio of men to women. My girlfriend loves the martinis. Truly a great neighborhood spot- great placde to have a nightcapper.

5 Stars: It happeened in Astoria! at Rapture !!!! (by metaljedi)

metaljedi — Wed, 05 Oct 2005 02:00:00 GMT

So, Monday night my friends and i were in the mood for a drink and we decided to go to Rapture as usual, (that's my bar!!) i'm there at least 3 times a week! good crowd, awesome staff!. Anyway..so we're sitting there having a drink and we see academy award winner Adrien Brody!! getting some Rapture mints and walking out the door..He'd been there for quite a while. We wanted to go talk to him, but decided not to cause i'm sure he didn't want to be bothered. anywas....i'm off to Rapture for a couple of beers. Ciao

5 Stars: starstruck (by devildave)

devildave — Wed, 05 Oct 2005 02:00:00 GMT

what makes Rapture the perfect place for having a drink and enjoy dinner for everyone, even if you are a celebrity... everyone gets the same great service and respect. as a regular customer i recently had the pleasure to see acadamy award winning actor , adrien brody, enjoying himself and the relaxing ambiance at rapture lounge . he seemed comfortable with the waitress and the service beeing attentive but not overwhelming. being there and seeing the service he recieved made me realise i too get treated like a celebrity.

5 Stars: LOVE Rapture!!! (by gfjwt)

gfjwt — Thu, 03 Feb 2005 01:00:00 GMT

Rapture is so different than the other bars and Lounges in Astoria. The drinks are amazing, the people that work there are incredible, they make you feel like you are in your own livingroom. The bartenders "flip" the bottles on the air (like "Coktail" movie) They send us a little tapas everytime we got a drink. The music is just right. I can't belived that I live in Astoria for five years and I never try it before.
If you are looking for a great place in Astoria just go to Rapture... Don't take my word, try it and you will see.

5 Stars: is it right? (by juancabonill)

juancabonill — Thu, 06 Jan 2005 01:00:00 GMT

when god was thinking about a perfect place, he was probably sitting and relaxing on a place called RAPTURE!
SO FIGURE IT OUT.
JCBP.

5 Stars: Outstanding (by jackactor)

jackactor — Fri, 10 Dec 2004 01:00:00 GMT

This palce is amazing the staff are all exceptional the food delicious the service outstanding , by far the best bartenders in the city Jacob Barbara and April are what you want in bartenders. and the owners Roberto and Martha are the best.P.S. they got the best happy hour in the city.....

5 Stars: great place (by doktor242)

doktor242 — Fri, 10 Dec 2004 01:00:00 GMT

warm inviting atmosphere, quality (strong) drinks, and some of the best music you'll hear in Queens. Highly recommended!

5 Stars: Great vibe!!! (by leeny28)

leeny28 — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 01:00:00 GMT

I ended up at Rapture through someone at work..great experience, service was excellent..atentive yet not intrusive..even the owner came to greet us..we ordered drinks and the botanas flew in just in time.. an eclectic crowd and music made everyone feel at home.. definitely a destination! keep up the good work!

5 Stars: Lots of Aloha! (by iahina)

iahina — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 01:00:00 GMT

I love Rapture! I'm from Hawaii and this place has lots of ALOHA! Very comfortable and relaxing atmosphere with a sensual taste. Service is efficient with warmth and style! Lots of hot babes. Never ever disappointed!!!

5 Stars: This is the place in Astoria (by rapatapa)

rapatapa — Wed, 17 Nov 2004 01:00:00 GMT

If you are like me, somebody who likes the best, this is the place to be. People are great, staff are incredible, and the atmosphere is lovely. Then you have to be here. No b/s, try it, you gonna love it. I was there, and now, I'll be there all the time. Don't take my word... just try it and let me know.

5 Stars: cute bartenders (by ptakdodo)

ptakdodo — Mon, 13 Sep 2004 02:00:00 GMT

rapture is such a cool place.......especially when you're single or your date didn't show up......... you can always come here, have a glass of wine and few mystery shots, talk to cute bartenders and have a great time.......

5 Stars: Rature Lounge Takes You There (by longislandiceteagirl)

longislandiceteagirl — Mon, 06 Sep 2004 02:00:00 GMT

Rapture Lounge is a great place to chill. The interior is very cozy with great artwork and comfortable sofas and chairs. Their happy hour is for 3 hours!!! You can't find that anywhere these days. And be sure to order a Long Island Ice Tea - They are served in HUGE glasses. You can easily get wrecked off of 2 of those! The service and staff are equally amazing. Jakop, a sexy bartender that makes drinks just right; Marta, a hottie that gets a party started; Barbara, be sure to ask this sexy Barbie for an LIC drink. You will savor every sip. Roberto, he's the man ask him about his fire trick.
Next time you're in Astoria be sure to drop by Rapture!

5 Stars: don't have to go to Manhattan..... (by martasullivan)

martasullivan — Mon, 30 Aug 2004 02:00:00 GMT

you can stay in Astoria to have a great time.......Rapture Lounge is one of those bars where you can chill out with your date or hang out with friends drinking crazy large specialty drinks and meet cool people.......great place...friendly staff...good food.......awesome music......you have to check it out yourself

5 Stars: Rapture where have you been all my life? (by little2late)

little2late — Fri, 27 Aug 2004 02:00:00 GMT

Wow! I live in Astoria, and it is always hit or miss with the local bars around here. Recently, I passed by Rapture Lounge and decided to check it out. First of all, the interior is amazing, it was done with care, and is really pleasing to look at. There are tons of cozy couches and chairs to sit and enjoy one of the many beers and wines (my fave is the Reisling- you don't find it often this side of the river). The crowd is diverse, with lots of young, fun, attractive people. You never know who you'll meet. And the owner and bartenders are really accomodating and cool. I hear the happy hour is AMAZING too. And they have djs on the weekends! Could this place get any better???? I am never going to Manhattan again!
Awesome.

5 Stars: rapture is the 'thing'! (by agatkamydlo)

agatkamydlo — Thu, 26 Aug 2004 02:00:00 GMT

what a 'cozy', super nice, wilde place! extra-nice stuff! great drink menu and more! exiting music, a big plazma tv, one could watch the olympiade at the same time! lovely-spacey, and very clean bathrooms! lots of sitting room, very romantic and shick at the same time! you must see it!

5 Stars: Excellent!!!:0) (by lotopard)

lotopard — Tue, 24 Aug 2004 02:00:00 GMT

Love it! Cool, laid-back lounge, great atmosphere, good food and fun people. I always have a good time when I go here.

5 Stars: Great time (by minamina)

minamina — Fri, 20 Aug 2004 02:00:00 GMT

I was there Friday the 13th, and I have a great time, the place was full and the service was great, me and my friends where there before for the happy hour (is a great deal) 2 x 1 from 5 to 8 pm. The music was great and I will come back every weekend... LOVE IT!!!!

5 Stars: wine tasting - tremendous (by joethecat333)

joethecat333 — Fri, 25 Jun 2004 02:00:00 GMT

Rapture's a great find in Astoria in general, but I was really impressed by the wine tasting they had. They paired great, interesting international wines with cheeses. The whole thing cost $25, and it was really well done. Can't say enough about the place, the owners and the staff..

5 Stars: Thank You (by mtviewer)

mtviewer — Tue, 25 May 2004 02:00:00 GMT

I have my birthday party @ Rapture and I have a great time the owner give me a bottle of champagne on the house and all my friends have a great time there, the service was great and the food was exellent ... I'm coming back... Thank you Rapture you make my day!!!!!

5 Stars: Cool lounge that's gay friendly! (by grumpymorningboy)

grumpymorningboy — Fri, 07 May 2004 02:00:00 GMT

I live down the street, and I've been into Rapture a few times -- including a few dates with other guys from Astoria. Totally cool, laid-back lounge, world music playing, and I felt like a guy I could sit together on a couch without anyone batting an eye. Gotta love that. It's nothing you couldn't find in the East Village, but nothing that you'll find anywhere else in Astoria. It's not a SCENE, this isn't Williamsburg, but it feels hip. Drinks & food are a lil' cheaper than the city, for sure, and their kitchen, last I checked, was open late.

5 Stars: not the same old Astoria scene (by butidigress)

butidigress — Wed, 24 Mar 2004 01:00:00 GMT

Rapture is a cool local hang out/date spot for the Astoria crowd. Loungey without being pretentious, the space has homey couches to sink into with current/80's favourites for music in the background. The staff is friendly, not pushy and the guy bartender in particular is soooo dreamy! Definitely a nice alternative to the Greek-Euro scene in Astoria.

5 Stars: GREAT!!! (by desperad0)

desperad0 — Wed, 10 Mar 2004 01:00:00 GMT

This place is the place for Astoria, you have to be there to see what I'm talking about. Great food, great service and great people

5 Stars: About time (by xf0rce)

xf0rce — Thu, 04 Mar 2004 01:00:00 GMT

Rapture is great!!! the decor is nice and trendy. I was geting free appetizers for every round of drinks. who give you something for free in NY?? me and my frinds have a great time there... service is great and the music is just right... way to go RAPTURE... keep the good work.

5 Stars: veddy, veddy cool (by kranknyc)

kranknyc — Mon, 01 Mar 2004 01:00:00 GMT

It's great to find a place with all the atmosphere and coolness of a Manhattan lounge in Queens. Saves me a lot of money in cab rides! I have a great time whenever I drop into rapture- the tapas are great, and the bartenders don't skimp on the drinks. If you'r e in Queens, hell, even if you're not, you should definitely check it out.

5 Stars: Comfortable (by blaggart)

blaggart — Tue, 24 Feb 2004 01:00:00 GMT

Rapture is fantastic. The atmosphere makes you feel at home, the people there are wonderful to be around, and it just makes you want to relax and unwind from a long stressful day.

5 Stars: Best Lounge In Astoria (by felitza)

felitza — Mon, 23 Feb 2004 01:00:00 GMT

The lounge was great. The drinks were great. The food was great. Finally a place to go to that makes you feel like you are in Manhattan without having to take that train ride in. We had a great time and will definitely go back there as often as possible. Highly recommend it!