A cozy Sunnyside gastropub with well-liked burgers, brunch, drinks, outdoor seating, and strong group appeal, but service can be inconsistent and recent serious complaints about management treatment and accessibility merit caution.
The Lowery Bar & Kitchen delivers solid food quality anchored by reliably strong burgers, fish and chips, and brunch offerings, though inconsistency with premium items like steak prevents a higher grade. Service remains attentive and welcoming across most visits, while the cozy neighborhood setting with sports viewing and outdoor seating appeals as a dependable local destination rather than a citywide draw. Uneven execution on select dishes keeps it from approaching grade A territory despite genuine strengths in casual fare and beverage service.
The Lowery feels like a true Sunnyside neighborhood anchor: cozy, sociable, and flexible enough for brunch, after-work drinks, sports, trivia, or a family celebration. Reviews describe a warm room, a separate bar, outdoor seating, and a lively-but-conversational atmosphere; one regular summed it up as a place that feels “cozy yet lively.” Weekend brunches and game days can fill the room quickly. The cooking is confident American gastropub fare rather than destination cuisine. Burgers, wings, fish and chips, brunch plates, bowls, poutine, and cocktails earn the most affection, with the $20 burger and $22 fish and chips standing out as reliable casual choices. The menu is broad and family-accessible, though execution is not flawless: steak and selected brunch or salad dishes have drawn specific complaints, and customization appears limited. Families are well served by the current menu, which includes burgers, fried chicken, fish and chips, pancakes, French toast, fries, mac and cheese, waffles, and ice-cream-topped desserts. Reviews specifically praise children being welcomed during large celebrations, but recent disputes over seating and management manner mean parents planning a group should confirm arrangements clearly and arrive outside the busiest period.
Area vibe: Residential neighborhood with a busy commercial strip along Queens Boulevard and frequent local dining options.
Safety: Generally safe with active street life, well-lit commercial strips and regular foot traffic in evenings.
What's nearby: Near Queens Blvd/Skillman Ave transit access, Sunnyside Gardens, small bars, local restaurants and commuter links to Manhattan.
The safest bets range from a $20 Burger and $22 Fish N' Chips to Honey Chili Chicken Wings, with several appealing brunch options too.
Expect a flexible neighborhood hangout, but plan around busy weekends, difficult parking, inconsistent service, and recent concerns about management policies.
The Lowery shifts easily from a conversational neighborhood meal to a crowded, energetic game-day or brunch gathering.