Live Music in Astoria Queens Bars: Discover the Sound at The Rabbit Hole
- The Rabbit Hole
- Sep 22
- 4 min read
Astoria has long been known for its cultural diversity and thriving food scene, but in recent years, the local bar scene has become just as notable. From craft cocktails and weekend brunches to community-driven events and curated playlists, the bars in this Queens neighborhood are evolving beyond just places to grab a drink. Among them, The Rabbit Hole stands out as a destination where locals and visitors alike can enjoy live music in Astoria Queens bars without it feeling forced or overly commercial. It's not every day you find a spot that blends neighborhood comfort with downtown edge, but when you do, it deserves a closer look.
The Astoria Music Scene, A Neighborhood with Rhythm
Astoria has quietly built a reputation as a home for artists, musicians, and creatives who want to stay close to Manhattan without getting swallowed by it. The community here supports local talent, and many bars and venues showcase that energy through open mics, jazz nights, and acoustic sets.
Still, not every bar in Astoria offers live performances. That’s what makes places like The Rabbit Hole stand out. Tucked along a lively stretch of Steinway Street, it strikes the perfect balance between being a go-to bar and a culture-forward space for music lovers.
Why The Rabbit Hole?
The Rabbit Hole isn’t a loud, over-the-top concert venue, and that’s the point. It’s the kind of bar where you can walk in not expecting a show, and find yourself pulled into an intimate live performance from a Queens-based artist or a traveling acoustic act.
Here’s what makes it special:
Occasional Live Shows: The Rabbit Hole doesn’t promise live music every night, and that's part of the charm. When a performance does happen, it feels intentional and rare. You'll hear about it from friends, or you’ll be lucky enough to walk in on the right night.
Authentic Vibe: The décor, the lighting, and the staff all contribute to that offbeat, slightly mysterious charm. You don’t feel like you’re in a corporate-run bar, you feel like you’re in someone’s creative hideaway.
Great Drinks to Pair with Music: Their cocktails are strong and thoughtfully made. Whether you're sipping on a mezcal twist or keeping it classic with a gin & tonic, the drinks set the tone without overpowering the music.
Local Crowd: The audience is part of the experience. Astoria locals show up with respect for the artist and the atmosphere, no one’s shouting over the music, everyone’s tuned in.
What to Expect on a Live Music Night
Live music at The Rabbit Hole isn’t a weekly recurring event (at least not yet), which makes it a bit of a treasure hunt. Sometimes it's planned, promoted on Instagram or whispered about in group chats. Other times, it's an impromptu jam session that surprises everyone in the best way.
A typical music night might feature:
A local singer-songwriter debuting new acoustic tracks
A Latin jazz trio setting the tone for a late Friday evening
An experimental DJ set paired with visuals
A surprise guest artist passing through Queens
These performances are often set against the cozy, low-lit background of the bar, allowing you to actually hear the music and feel the energy in the room.
When to Catch the Next Performance
Since The Rabbit Hole doesn’t lock itself into a rigid music calendar, the best way to stay in the loop is to follow their Instagram page and check the Events tab on their website.
Pro Tip: Tuesdays are for themed Trivia Nights. Thursdays through Saturdays tend to lean into nightlife energy, which means if a live show is going to pop up, it’ll probably be on one of those nights.
More Than Music, The Rabbit Hole's Other Offerings
The Rabbit Hole is more than just a live music bar. On any given night, you might also find:
Trivia Night Tuesdays with rotating pop culture themes (think Game of Thrones, The Office, Star Wars)
UFC and Sports Screenings, ideal if you want to watch the fight without the chaos of a sports arena
Happy Hour Specials like half-off burgers and steaks or free hot dog promos
Seasonal Watch Parties, such as Love Island or Bad Bunny livestreams
A speakeasy-style lounge perfect for casual dates or quiet conversation
So even if there's no live music on the night you visit, there's still a good chance something interesting is happening.
Getting There: Make It Easy with Google Maps
Located right on Steinway Street, The Rabbit Hole is accessible by subway, bus, or rideshare. If you're visiting from Manhattan, the N or W trains will drop you off just a few blocks away.
Final Note, Supporting Local Culture One Night Out at a Time
Live music is one of those things that transforms a regular night out into something memorable. In Astoria, that experience still exists, but you have to know where to look.
The Rabbit Hole is part of a new generation of Astoria bars that celebrate local creativity without chasing trends. It doesn’t scream for attention. It simply offers something different when the moment is right.
So whether you’re new to the area or a longtime Queens resident looking for something fresh, keep your eyes open, the next unforgettable show might be waiting just down the block.
