The Last Word — Restaurant in New York

Speakeasies are always a fun idea, so I was pretty stoked to visit the new one in my neighborhood! "The Last Word" just requires a ring of the doorbell for entry. Don't be thrown by the late, great, minimized version of the Ditmars staple, "Square Hardware" storefront. HUGE props to the owners for bringing it back. We passed it and my husband was so excited! "Square Hardware is open again?!?!" I had to break the sad but still awesome news to him that Ditmars now had its' first speakeasy!

The ambience is dark and classy - complete with dimmed wall sconces, draping curtains, and plush but posh seating! Black tie not required, cocktail attire recommended, please don't wear flip flops in here 😂

It is primarily a cocktail joint, so take your time with the extensive menu of house cocktails to find one that tickles your fancy. If you're in a beer mood, however, their selection of local, complex brews is pretty fantastic.

Being a fan of Mezcal, I ordered the "Nickel Bag of Funk" (mezcal, rum, raspberry, lime, and "orange blossom water"...which is a thing) and LOVED it. The smokiness of the mezcal balanced out the sweet and sour of the raspberry and lime!

My husband ordered the "Vagabond" (tequila, Aquavit, honey, lime, orange bitters, garnished with sage and a salted rim). We both couldn't get over how much it tasted like a margarita...I guess that just happens when you lightly sweeten tequila with honey, add a dash of citrus essence, and lime juice.

After we received our cocktails, the waitress informed us of some bar nibbling options...but there wasn't a menu or prices associated with said nibbles...so we didn't bite. We mainly just came for cocktails and Felt awkward to ask if there even was a menu? 😕 maybe they were free?

Fantastic and knowledgable server & bartender topped off our experience in this great, fancy hangout to booze and schmooze in our hood. We can't wait to return with friends and visiting family!

Thanks, Last Word! Chelsea

@chelsbarks on...

ALL THE STARS! GIVE THIS PLACE ALL THE STARS! The start of an epic night with a great friend began on Monday night. We had planned to meet at THE LAST WORD to grab a drink before dinner with more friends in the city. I arrived at the agreed upon time only to discover the door was locked and the bar is closed on Mondays. As I was patiently waiting for my friend to arrive so we could select another local bar, I hear the locks clicking and the manager(?) Lucas appears. He is there working and sees me outside waiting in the (very slight) cold. I tell him that that we had mistakenly agreed to meet there only to discover it was closed. He immediately says, "No problem. Come on in. I can't make all the cocktails, but if you're here for wine, beer or a simple mixed drink, I'll hook you up." I'm shocked. Who does this? I'll tell you who: Lucas at THE LAST WORD in Astoria. He made us fantastic tequila cocktails, played our music requests, and was just an all around amazing human. We only had time for one drink before we had to head out for dinner, but we would have stayed all night and Lucas would have let us. We had the entire bar to ourselves, and Lucas just attended to his work while we caught up and had a great conversation. He couldn't run a card but we happily paid in cash. It was one of those things that could only happen in NYC when the stars align. I rarely post reviews, but this was one special night (and the night truly turned out to be epic) and it started with the kindness of a stranger who is now a friend. Let's all try to be more like Lucas. Go see him at THE LAST WORD and tell him that Steve and Alejandro sent you..... but just remember they are closed...

To understand what it means to be warm and inviting the context of my visit must be established.

I walked by this cocktail bar. I was by myself and hesitant to enter a trendy/cool neighborhood spot at 9pm on a Saturday night. The hostess welcomed me in and showed me two options. "you can sit here, a communal table" or I have a table in the back. I didn't want to bother the establishment and take up a whole table. I am a low paying customer. I'm not going to order more than 1 mocktail. But the hostess insisted I be comfortable.

I take the table. Order my drink. Pull out my book and read peacefully amongst the merriment. The tables nearby - dates, celebrations, catching up with friends. Pop music was playing. I kept turning my pages enjoying it too.

I was checked up on by the server and the manager. Neither of who ever pressured me to leave and made sure I was comfortable. The hostess from before walked and again I told her, feel free to sit people at my table if it's crowded up front. "don't you worry. enjoy yourself." she said.

I finished my drink, the chapter I was on, and accidentally blew out my candle that was providing me light. It was a sign to pack up and leave. I thanked my serve, paid and headed out.

A women, from a table near mine, stopped me before I left. She commended me for doing what I did - enjoy a night to myself. I told her it helped to have a book. I proceed to the exit and saw the manager. I thanked him for not pressuring me. And finally the hostess. She told me I made her night, again for doing what I did - enjoy a night to myself. We shared a hug. And I left having had a great and...