Queensborough—Your NYC Fix Right In San Diego

In 2005, award-winning mixologist, Sam Ross, changed my world forever when he created the Scotch-based cocktail known as the Penicillin.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXveBjbjaAv/?taken-by=queensboroughsd

As a former resident of New York City, I spent many nights sipping on one—or two—of these smoky, spicy drinks, and while the recipe isn’t complicated, I quickly learned that there was nothing more satisfying than finding a bar that also appreciated a well-made Penicillin.

It was my love of a Penicillin and my former home that drew me to Gaslamp’s newest addition, Queensborough.

Photo credit: Phillip Silverstein

A nod to 1920s New York City, the two-story space features custom-made white marble table tops, diamond-tufted leather booths, authentic subway turnstiles, and New York subway tokens set into the tile flooring. They even procured a vintage phone booth-turned-photo booth.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXyJt75jQ8b/?taken-by=queensboroughsd

“Brethren Collective,” made of Shane Brennan (Holsem, Searsucker) and Mike Vizcarra (Seven Grand, Bang Bang), are the team behind Queensborough. Brennan actually grew up in Queens. Matthew Ellis of Blue Motif Architecture (Juniper & Ivy, Crack Shack, Kettner Exchange) is the designer and a partner alongside brothers James and Edward Kaen, who own the Keating Hotel and the building where Queensborough is located.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BX01tm7jsVO/?taken-by=queensboroughsd

Following the theme, the cocktail program features drinks created in New York City, from the classic Manhattan and Ramos Gin Fizz to the Cosmopolitan and my one true love, the Penicillin. With my Penicillin-craving fully satisfied, I tried the, “I only do Brooklyn on the weekends” cocktail, which features Henebery Spiced Whiskey, Amaro Montenegro, Dolin Dry, and Luxardo Maraschino cherries.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BWtFs5HDoJ_/?taken-by=queensboroughsd

My friend, a lover of gin fizz, switched her drink up to try the QB Buck— white peach-infused Russian Standard, lemon, ginger, peach bitters, and soda. If drinking neat is more your style, you’ll find a large collection of hard-to-find bourbons and ryes, Scotch, Irish and Japanese whiskeys and a few gin varieties. Alongside Travis Carter (Harvest by The Patio), Mike Vizcarra highlights California craft distilleries with 18 taps of local beer.

If you are coming for the cocktails, definitely stay for the food. In his first executive chef role, Taylor Houseman has designed a menu that pairs perfectly with the cocktail list and is made for sharing.

Photo credit: Paul Body

The red bell pepper citrus chilled soup was the exact thing we needed on an unseasonably humid summer day—the hibiscus crystals on top gave the dish the perfect crunch.

Photo credit: Paul Body

Between the surf and turf sliders, the fried brussels, and the cheese board, my taste buds were thanking me and my stomach was along for the ride.

Photo credit: Paul Body

The champagne vinaigrette and white balsamic reduction on the Brussel sprouts was a pleasant change from the heavier dressings that so often accompany the dish.

The dessert menu is aptly named Save Room—and so we did. Inspired by a NYC trend, you can find cookies and booze milk on the menu alongside beignets, and a fresh-from-the-oven peach cobbler. Lured by the butter toffee gelato on the cobbler, we indulged ourselves and enjoyed every last bite.

Queensborough Downtown, the underground lounge, is expected to open in September. While the details are still under wraps, if the current menu is any indication, it’s sure to become a Gaslamp hot spot.

 

Share This Post
The Latest
All-In 4 Change program grant
Harrah’s Resort Southern California is marking a decade of community impact by increasing its annual All-In 4 Change program grants to $250,000, representing a $100,000...
La Jolla Art & Wine Festival
The La Jolla Art & Wine Festival returns for its 17th year with exciting new additions that reflect the event’s commitment to evolving with the...
Pendry San Diego
Pendry San Diego has been named the #1 Hotel in San Diego in the 2025 edition of Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards, marking the...
San Diego Wellness Week
San Diego Wellness Week is coming as the city’s inaugural wellness celebration, featuring five days of curated pop-up events before culminating with the signature Novo...
Whiskey & Fire Liberty Station San Diego
Whiskey & Fire is coming to Liberty Station, combining Heritage Fire’s live-fire cooking with Whiskies of the World’s premium spirit tastings for a dynamic culinary...
Jitters Coffee Pub summer bash
Jitters Coffee Pub is transforming their newly renovated space and parking lot into an all-day Summer Bash. This community-wide celebration marks the official launch of...
Recently Featured Restaurants
La Jolla’s dining scene is about to welcome something exceptional with LUCIEN, the debut restaurant from chef/owner Elijah Arizmendi, who brings Michelin-level technique to California’s...
The Beau Hotel has renamed its signature restaurant and bar to Witherby, marking a transformation that goes way beyond just changing the signage. This isn’t...
The opening of Lana marks a significant addition to Solana Beach’s dining scene, bringing together seasoned industry veterans and impressive culinary pedigree. This Solana Beach...
The team behind Kindred and Mothership has done it again, but this time they’ve ventured into completely new territory. Vulture just opened in University Heights,...
The coffee and bagel spot we’ve been waiting for has officially arrived in Ocean Beach. Spill the Beans just opened their fifth San Diego location,...
San Diego got a serious culinary upgrade with Little Italy’s Barra Oliba, the Spanish-inspired bistro that opened late in 2024. The restaurant has already established...