ASTORIA — The owners behind two popular bars in Queens are planning another watering hole and restaurant in the borough that will serve a wide selection of Irish whiskeys.
Michael Mansfield and his partner, who collectively own The Cuckoo's Nest in Woodside and Banter in Forest Hills, will open the new venture on 30th Avenue near 41st Street in Astoria, the space formerly occupied by cocktail spot Front Toward Enemy.
Passage Irish Whiskey Bar and Kitchen — named after a village in Mansfield's native Ireland — will offer the "ambiance and personality and sense of community" of a traditional Irish pub, Mansfield said.
The bar will be similar to Banter, he said, which opened at 108-22 Queens Blvd. in 2013 and quickly became one of the most popular dining spots in the neighborhood, known for Irish dishes like shepherd’s pie and Irish stew, as well as a variety of craft beers.
"We're trying to bring that feel to Astoria," Mansfield said, adding that Passage will be "a bigger, more Astoria-esque version of Banter."
The menu at the two eateries will be similar, though Passage "will be a little funkier and take more risks with the culinary ideas," Mansfield said.
Like Banter, the new bar will have a lengthy whiskey menu, he added.
He hopes to have the new bar open by St. Patrick's Day.
