Long Island City is weird. It’s this messy, beautiful collision of glass skyscrapers and old-school industrial bones where you can find some of the best food in New York if you know where to look. Most people flock to the shiny rooftops for a $22 cocktail and a view of the Empire State Building, which is fine, I guess. But if you actually want to eat something that makes your soul feel good, you end up at Earls Beer and Cheese. It’s small. It’s loud. It smells like melting fat and toasted bread. It is exactly what a neighborhood spot should be.
I remember the first time I walked in. I almost missed it because the signage isn’t exactly screaming for attention. Inside, the vibe is cozy—bordering on cramped—but in that way that makes you feel like you’re part of a private club for people who prioritize sharp cheddar over kale salads.
The Absolute Magic of the Earls Beer and Cheese Menu
You’re here for the sandwiches. Let’s not pretend otherwise. The menu at Earls Beer and Cheese isn't trying to be a culinary encyclopedia; it’s a focused, punchy list of things that go incredibly well with a cold pint of craft beer.
The undisputed heavyweight champion is the Beer Cheese. It’s not that neon-orange goop you get at a stadium. This stuff is sharp, funky, and served with these giant, salt-crusted soft pretzels that are almost too hot to handle when they hit the table. Honestly, if you don't order this, I'm not sure why you're there. It’s the kind of dish that makes you forget your diet exists.
Then there’s the NY State Cheddar. It’s a sandwich, sure, but calling it a "grilled cheese" feels like an insult. They use sourdough that actually has a tang to it, loaded with pork belly, fried egg, and kimchi. It’s a salty, savory, fermented mess that works perfectly. Most places overdo the kimchi and it overpowers everything, but here, the fat from the pork belly cushions the blow. It’s balanced.
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Why the Beer List Matters
A lot of bars claim to have a "curated" tap list, which usually just means they have three different IPAs from the same big distributor. Earls Beer and Cheese actually does the work. They lean heavily into local New York breweries—think Finback, Grimm, or Other Half—but they aren't afraid to throw a random German pilsner or a funky farmhouse ale on the board if it tastes right.
They rotate the kegs fast. If you see something you like, drink it now. By the time you want a second round, that handle might already be swapped for something else. That’s the beauty of it. It keeps the experience fresh even if you’re a regular who shows up three times a week.
Understanding the Long Island City Context
To understand why this place works, you have to look at what’s happening in LIC. The neighborhood has exploded. Between the massive residential towers at Hunter's Point and the tech offices creeping in, the area is becoming increasingly sanitized. Earls Beer and Cheese feels like a holdout. It’s got an edge. It’s the kind of place where the bartenders actually know about the beer they’re pouring and won’t roll their eyes if you ask for a recommendation.
There’s a specific kind of energy in a space that small. You’re going to be close to your neighbors. You might end up talking to the person next to you about the specific bitterness of a West Coast IPA versus a New England style. It’s social. It’s human.
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Common Misconceptions About the Spot
People often think "beer and cheese" means it’s just a snack bar. Wrong. This is a dinner destination. The portions are deceptive. You look at the sandwich and think, "I could eat two of those," and then halfway through the first one, the richness of the cheese hits you and you realize you’ve met your match.
Also, don't expect a quiet library vibe. It gets loud. Between the music and the chatter and the kitchen clanging, it’s a high-energy environment. If you’re looking for a romantic place to whisper sweet nothings, maybe go somewhere else. If you want to high-five a stranger because the local sports team just scored, this is your home.
The Art of the Perfect Pairing
Most people just grab whatever beer sounds cool and pair it with whatever cheese sounds melty. You can do better. If you’re going for the Brie—which they often serve with something sweet like blackberry jam or honey—stay away from the heavy stouts. You need something crisp. A dry cider or a light lager cuts through the creaminess.
Conversely, if you’re tackling the spicy stuff, go for a malt-forward beer. A heavy-hitting IPA can sometimes make the spice of the kimchi or jalapenos feel like it's burning a hole in your tongue. A nice amber ale or a brown ale provides a sugar backbone that settles the heat.
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The staff usually has a "secret" favorite pairing that isn't on any chalkboard. Ask them. "What are you drinking with the cheddar today?" is the best question you can ask.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
- Timing is everything. If you show up at 7:00 PM on a Friday, expect a wait. It’s a tiny footprint. Try a weird time, like 4:00 PM on a Tuesday, or go late night when the dinner rush has cleared out.
- Check the specials. They do things with seasonal ingredients that won't make the permanent menu. If there’s a seasonal goat cheese or a limited-run stout, jump on it.
- Bring a friend. The food is rich. Sharing is the only way you’re going to get to taste more than one thing without needing a nap immediately afterward.
- Mind the trains. It’s a short walk from several lines, but the G and 7 are your best bets. Just make sure you check the weekend service changes because, well, it's the MTA.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest mistake is thinking Earls Beer and Cheese is just for "beer nerds." It’s not elitist. You don't need to know the alpha acid percentage of the hops in your glass to enjoy the place. At its core, it’s a temple to comfort food. It’s about the simple, primal satisfaction of bread, fat, and fermentation.
It’s also surprisingly affordable for the quality. In a city where a mediocre burger can run you $25, getting a high-end, chef-driven sandwich for a fraction of that feels like a win. They put the money into the ingredients, not the decor or a fancy PR firm.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're planning a trip to Long Island City, don't just stick to the waterfront parks. Head a few blocks in and find the spot. Start with the Beer Cheese—standard order, no excuses. Pair it with a local pilsner to cleanse the palate. If they have the NY State Cheddar on the menu, that's your main course. Take your time. Don't rush the experience. The beauty of a place like this is the slow realization that you've found a corner of the city that still has a pulse. Walk off the calories with a stroll along the East River afterward; the view of the skyline from the piers is the perfect way to finish a heavy meal.