STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — We went on a hunt for the best watering holes in town.
The latest Best of Staten Island 2025 category kicked off earlier this month by asking readers to nominate the best bars across Staten Island.
Fifty-five restaurants were nominated on our social pages for the Best of Bars 2025 contest. Then, the voting began and our winners were determined for the best of the best this year.
The top three vote-getters were District in Annadale, Mother Pug’s Saloon in Port Richmond and Lee’s Tavern in Dongan Hills.
The Advance/SILive.com recently visited each restaurant to find out why our readers chose each one to get a stiff drink with a great vibe.
District, 2 Sneden Ave. Annadale (718) 984-3700
This Annadale-based bar — which has changed names over time — has been a hot spot to many thirsty Islanders over the years.
District is home to patrons looking for a bar that features sporting-event specials and nightlife entertainment every week.
“We’ve been a bar since the 1920s,” said owner Carmine Gualtieri. “I just think it’s that local bar forever that everybody loves.”
During our visit, District showed off their most popular drink selections: an espresso martini, lemon-drop margarita and signature old fashioned.
And don’t overlook the food selections, too — like their chickens cutlet penne vodka tacos, grandma pizza and penne vodka cause bucket of wings.
Their happy hour specials run seven days a week, along with a prize wheel to spin for those coming by to celebrate birthdays — which includes free drinks and food for lucky winners.
“There’s a lot of great bars on that list and we love and support all of those places,” said Gualtieri. “So appreciate everyone on Staten Island who voted for us and it means a lot to us.”
Mother Pug’s Saloon, 1371 Forest Ave., Port Richmond (718) 442-9831
Port Richmond is home to a bar that locals have called their “second home” for years.
The saloon is so beloved that loyal employees even have tattoos in tribute of their favorite bar.
“I’ve worked here for a decade but I’m very forgetful,” said Derek Johnston, long-time bartender at Mother Pug’s. “So I got the address tattooed on my leg.”
Owner Johnny “Eggz” Viola believes the reason his bar received so many votes was because of the welcoming atmosphere where ”everybody is always welcome.”
“You’ve got all the bars on this side of the Island, and all the bars on that side of the Island,” he said. “But there’s only one Mother Pugs Saloon.”
The watering hole offers simple cocktails and locally brewed beers — like Mad Love brand — for its nightly customers.
Patrons say the laid back vibe, along with live band performances and dart league competitions, is why they keep coming back.
“I’m touched and honored that all of you would do this and vote for us,” Viola said. “The votes are great — but make sure you come on down and have a drink with us!”
Lee’s Tavern, 60 Hancock St., Dongan Hills (718) 667-9749
Our last stop is regarded by most as a legendary pizzeria on Staten Island.
Lee’s has been open since 1940 and has been a staple in Dongan Hills.
But the “tavern” in their namesake hasn’t gone unnoticed by our voters.
Lee’s cranks out ton’s of thin crust pizza daily — like their signature clam pie.
And, for many, it’s a “Cheer’s-like” gathering spot where everybody knows your name.
“It feels like one of the last neighborhood bars,” said Diego Palemine. “This is a place where customers finish their meal and bring their plates to the kitchen — you can’t really get that feeling anywhere anymore.”
The pizzeria and tavern features beers on top, cocktails and tons of Italian food options, including top-notch seafood dishes like friend calamari and scungilli.
“I’m not a huge can of scungilli, myself,” Palemine laughed, “but people drive from Pennsylvania all the way down here to have it.”
If you’re look for an old-school bar, with no frills, good drinks and delicious food, Lee’s hits the mark on all of the above.
“Its feels great to be appreciated for all of the hard work we put in,” he said. “We appreciate all of our customers and it’s just a beautiful thing we have here.”
How Best of Staten Island works
We like to keep it pretty simple for Best of Staten Island contest. Over the course of the year, we will feature seven different “Best of” categories.
For each category, there will be one week of nominations, one week of voting and two weeks that will focus on the top winners, as chosen by our readers. Only brick-and-mortar businesses are considered, unless otherwise noted.
The top three Best of Staten Island 2025 winners in each category receive individual coverage on the Advance/SILive.com’s social media platforms and a collective feature in the Staten Island Advance.
This year, we already featured the best dance schools, best breakfast, best tacos and best burgers on Staten Island.