Long Island City's Hidden Gem for Food, Drinks, Entertainment and More

March 30, 2010 - PRLog -- What appears to be a small restaurant is actually a bi-level, multifunctional Mexican eatery which also houses a bar, black box theater, and patio lounge. The ambiance reflects the artsy locale in which it lives:  funky artwork from local artists adorns the restaurant walls, the bar is casual and intimate, and the patio is the perfect place to relax with a margarita.   The black-box theater and stage is dominated by the best local Improv troupes and stand-up comedians,  but also hosts a myriad of special events including film screenings, readings, and showcases.  

The Restaurant:
The Creek and The Cave serves up fresh , California-style Mexican cuisine for  lunch and dinner, seven days a week, both upstairs in the restaurant and downstairs at the bar. Although most known for flautas and burritos, the menu also offers burgers, tacos, salads and of course fresh chips with homemade salsa and guacamole. The full menu is available from 11AM until 11PM on weeknights and 11AM until midnight on weekends.  Health-conscious visitors to The Creek and The Cave can choose whole wheat tortillas, brown rice and soy cheese as alternatives.  Best of all, The Creek and The Cave is committed to using local vendors and merchants whenever possible. In fact, when the owner is not concocting new recipes in the kitchen, she can often be  found scouting local farmer's markets for the freshest ingredients available.  

Brunch:
Newly added to The Creek and The Cave is a brunch menu available on Saturdays and Sundays from 11AM to 4PM. The menu includes Chorizo Sausage Gravy and Biscuits, Huevos Rancheros, a classic Breakfast Burrito and Chilaquiles. Brunch specials for 9.95, include one entrée and one Horchata, Mimosa or Bloody Mary.
The restaurant delivers to all Long Island City and Greenpoint residents and businesses, offers catering services, and party platters for all budgets.

The Bar:
Upon descending the stairs into “The Cave”, you will find a charming, multi-room space with something to please everyone. As one reviewer put it, “it's like hanging out in someone's living room” except you don't have to make your own drinks. Chat it up at the bar with the friendly bartenders or relax with friends and coworkers in the ultra mellow lounge.  The lounge is also home to many eclectic activities, including Karaoke nights and “Rock Band Mondays.”  Plus, all day on Wednesdays, enjoy a burger and a beer at the bar for just $10.

The drink selection includes a full bar with everything from beer and wine to pitchers of margaritas and hard cider. Although Budweiser and Bud Light are an option, the more sophisticated beer drinkers enjoy craft beers from breweries such as Magic Hat, Coney Island, Stoudts, and Abita. The mojitos have been called the “best mojito ever” by jujubee1993 on citysearch.com and their margaritas are not only made with the traditional lime and salt, but are also available in flavors such as orange, pineapple, and pomegranate.

Happy Hour takes place every Monday through Friday from 3PM – 7PM offering $2 off all drinks and 2-for-1 margarita specials.

Private Parties:
On the small stage downstairs, family and friends can be found playing relaxing acoustic music for the cave-dwellers. On available nights, there is plenty of room for dancing and theme decoration, making The Creek and The Cave a great place to host a private party.

The Patio:
With tables and chairs surrounding a small garden, the open-air backyard is a hit in the warmer months.  When the sun goes down, the patio is illuminated by strings of lights and is the perfect place to escape the crowds and enjoy the fresh air away from the busy street.

The Creek and The Cave also hosts outdoor movie nights where locals can enjoy an experience similar to the drive-in movie – without cars blocking the view and with a full bar just a few steps away.  

The Black Box Theater:
Tucked away at the top of the stairs is the sliding door entrance to the black box theater which hosts  entertainment every night of the week.

Although Improv groups and stand-up comedians typically dominate the line-up, the room can easily transformed into the perfect backdrop for any performance, party, or showcase.

Anyone who is interested in performing in the black box theater or hosting a private party at The Creek and The Cave can contact Rebecca Trent at creeklic@gmail.com or call 718-706-8783. For information on free shows, parties and to check out the events calendar visit www.creeklic.com. The Creek and The Cave is located at 10-93 Jackson Ave. Long Island City, NY 11101.

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The Creek and the Cave is a restaurant and bar with a black box theater located at the heart of Long Island City, New York. Serving up California-style Mexican food and drinks from a full bar seven days a week. Go to www.creeklic.com for info on free shows, parties, events and general goings on.