Caskey’s Tavern

I’m going to throw an extra star on here.
Unfortunately, they’ve taken the shuffleboard table away and mounted it on the wall as décor.
However, Caskey’s is now hosting pretty decent live music every Saturday. Since bands are no longer playing the Hi-​5, this makes it Ridgewood’s only regular music venue.
There crowd is pretty diverse in age and ethnicity, and there’s an internet jukebox when nobody is performing. Nice bartenders, pretty average beers as well as Goose Island.

My best friends live across the street from this bar, and I’ve come here on more than one occasion. True, they are a very close-​knit bunch here, and don’t take easily to outsiders. Once you’ve won the hard-​earned affection of the bartender, however, they’ll love you like family. I’ve definitely come across some less than savory people here, and I’ve tended to associate this bar with people who do cocaine. However, if you mind your own business and keep your head down, there was free shuffleboard. Was, you say? I’ve heard that that have gotten rid of the shuffleboard table and replaced it with dining tables. Really, Caskeys?! This was the best part of your bar, along with the pool table. Are you getting rid of that next? This is a great dive bar, but they should stay true to their dive bar roots and try not to be the hot new lounge on Fresh Pond.

Remember when you got cut from the soccer team and your mom tried to explain to you that it wasn’t a failure so long as you did your best? That’s what I think of when I go to Caskey’s — it is doing a great job of being the best Caskey’s possible.
What does that entail? Well, besides microwaveable pizzas and free shuffleboard, they have a nice back patio for hot summer time cigarettes, and the lovely Irene (matriarch bartender) says if you fall asleep back there she won’t wake you up and make you leave.
Dirt cheap pints, fancy online juke box, great afternoon bar.

This place used to have more customers. Don’t know why it’s been empty as of late. The older blond female bartender is a really nice lady, and the place is actually pretty big.
There’s a shuffleboard that no-​one seems to be using. The pool table gets more action. If you need a snack, you can order chips behind the bar, or order a mini-​pizza.
In all, no pretensions, just laid-​back atmosphere with local people. Which is why I love Ridgewood.
Astoria can keep their overpriced shacks. Ridgewood is where it’s at.

This place has been here a long time. It’s a typical local’s bar and that’s why it’s so appealing to me. Relaxed atmosphere and the Juke box is loaded with Classic Rock and Johnny Cash.