Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden

The Bohemian Hall is a part of New York City history. It boasts the last original remaining Beer Garden in all New York City where once there were hundreds. Bohemian Hall is run and managed by the Bohemian Citizens Benevolent Society, a Fraternal organization dedicated to preserving this precious piece of history !

Histery

In the late 1800's, as many Czech and Slovaks fled the oppression of Austria-Hungary, they made their way to America. Many such people found a home in Astoria, Queens.

In 1892, the Bohemian Citizens' Benevolent Society was formed, named after the medieval Kingdom of Bohemia in the Holy Roman Empire.

Eighteen years later, in 1910, the Society began raising funds for a home for the Czech people in our community. It was to be a haven where the traditions of the homeland would be maintained.

Two adjacent lots, part of a farm, were purchase and on October 1, 1910 the cornerstone of Bohemian Hall was laid.

Main hall Older people of the Society remember hearing stories of raising funds - at a penny a brick! Members who were masons, plumbers' and electricians volunteered their services to build Bohemian Hall. These men transformed a patch of Long Island farmland in to an authentic European Beer Garden.

Liq-licence Bohemian Hall was actually built in three sections. What is today the entrance was the first Hall, but it soon became obvious more space is needed. The Sokol Gym or Main Hall was added, and in 1919 the outside Bar and Park were finished - just in time for prohibition which banned the sale of alcoholic beverages in America for over a decade!

But Bohemian Hall and Park survived. At one time, over 800 beer gardens were in New York City - three in Astoria alone. Only Bohemian Hall and Park survives to carry this proud tradition into the new millennium!

Location

Subway # N to Astoria Blvd. (one stop before the last - Ditmars Blvd.). Walk 1 block to the intersection of 24th Avenue and 31st Street. We are located between 29th Street and 31st Street.

From Grand Central Parkway or the Triboro Bridge, exit at Hoyt Avenue. Proceed 1 block to 24th avenue, along 31st Street (under El.)

Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden Online