I’m trying to stop defaulting to my couch for every Liberty road game, but finding a place that treats it like a real watch event has been hit or miss in Astoria/LIC. I don’t need a dedicated WNBA bar, just a spot that puts the game on more than one small TV and actually pumps the audio.

Last Tuesday I went to a place on 31st Ave near the beer garden and they put the game on one screen behind the far end of the bar, but left the main speakers on a college football replay. The bartender was nice enough to switch the closed captioning on, which helped, but the crowd was maybe three of us. Last week I tried a bigger pub up by Ditmars and they had every TV on a Knicks preseason pregame — same deal, Liberty game muted in the corner. I get that Knicks preseason still outdraws a Tuesday Liberty game, but it’s frustrating when you’re trying to follow a third quarter run and the bar is playing music.

For anyone who has this figured out: where are you going? I’m especially interested in places within walking distance of the N/W, or a quick bike from Astoria/LIC, but I’ll take a short ride if it’s reliable. I’d rather not bounce around every week, and I’m happy to buy food and a couple of drinks if the game is on properly. Sound is the main thing for me. Also curious if any place has had an actual Liberty crowd for away games, not just one person at the bar checking their phone. Do we need to get a small group together and ask a bar in advance? Or is there somewhere that already does it well?

Ugh, I feel this so hard! The 'muted Liberty corner TV' thing is the absolute worst, especially now that they’re actually fun to watch. Have you tried the back room at Piper’s on 36th Ave? They have a projector and they’ve been surprisingly good about WNBA League Pass if you ask before tipoff. They usually have audio on for the featured game, but you have to request it at the bar—don’t just assume. The bartender who works Thursday nights is into the Liberty and will absolutely argue about the starting lineup with you!

Another one: the women’s sports-focused spot on 8th St by the park? It’s not a pure sports bar, but they lean into Liberty games on weekends and have put the audio on the patio speakers. It gets crowded fast though, so if you want a seat with a view of the screen, get there early. Have you tried either of those? I’d also love to see someone put together a regular Liberty away-game group in Astoria—like a rotating bar thing. I’d be so in for that.

Honestly, it depends on who’s behind the bar. I’ve had decent luck at the pub on 116th near 2nd Ave; they’ll put the Liberty on the TV behind the bar if there’s no Yankees or Knicks game, but audio is a coin flip. If you ask for sound they’ll do it as long as the room is slow. For a big road game I’ll sometimes go to a regular spot by my job in LIC and tip heavy, ask for the side TV. Not a real watch party feel, but at least I’m not explaining the standings to anyone.

If y’all start a rotating Liberty away-game thing in Astoria, post it. I’d ride over. I’m not trying to schlep to Manhattan every time.

Okay I’m new to following the Liberty (used to only watch Knicks) and I didn’t realize asking for game audio was an option honestly. Last week I went to a bar in Astoria and they had the game on but with no sound and I just sat there trying to read lips, lol. Do you usually call ahead or just ask the bartender when you show up? Also is it weird to go alone? I want to go to one of these away games with people but I don’t know anyone who watches. If there’s a group thing or a reliable bar I’m down.