NEW YORKER ON THE GO
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ASTORIA

+ ASTORIA +

If the first thing you think about is Greek food, then you're not alone. When I mention Astoria, I'm always reminded of "the best Greek food ever!" And in my opinion, it is correct. Astoria has been going through demographic changes since the 1800s. However, by the late 1960s, the neighborhood had the world's largest population of Greeks outside of Greece itself, which definitely attributed to the belief that you'll find the best Greek food in New York City here. But, while all this is true, Astoria has expanded and become known for it's restaurants and cuisine in general. Some of the most authentic, ethnic food in New York City is in this neck of the woods. That includes gyros, pizza, halal, empanadas, pad thai, curry, and so much more. Basically, come hungry! Astoria will not only fill your stomach, but fill your heart as well. And yes, I may be bias because it’s the neighborhood I call home, but it has loads of culture and excitement, making it a true vibrant neighborhood adored by many.

SHOPPING

  • LOVEDAY 31 - 3306 31st Ave: Vintage womenswear

  • HANGER - 3074 Steinway St: Women's boutique with bright colored clothing

  • LOCKWOOD - 3215 33rd St: Chic home goods with a women's clothing boutique attached next door

  • BRASS OWL - 36-19 Ditmars Blvd: Small, local boutique with cute fashion and homeware

  • THE ASTORIA BOOKSHOP - 31-29 31st St: Cozy, little bookshop with a diverse selection of books

 

EVENTS

  • ASTORIA PARK CARNIVAL - Astoria Park: Fun, summer carnival that occurs in June

  • GREEK FESTIVAL AT ST. DEMETRIOS CHURCH - 30-11 30th Dr: Annual festival to share and celebrate the Greek culture

  • STEINWAY CULTURAL FESTIVAL - Steinway btwn Broadway and 31st Ave: End of April festival to celebrate the culture from around the world

  • TASTE OF LIC - 35th Ave btwn 35th and 36th St: June event in the backlot of Kaufman Studios with a plethora of vendors and different foods

  • ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CARNIVAL - 46th St & 21st Ave: Rides, games, and more at this September carnival

  • ASTORIA FILM FESTIVAL - 34-12 36th St: Film festival featuring short films and web stories

ENTERTAINMENT

  • STEINWAY & SONS FACTORY TOUR - 1 Steinway Place: Tours occur Tuesday mornings from September to June and are $10 per ticket

  • MUSEUM OF THE MOVING IMAGE - 36-01 35th Ave: Museum focusing on film and media

  • ASTORIA PARK - 19th St: Large outdoor park that is great for walks and summer picnics

  • THE NOGUCHI MUSEUM - 9-01 33rd Rd: Sculpture museum and garden that culminated Isamu Noguchi’s commitment to public spaces

  • Q.E.D - 27-16 23rd Ave: Performance space and cafe that’s like an “after school for grownups“

CULINARY

  • ANASSA - 28-10 Astoria Blvd: hip, trendy spot serving tasty Greek food

  • KING SOUVLAKI TRUCK - 31st Street & 31st Avenue: Mark my words - some of the best souvlaki you'll ever eat on the go

  • PYE BOAT NOODLE - 35-13 Broadway: Quaint and busy Thai eatery with a small backyard and great pad thai

  • TRATTORIA L’INCONTRO - 21-76 31st Ave: Upscale Italian restaurant by Ditmars Blvd

  • MILKFLOWER - 34-12 31st Ave: Popular pizza spot owned by two brothers

  • QUEENS COMFORT - 36-18 30th Ave: Busy mom and pop type of restaurant with great brunch and comfort food like chicken and waffles

  • MARTHA'S COUNTRY BAKERY - 36-21 Ditmars Blvd: Fresh baked goods and dessert in a cafe style setting

  • TAVERNA KYCLADES - 36-01 Ditmars Blvd: A popular Greek restaurant destination, serving all the classics

  • HAMIDO SEAFOOD - 3308 Ditmars Blvd: Chill, seafood restaurant that is often busy and only takes walk-ins

NIGHTLIFE

  • THE LAST WORD - 31-30 Ditmars Blvd: Speakeasy

  • SWEET AFTON - 30-09 34th St: Chill, Williamsburg style bar that is always busy

  • THE DITTY - 35-03 Ditmars Blvd: Bar with a year round backyard and happy hour on weekdays

  • REPUBLIC - 33-29 Astoria Blvd N: Pizza shop that turns into a nightlife establishment on weekends

  • BOHEMIAN HALL AND BEER GARDEN - 29-19 24th Ave: Beer garden with a large outdoor terrace, not just great for nightlife but warm, spring/summer days

LANDMARKS

  • HENRY HILL'S HOUSE - 2409 32nd Street: As seen in Goodfellas

  • STEINWAY MANSION - 18-33 41st St: William Steinway’s once home located on a hilltop and listed in the National Register as a Historic Place

  • FIRST REFORMED CHURCH OF ASTORIA - 27-26 12th St: Church dating back to 1839 and still in operation today