Denise’s guidebook
Food & Drink in the Neighborhood
Great for a weekend brunch! Fun atmosphere and ANYTHING on the menu with their fried chicken is amazing.
35 preporuka/e lokalaca
The Shady Lady
34-19 30th AveGreat for a weekend brunch! Fun atmosphere and ANYTHING on the menu with their fried chicken is amazing.
Great BBQ spot with locally sourced meats and over the top mouth watering sandwiches. Be sure to try their smoked ends, but get there early for them! They will usually sell out.
42 preporuka/e lokalaca
Butcher Bar
37-10 30th AveGreat BBQ spot with locally sourced meats and over the top mouth watering sandwiches. Be sure to try their smoked ends, but get there early for them! They will usually sell out.
This place has a very large backyard space which could be characterized almost like a beer garden. It is the go-to spot if you are looking to watch any important televised sporting event if you don't mind overenthusiastic crowds and paying a cover to gain entry. Acceptable beer and bar food selection. Just DO NOT ask your server to split the bill onto separate cards. They do not like this at all and will probably say no. Plan in advance to avoid any issues when the times comes to pay up.
13 preporuka/e lokalaca
Katch Astoria
31-19 Newtown AveThis place has a very large backyard space which could be characterized almost like a beer garden. It is the go-to spot if you are looking to watch any important televised sporting event if you don't mind overenthusiastic crowds and paying a cover to gain entry. Acceptable beer and bar food selection. Just DO NOT ask your server to split the bill onto separate cards. They do not like this at all and will probably say no. Plan in advance to avoid any issues when the times comes to pay up.
A bit far from central or heavily transited areas (I'd recommend catching an Uber or riding a CitiBike there), SingleCut is a local microbrewery and tasting room. Sip a stein in the 25-seat taproom, handsomely appointed with mahogany walls, red oak communal tables and hanging metallic lamps. Once you've had your fill, take your favorite brew to go in a growler. A stage for live performances adjoining the tasting room features live acts.
https://singlecut.com
40 preporuka/e lokalaca
SingleCut Beersmiths
19-33 37th StA bit far from central or heavily transited areas (I'd recommend catching an Uber or riding a CitiBike there), SingleCut is a local microbrewery and tasting room. Sip a stein in the 25-seat taproom, handsomely appointed with mahogany walls, red oak communal tables and hanging metallic lamps. Once you've had your fill, take your favorite brew to go in a growler. A stage for live performances adjoining the tasting room features live acts.
https://singlecut.com
One of the Best Greek Restaurants in the whole of NYC, this place definitely has a unique setup. Prices are moderate but they do not take reservations. Be ready to stand in line for a while if it's a greek holiday. But I assure you, if you love greek food, it'll be worth it. My personal favorite is the grilled octopus and I could scarf down their lemon potatoes 7 days a week.
226 preporuka/e lokalaca
Taverna Kyclades
36-01 Ditmars BlvdOne of the Best Greek Restaurants in the whole of NYC, this place definitely has a unique setup. Prices are moderate but they do not take reservations. Be ready to stand in line for a while if it's a greek holiday. But I assure you, if you love greek food, it'll be worth it. My personal favorite is the grilled octopus and I could scarf down their lemon potatoes 7 days a week.
New York City’s oldest beer garden (yes, all of New York City's) is a local favorite with old world vibes and laid back energy. Their outdoor stage and indoor event space host a variety of shows that are sure to entertain most. Don't leave without trying at least a couple of types of sausage.
224 preporuka/e lokalaca
Bohemian Hall
29-19 24th AvenueNew York City’s oldest beer garden (yes, all of New York City's) is a local favorite with old world vibes and laid back energy. Their outdoor stage and indoor event space host a variety of shows that are sure to entertain most. Don't leave without trying at least a couple of types of sausage.
Trendy local bar with occasional live musical guests. They recently expanded their location after neighboring Indian restaurant Seva (almost a must try!) moved to 30th Ave. Definitely a cool crowd but it does tend to get packed. Maybe that'll change now that they've doubled in size!
161 preporuka/e lokalaca
Sweet Afton
30-09 34th StTrendy local bar with occasional live musical guests. They recently expanded their location after neighboring Indian restaurant Seva (almost a must try!) moved to 30th Ave. Definitely a cool crowd but it does tend to get packed. Maybe that'll change now that they've doubled in size!
Neighborhoods
Astoria is a vibrant multicultural community famous for its wide variety of superb restaurants with cuisines from all over the world. Mostly a Greek community many years ago, Astoria has evolved to be a culinary epicenter while still having some of the best Greek spots in the city. The best areas to go find trending local favorites and a lively atmosphere are 30th Ave, Ditmars Ave & Broadway between Crescent street and Steinway St. But don't limit yourself! There are hidden gem in less transited areas that are worth stepping out of the hustling avenues for.
At the same time, you will find peaceful quiet streets very close to these commercial centers that give you a nice quiet residential feel, which makes the neighborhood feel more like a community.
Hop on the subway and in 20 short minutes, you can be in Times Square. As a local, I try and avoid Times Square 😅, but there are so many train lines connecting there that you can basically branch of to any part of the city or Brooklyn you want to explore.
125 preporuka/e lokalaca
Astoria
Astoria is a vibrant multicultural community famous for its wide variety of superb restaurants with cuisines from all over the world. Mostly a Greek community many years ago, Astoria has evolved to be a culinary epicenter while still having some of the best Greek spots in the city. The best areas to go find trending local favorites and a lively atmosphere are 30th Ave, Ditmars Ave & Broadway between Crescent street and Steinway St. But don't limit yourself! There are hidden gem in less transited areas that are worth stepping out of the hustling avenues for.
At the same time, you will find peaceful quiet streets very close to these commercial centers that give you a nice quiet residential feel, which makes the neighborhood feel more like a community.
Hop on the subway and in 20 short minutes, you can be in Times Square. As a local, I try and avoid Times Square 😅, but there are so many train lines connecting there that you can basically branch of to any part of the city or Brooklyn you want to explore.
Sightseeing
A beautiful park right on the water that has unobstructed city views. There are many (most of the time free) activities going on at the park such as yoga classes, movie nights, local markets, concerts etc. Be sure to check out the Astoria Park Alliance site and NYC Parks department site to see which free events will be happening during your visit.
https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/astoria-park/events
http://www.astoriaparkalliance.org/events
424 preporuka/e lokalaca
Astoria Park
19 19th StA beautiful park right on the water that has unobstructed city views. There are many (most of the time free) activities going on at the park such as yoga classes, movie nights, local markets, concerts etc. Be sure to check out the Astoria Park Alliance site and NYC Parks department site to see which free events will be happening during your visit.
https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/astoria-park/events
http://www.astoriaparkalliance.org/events
Low Cost or Free Local Activities
If you practice yoga, Agora is a must visit. This place has really been a key location for a lot of the yogis in the area to build a great community. Their classes are not only great for all skill levels, but at a $10 price tag per indoor class, and multiple *donation based options (with no reservations required for either indoor or outdoor), they really top the price/value list of local studios. Be sure to check out their website for specific class schedules and Covid guidelines. Their exterior classes are held in Astoria Park and Athens Square. Even though their donation based classes can be technically free, I would recommend donating (they accept Venmo and other easy payment methods) to support their amazing community building efforts.
29 preporuka/e lokalaca
Yoga Agora
33-02 BroadwayIf you practice yoga, Agora is a must visit. This place has really been a key location for a lot of the yogis in the area to build a great community. Their classes are not only great for all skill levels, but at a $10 price tag per indoor class, and multiple *donation based options (with no reservations required for either indoor or outdoor), they really top the price/value list of local studios. Be sure to check out their website for specific class schedules and Covid guidelines. Their exterior classes are held in Astoria Park and Athens Square. Even though their donation based classes can be technically free, I would recommend donating (they accept Venmo and other easy payment methods) to support their amazing community building efforts.
One of the largest outdoor pools in the city, Astoria pool is a great spot to cool off in the steamy summer months.
Outdoor pools are currently open for swimming. Summer 2021 swim programs are not currently being held at our outdoor pools, as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has affected their ability to hire and train lifeguards. Please visit the NYC Parks' website for the most up to date information on opening hours and Covid regulations. Happy swimming!
https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/astoria-park/facilities/outdoor-pools/astoria-pool
9 preporuka/e lokalaca
Astoria Pool
19th StreetOne of the largest outdoor pools in the city, Astoria pool is a great spot to cool off in the steamy summer months.
Outdoor pools are currently open for swimming. Summer 2021 swim programs are not currently being held at our outdoor pools, as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has affected their ability to hire and train lifeguards. Please visit the NYC Parks' website for the most up to date information on opening hours and Covid regulations. Happy swimming!
https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/astoria-park/facilities/outdoor-pools/astoria-pool
With free admission to see interesting art installations and fun community events, this park ranks high on the list of places often overlooked by short-time visitors, so don't miss out on this tip from a local! Those in the know or very active in the community know what a truly special place this is. Check out their website for ongoing exhibit and activities information.
https://socratessculpturepark.org
238 preporuka/e lokalaca
Park skulptura Sokrat
32-01 Vernon BlvdWith free admission to see interesting art installations and fun community events, this park ranks high on the list of places often overlooked by short-time visitors, so don't miss out on this tip from a local! Those in the know or very active in the community know what a truly special place this is. Check out their website for ongoing exhibit and activities information.
https://socratessculpturepark.org
Located in neighboring LIC, PS1 is a museum and event space that has a lot to offer in the vein of unique events and experimental and thought provoking art exhibitions. Because of COVID regulations, you must purchase tickets in advance advance, They are $10 pero adult or $5 for seniors or students. Price for special events and parties vary greatly. Be sure to check out their site to check out their calendar of events and exhibits as well as purchase your tickets.
575 preporuka/e lokalaca
MoMA PS1
22-25 Jackson AveLocated in neighboring LIC, PS1 is a museum and event space that has a lot to offer in the vein of unique events and experimental and thought provoking art exhibitions. Because of COVID regulations, you must purchase tickets in advance advance, They are $10 pero adult or $5 for seniors or students. Price for special events and parties vary greatly. Be sure to check out their site to check out their calendar of events and exhibits as well as purchase your tickets.
The Museum of the Moving Image is a media museum located in a former building of the historic Astoria Studios. The museum originally opened in 1988 as the American Museum of the Moving Image and is now one of my favorite modern buildings in the neighborhood. It is worth a visit to just see the interior, but their exhibitions are also pretty great. Check out their calendar for details on ongoing, upcoming shows and museum hours.
Temporary Museum hours (through September 2021):
Friday: 2:00–8:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 12:00–6:00 p.m.
Museum Admission:
$15 adults (18+)
$11 senior citizens (65+)
$11 students with valid ID (18+)
$9 youth (3-17)
Free for Museum members and children under 3
http://www.movingimage.us
507 preporuka/e lokalaca
Muzej pokretnih slika
36-01 35th AveThe Museum of the Moving Image is a media museum located in a former building of the historic Astoria Studios. The museum originally opened in 1988 as the American Museum of the Moving Image and is now one of my favorite modern buildings in the neighborhood. It is worth a visit to just see the interior, but their exhibitions are also pretty great. Check out their calendar for details on ongoing, upcoming shows and museum hours.
Temporary Museum hours (through September 2021):
Friday: 2:00–8:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 12:00–6:00 p.m.
Museum Admission:
$15 adults (18+)
$11 senior citizens (65+)
$11 students with valid ID (18+)
$9 youth (3-17)
Free for Museum members and children under 3
http://www.movingimage.us