Sofia’s guidebook
Food scene
Highly recommend the restaurant. Casual vibe with friendly waiters. Beyond amazing pizza! Perfect doughy crust that's nicely charred on the edges but retain the soft/chewiness. The pizza options are very unique and they're customizable if you're vegetarian. They have a reasonably priced menu for drinks
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Milkflower
34-12 31st AveHighly recommend the restaurant. Casual vibe with friendly waiters. Beyond amazing pizza! Perfect doughy crust that's nicely charred on the edges but retain the soft/chewiness. The pizza options are very unique and they're customizable if you're vegetarian. They have a reasonably priced menu for drinks
There’s no shortage of competition in Astoria’s Greek scene, but Taverna Kyclades stands out for its consistency. The seafood-heavy menu’s stars are the grilled octopus and heaping portions of grilled fish.
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Taverna Kyclades
36-01 Ditmars BlvdThere’s no shortage of competition in Astoria’s Greek scene, but Taverna Kyclades stands out for its consistency. The seafood-heavy menu’s stars are the grilled octopus and heaping portions of grilled fish.
HinoMaru’s barebones room with communal wooden tables belies the exceptional ramen served at the Japanese restaurant. There’s a creamy pork-based tonkatsu broth or savory soy vegetarian soup, and before the noodles, izakaya-style dishes like takoyaki (savory round cakes with octopus) and crisp broccoli tempura piled high and drizzled in sticky sweet soy sauce, are a worthy diversion.
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HinoMaru Ramen
33-18 Ditmars BlvdHinoMaru’s barebones room with communal wooden tables belies the exceptional ramen served at the Japanese restaurant. There’s a creamy pork-based tonkatsu broth or savory soy vegetarian soup, and before the noodles, izakaya-style dishes like takoyaki (savory round cakes with octopus) and crisp broccoli tempura piled high and drizzled in sticky sweet soy sauce, are a worthy diversion.
Sugar Freak is a Cajun/Creole restaurant a block off the stretch in Astoria known as Little Egypt, and the big, packed space feels like a New Orleans-themed party. Beads hang from the light fixtures, and the space is typically full of groups sharing things like crawfish boils and jambalaya. With its loud music and strong cocktails, this is a fun spot to come with a big group, and there's plenty of outdoor seating when the weather's nice
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Sugar Freak
37-11 30th AveSugar Freak is a Cajun/Creole restaurant a block off the stretch in Astoria known as Little Egypt, and the big, packed space feels like a New Orleans-themed party. Beads hang from the light fixtures, and the space is typically full of groups sharing things like crawfish boils and jambalaya. With its loud music and strong cocktails, this is a fun spot to come with a big group, and there's plenty of outdoor seating when the weather's nice
It might look like something you’d come across in a nice, old strip mall on the fringes of the Tri-State Area, but Trattoria L’incontro is where you’ll find some of the best Italian food in Queens. They make excellent pasta, and there are always many specials that you shouldn’t ignore. Service is friendly, and the walls are covered in paintings of the Italian countryside, so bring a few friends the next time someone has a birthday.
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Trattoria L'incontro
21-76 31st StIt might look like something you’d come across in a nice, old strip mall on the fringes of the Tri-State Area, but Trattoria L’incontro is where you’ll find some of the best Italian food in Queens. They make excellent pasta, and there are always many specials that you shouldn’t ignore. Service is friendly, and the walls are covered in paintings of the Italian countryside, so bring a few friends the next time someone has a birthday.
Loukoumi is further east than most places on this guide. It’s about halfway between LaGuardia Airport and most of the well-known Greek spots on Ditmars. Despite being off the beaten path, the Greek food here is worth the trip. They serve traditional dishes like souvlaki, but we like some of the lesser-known dishes best. Share the sweetbreads, the fried cheese, and some affordable carafes of wine on the big backyard patio.
Loukoumi Taverna
45-07 Ditmars BlvdLoukoumi is further east than most places on this guide. It’s about halfway between LaGuardia Airport and most of the well-known Greek spots on Ditmars. Despite being off the beaten path, the Greek food here is worth the trip. They serve traditional dishes like souvlaki, but we like some of the lesser-known dishes best. Share the sweetbreads, the fried cheese, and some affordable carafes of wine on the big backyard patio.
At this regal eatery and bar, you’ll be treated like royalty—especially on Tuesday nights, when beer, wine and well drinks are two for one. (Trivia goes down at 7pm, too.) As for the bites, you can’t go wrong with the mussels provençal or the signature bourbon BBQ burger with a side of thick—and addictive—hand-cut fries
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Queen's Room
36-02 Ditmars BlvdAt this regal eatery and bar, you’ll be treated like royalty—especially on Tuesday nights, when beer, wine and well drinks are two for one. (Trivia goes down at 7pm, too.) As for the bites, you can’t go wrong with the mussels provençal or the signature bourbon BBQ burger with a side of thick—and addictive—hand-cut fries
Searching for the perfect date-night spot? This magical, brick-and-wood gastropub is a great choice. Whether you’re interested in plowing through the joint’s artisan cocktail list including fruity sips like the Bonnie Punch or its dinner menu comprising hearty, laid-back fare (try the dry-aged burger topped with with crispy pork belly), you’re guaranteed a good time. Make sure to check out the spot on Thursday evening to check out some live music from local talents.
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The Bonnie
29-12 23rd AveSearching for the perfect date-night spot? This magical, brick-and-wood gastropub is a great choice. Whether you’re interested in plowing through the joint’s artisan cocktail list including fruity sips like the Bonnie Punch or its dinner menu comprising hearty, laid-back fare (try the dry-aged burger topped with with crispy pork belly), you’re guaranteed a good time. Make sure to check out the spot on Thursday evening to check out some live music from local talents.
SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa
33 E 20th StCipriani Downtown
376 W BroadwaySightseeing
Only 15 minutes from midtown, the Museum of the Moving Image is one of the city’s most dynamic institutions. Rubbing elbows with Kaufman Astoria Studios, it includes a three-story extension that features a state-of-the-art 267-seat cinema and expanded gallery spaces. Meanwhile, the museum’s “Behind the Screen” exhibit examines every step of the filmmaking process, with artifacts from more than 1,000 different productions, and 14 classic (playable!) video games, including Asteroids, Ms. Pac-Man and Space Invaders. Muppet fans should check out the new and permanent Jim Henson exhibit, too.
507 íbúar mæla með
Hreyfimyndasafn
36-01 35th AveOnly 15 minutes from midtown, the Museum of the Moving Image is one of the city’s most dynamic institutions. Rubbing elbows with Kaufman Astoria Studios, it includes a three-story extension that features a state-of-the-art 267-seat cinema and expanded gallery spaces. Meanwhile, the museum’s “Behind the Screen” exhibit examines every step of the filmmaking process, with artifacts from more than 1,000 different productions, and 14 classic (playable!) video games, including Asteroids, Ms. Pac-Man and Space Invaders. Muppet fans should check out the new and permanent Jim Henson exhibit, too.
Queens—a brewery hotbed for German immigrants before Prohibition—rejuvenates its sudsy past with this 5,000-square-foot 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, reflecting the owner's passion for music (the brewery's name references a part of a guitar's neck).
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SingleCut Beersmiths
19-33 37th StQueens—a brewery hotbed for German immigrants before Prohibition—rejuvenates its sudsy past with this 5,000-square-foot 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, reflecting the owner's passion for music (the brewery's name references a part of a guitar's neck).
Home to the oldest and largest pool in the city, this gorgeous 59.96-acre park along the East River also boasts tennis courts, a track, walking trails, basketball courts and multiple playgrounds. For something a bit more leisurely, reading by the water is also a popualr Astorian pastime. When you go, make sure to snap a photo of what is perhaps New York's most beautiful overpass: Hellgate Bridge.
Astoria Park South
Astoria Park SouthHome to the oldest and largest pool in the city, this gorgeous 59.96-acre park along the East River also boasts tennis courts, a track, walking trails, basketball courts and multiple playgrounds. For something a bit more leisurely, reading by the water is also a popualr Astorian pastime. When you go, make sure to snap a photo of what is perhaps New York's most beautiful overpass: Hellgate Bridge.
When sculptor (and landscape architect, and theatrical-set and furniture designer) Isamu Noguchi opened his Queens museum in 1985, he was the first living artist in the U.S. to establish such an institution. It occupies a former photo-engraving plant across the street from the studio he had occupied since the 1960s to be closer to stone and metal suppliers along Vernon Boulevard. The entire building was designed by Noguchi to be a meditative oasis amid its gritty, industrial setting. Twelve galleries and a garden are populated with Noguchi’s sculptures; also on display are drawn, painted and collaged studies, architectural models, and stage and furniture designs.
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Noguchi safn
9-01 33rd RoadWhen sculptor (and landscape architect, and theatrical-set and furniture designer) Isamu Noguchi opened his Queens museum in 1985, he was the first living artist in the U.S. to establish such an institution. It occupies a former photo-engraving plant across the street from the studio he had occupied since the 1960s to be closer to stone and metal suppliers along Vernon Boulevard. The entire building was designed by Noguchi to be a meditative oasis amid its gritty, industrial setting. Twelve galleries and a garden are populated with Noguchi’s sculptures; also on display are drawn, painted and collaged studies, architectural models, and stage and furniture designs.
In 1986, artists and activists created this 4.5-acre city park over a landfill. Now, it hosts large-scale sculpture exhibits year-round, and is one of the few locations in the city specifically designated for artists to create outdoor works. The splendid Queens space looks out over the Manhattan skyline and is open 365 days a year, offering music and dance performances, movie screenings, yoga and more.
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Sókrates myndskreytingapark
32-01 Vernon BlvdIn 1986, artists and activists created this 4.5-acre city park over a landfill. Now, it hosts large-scale sculpture exhibits year-round, and is one of the few locations in the city specifically designated for artists to create outdoor works. The splendid Queens space looks out over the Manhattan skyline and is open 365 days a year, offering music and dance performances, movie screenings, yoga and more.
Central Park North
Central Park NorthLadurée
398 W BroadwayMetropolitan listasafn
1000 5th AveSt. Patrick's Cathedral
4 World Trade Center
150 Greenwich StWölffer Estate Vineyard
139 Sagg RdNight Out
Considerably Astoria’s best kept secret, this old-fashioned jazz bar checks off all the boxes. It boasts a great cocktail, beer and wine list, has a warm and cozy atmosphere, plus incredible live music (with no cover!). On Monday nights, jam out to tunes provided by Adam Platt Trio, get funky with the Subtonic Three on Tuesday at 9pm and get into the groove with guest DJs on Friday and Saturday evenings. In case you were wondering, the haunt gets its name from Nick Cave’s heartbreaking hit “I Let Love In,” which is one of the owner’s (Evan Rumeliotis) favorites.
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The Letlove Inn
27-20 23rd AveConsiderably Astoria’s best kept secret, this old-fashioned jazz bar checks off all the boxes. It boasts a great cocktail, beer and wine list, has a warm and cozy atmosphere, plus incredible live music (with no cover!). On Monday nights, jam out to tunes provided by Adam Platt Trio, get funky with the Subtonic Three on Tuesday at 9pm and get into the groove with guest DJs on Friday and Saturday evenings. In case you were wondering, the haunt gets its name from Nick Cave’s heartbreaking hit “I Let Love In,” which is one of the owner’s (Evan Rumeliotis) favorites.
The hippest neighborhood in Queens has a literal Highwater mark. Bright and breezy, the Highwater is a tropical oasis for both the down-to-earth and the down-to-fuck. At the Highwater you feel like you’re exhaling the whole time. It’s liquid yoga.
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The Highwater
34-20 BroadwayThe hippest neighborhood in Queens has a literal Highwater mark. Bright and breezy, the Highwater is a tropical oasis for both the down-to-earth and the down-to-fuck. At the Highwater you feel like you’re exhaling the whole time. It’s liquid yoga.
New York’s oldest beer garden still has it, serving a variety of brews on tap and Czech and Slovak cuisine that’s worth licking your plate. Order a massive stein and a grilled bratwurst in honor of Oktoberfest or swing by for events like the Vinyl Revolution Record Show on September 30, when a $5 cover fee grants you access to some great, rare LPs.
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Bohemian Hall
29-19 24th AvenueNew York’s oldest beer garden still has it, serving a variety of brews on tap and Czech and Slovak cuisine that’s worth licking your plate. Order a massive stein and a grilled bratwurst in honor of Oktoberfest or swing by for events like the Vinyl Revolution Record Show on September 30, when a $5 cover fee grants you access to some great, rare LPs.
This Astoria haunt is self-described as “your friendly neighborhood cocktail bar,” but it’s actually more than that. It doubles as a rustic and relaxed dinner and brunch spot, and moonlights as a lively bar where game-playing fiends congregate to play classics from your childhood like Guess Who?, Uno and Scrabble. The spot is also known to host the occasional free, throwback movie night (recent flicks include The Breakfast Club and The Mask) in its backyard.
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The Ditty
3503 Ditmars BlvdThis Astoria haunt is self-described as “your friendly neighborhood cocktail bar,” but it’s actually more than that. It doubles as a rustic and relaxed dinner and brunch spot, and moonlights as a lively bar where game-playing fiends congregate to play classics from your childhood like Guess Who?, Uno and Scrabble. The spot is also known to host the occasional free, throwback movie night (recent flicks include The Breakfast Club and The Mask) in its backyard.
Need a laugh? You'll have plenty at this Astoria venue, which offers primarily comedy events as well as the occasional storytelling and poetry night. If you're interested in learning a new skill, the versatile spot is known to host unique classes like how to take the perfect selfie? Apparently it requires more effort than point and shoot!
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Q.E.D.
27-16 23rd AveNeed a laugh? You'll have plenty at this Astoria venue, which offers primarily comedy events as well as the occasional storytelling and poetry night. If you're interested in learning a new skill, the versatile spot is known to host unique classes like how to take the perfect selfie? Apparently it requires more effort than point and shoot!
Kween
34-10 30th AvenueThe Lingerie Shoppe aka Astoria’s Secret
28-53 Steinway StreetThe Last Word
31-30 Ditmars BlvdTantra Restaurant and Lounge
35-50 31st StSahara New York
25-62 Steinway StreetLayali Dubai
40-02 Astoria Blvd SLips Drag Queen Show Palace Restaurant & Bar
227 E 56th StShopping
If you enjoy listening to albums from start to finish (with a little break to flip it over in between), then a trip to this record shop is a must. The store carries a solid selection of new and used vinyl from various decades, and carries all the tools and equipment necessary for listening to music the way it was meant to be heard at home (turntables and home audio equipment abound in-store).
Hifi Records & Café
23-19 Steinway StIf you enjoy listening to albums from start to finish (with a little break to flip it over in between), then a trip to this record shop is a must. The store carries a solid selection of new and used vinyl from various decades, and carries all the tools and equipment necessary for listening to music the way it was meant to be heard at home (turntables and home audio equipment abound in-store).
In 1986, artists and activists created this 4.5-acre city park over a landfill. Now, it hosts large-scale sculpture exhibits year-round, and is one of the few locations in the city specifically designated for artists to create outdoor works. The splendid Queens space looks out over the Manhattan skyline and is open 365 days a year, offering music and dance performances, movie screenings, yoga and more.
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Lockwood
32-15 33rd StIn 1986, artists and activists created this 4.5-acre city park over a landfill. Now, it hosts large-scale sculpture exhibits year-round, and is one of the few locations in the city specifically designated for artists to create outdoor works. The splendid Queens space looks out over the Manhattan skyline and is open 365 days a year, offering music and dance performances, movie screenings, yoga and more.
Shop owner Nicole Panettieri chic boutique is filled with cute accessories, some ready-to-wear and small gifts, but she also hosts awesome workshops, pop-up shops with other local brands and artists as well as sales. Whether you need to nab a present for your girlfriend's birthday or have the urge to treat yourself to a little retail therapy, this shop is your go-to.
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The Brass Owl
36-19 Ditmars BlvdShop owner Nicole Panettieri chic boutique is filled with cute accessories, some ready-to-wear and small gifts, but she also hosts awesome workshops, pop-up shops with other local brands and artists as well as sales. Whether you need to nab a present for your girlfriend's birthday or have the urge to treat yourself to a little retail therapy, this shop is your go-to.
Bergdorf Goodman
754 5th AveZara
Broadwaybiggest zara ever!
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South StreetThe Hamptons
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