Paulina’s guidebook to Astoria
Arts and Culture
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 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
I-Museum of the Moving Image
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.
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.
424 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Astoria Park
19 19th StHome 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.
192 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
I-Museum kaNoguchi
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.
n 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.
238 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
I-Socrates Sculpture Park
32-01 Vernon Blvdn 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.
Public park featuring a scenic, riverside promenade, plus baseball fields & dog-friendy areas.
22 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Rainey Park
34-24 Vernon BlvdPublic park featuring a scenic, riverside promenade, plus baseball fields & dog-friendy areas.
Food scene
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.
21 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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.
Comfortland
4009 30th AveBest breakfast/brunch food
The Greek banter rising from the back patio ought to tip you off: This sunny spot is one of the more authentic tavernas among Astoria’s Hellenic roster. Crisp calamari, flash-fried sardines and succulent grilled scallops are as fresh and deftly cooked as those you’d find at a seaside spot. Dessert, cinnamon-dusted galaktoboureko (custard), is on the house, a gracious touch that makes this odyssey all the more worthwhile.
226 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Taverna Kyclades
36-01 Ditmars BlvdThe Greek banter rising from the back patio ought to tip you off: This sunny spot is one of the more authentic tavernas among Astoria’s Hellenic roster. Crisp calamari, flash-fried sardines and succulent grilled scallops are as fresh and deftly cooked as those you’d find at a seaside spot. Dessert, cinnamon-dusted galaktoboureko (custard), is on the house, a gracious touch that makes this odyssey all the more worthwhile.
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).
No-frills Colombian diner dishing out large portions of rotisserie chicken & other traditional fare.
9 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Pollos A La Brasa Mario
4019 BroadwayNo-frills Colombian diner dishing out large portions of rotisserie chicken & other traditional fare.
Multiethnic market around the corner with exotic produce, imported international foods & a full-service butcher.
76 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Trade Fair
30-08 30th AveMultiethnic market around the corner with exotic produce, imported international foods & a full-service butcher.
A vast selection of fruits & vegetables in a neighborhood fixture open 24 hours.
29 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
United Brothers Fruit Markets
32-24 30th AveA vast selection of fruits & vegetables in a neighborhood fixture open 24 hours.
Vibrant, bustling Greek restaurant cooking an authentic menu of Hellenic standards.
49 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Bahari Estiatorio
31-14 BroadwayVibrant, bustling Greek restaurant cooking an authentic menu of Hellenic standards.
No-frills, popular restaurant serving up falafel & other classic Middle Eastern staples. They give you a fresh made falafel to tie you over while you wait for them to finish preparing your dish.
27 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
King of Falafel & Shawarma
3015 BroadwayNo-frills, popular restaurant serving up falafel & other classic Middle Eastern staples. They give you a fresh made falafel to tie you over while you wait for them to finish preparing your dish.
Drinks and Nightlife
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).
40 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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).
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.
21 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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.
15 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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.
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.
85 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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.
Large sports bar with TVs for watching the game plus numerous billiards & ping-pong tables.
Break Bar
458 9th AvenueLarge sports bar with TVs for watching the game plus numerous billiards & ping-pong tables.
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.
224 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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.
Read more
Pete Davidson at Q.E.D.
Flickr/Eric Koreman
16. Q.E.D.
Comedy Astoria
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!
Read more
Book online
ADVERTISING
17. Astoria Bookshop
Shopping Bookstores Astoria
Independent bookstores are sadly rare in Queens, but Astoria Bookshop, which opened in 2013, comes to the rescue to deliver a much-needed dose of lit to the neighborhood. Though on the small side, there’s a solid selection of fiction, non-fiction and children’s books, and staffers are happy to hunt down anything you can’t find. Events like readings, storytelling sessions and book clubs—many of which highlight local writers–prove that Queens is an artsy borough, too.
Read more
Getting hungry?
Mu Ramen
Photograph: Paul Wagtouicz
The best restaurants in Queens
Restaurants
The options are as varied as the borough they’re in
Read more
An email you’ll actually love
Get into a relationship with our newsletter. Discover the best of the city, first.
By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.
34 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Ditty
3503 Ditmars Blvd
Read more
Pete Davidson at Q.E.D.
Flickr/Eric Koreman
16. Q.E.D.
Comedy Astoria
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!
Read more
Book online
ADVERTISING
17. Astoria Bookshop
Shopping Bookstores Astoria
Independent bookstores are sadly rare in Queens, but Astoria Bookshop, which opened in 2013, comes to the rescue to deliver a much-needed dose of lit to the neighborhood. Though on the small side, there’s a solid selection of fiction, non-fiction and children’s books, and staffers are happy to hunt down anything you can’t find. Events like readings, storytelling sessions and book clubs—many of which highlight local writers–prove that Queens is an artsy borough, too.
Read more
Getting hungry?
Mu Ramen
Photograph: Paul Wagtouicz
The best restaurants in Queens
Restaurants
The options are as varied as the borough they’re in
Read more
An email you’ll actually love
Get into a relationship with our newsletter. Discover the best of the city, first.
By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.
A lively Irish pub with a hip vibe, brick-&-beam interior, a garden and locally sourced food. I love this place! They often have live music, and it can get crowded. Open late night. Brunch here is really special.
161 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Sweet Afton
30-09 34th StA lively Irish pub with a hip vibe, brick-&-beam interior, a garden and locally sourced food. I love this place! They often have live music, and it can get crowded. Open late night. Brunch here is really special.
Speakeasy style bar. Hard to find and somewhat "secret." Very fancy mixologist cocktails!
104 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Dutch Kills
27-24 Jackson AveSpeakeasy style bar. Hard to find and somewhat "secret." Very fancy mixologist cocktails!
Shopping
Shopping addicts, beware: It will be impossible to leave this trendy store without splurging on new duds for fall. Currently, the modern boutique is hawking vegan-leather Matt & Nat bags, cozy sweaters, and Queens-branded baseball caps and hoodies with slogans like astoria vibes only.
44 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Lockwood
32-15 33rd StShopping addicts, beware: It will be impossible to leave this trendy store without splurging on new duds for fall. Currently, the modern boutique is hawking vegan-leather Matt & Nat bags, cozy sweaters, and Queens-branded baseball caps and hoodies with slogans like astoria vibes only.
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.
20 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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.
Entertainment
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!
22 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
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!