Best of Astoria-Emily’s Picks

The Best of Astoria is a reader driven voting system that is all about you, our readers. After the votes have been tallied and the winners announced, we take a moment to share our personal favorites. Make sure you check out Judith, Mackenzi, and Meg’s selections. For me this post is always difficult to write, there are so many fantastic places to chose from, but I’ve made my picks.

Best Bar: Sek’end Sun

When Sek’end Sun rolled onto the Broadway strip, the sign alone captured my intrigue when it was shared via social media. What I discovered was a busy, yet laid back atmosphere with a great selection of cocktails. The snacks and small plates are salty, cheesy, and spicy all perfect flavor combos when you’re working through the drink menu. We were pumped when such a cool joint would want to honor our anniversary with our very own drink. The View from Hell Gate pictured above is available for just a couple more days. If you haven’t had it yet, you better hurry! (Sek’end Sun, 32-11 Broadway, Astoria, sekendsun.com)

Best Brunch: The Queens Kickshaw

Sure TQK easily captured the Best Vegetarian category, they make some of the best veggie dishes around. I could eat here everyday, but I really love their brunch. As a natural early riser, it’s amazing that I can start eating my brunch as early as 9:00 am. I love that i can get a great cup of coffee, my favorite Ranchers Eggs (pictured above), and an Agua de Astoria (cider and orange juice). This is the way you start a Saturday or Sunday. (40-17 Broadway, Astoria, thequeenskickshaw.com)

Best New Arrival: Mundo at The Paper Factory Hotel

Sticklers might argue that Mundo doesn’t fit into the new arrival category. They were an established fixture for many years, however I would argue that while the heart of Mundo remains, their reopening at The Paper Factory hotel shows new sophistication of style and spirit. When I dine at Mundo I’m so proud of their presence on the Astoria scene, the atmosphere is rocking. Seriously the cocktails are delicious and prepared with great attention to detail. You can still get the red sonjas but they are just the beginning, give the whole menu a try! (37-06 36th Street, LIC., mundonewyork.com)

Best Thai: Mamu Thai Noodle

No lie. I order from Mamu Thai Noodle at least once a week. It’s my go-to spot, not only because of proximity, but because I love their food! This family-run food truck turned brick and mortar restaurant hits all of my requirement; spicy curry, thick noodles, and super friendly staff.  I’m obsessed with the drunken noodles (pictured above) and could eat the Moo Yang (Thai style BBQ pork and sticky rice) daily. Mamu Thai is perfect for lunch and dinner delivery (their dining area is quite small). (36-02 36th Avenue, Astoria, mamuthainoodle.com)

Best Wine Shop: Glassful

Glassful is both an online monthly membership wine service and full-service wine shop. What makes them different from the rest is their precise algorithm for picking the perfect labels that match your taste in wine. A simple quiz is all it takes to get a tailored preference. You can take the quiz online and set up a profile, or take the quiz in store and the Glassful team will direct you to wines that are good fit for your palate. Anytime I find myself on this side of town I always pop in for a bottle, or 2…or 3. Plus I really like their Instagram account. (37-18 Northern Blvd, Astoria, glassful.com)