Chow Down on Astoria Food News – Openings, Future Openings, and Happy Hour

Lately there’s been a number of food-centric newsy tidbits, and we thought we’d collect them here for your reading enjoyment.

First, Two Lizards is open—this is the new Mexican spot that opened up in the old Okeanos space, AKA “corner of doom,” since, for many years, nobody’s been able to keep a robust business going there. Still, that sad scene was the same at the corner of 23rd Ave and 31st Street post-Anna’s Corner and before Bareburger moved in, so it’s possible to turn a location around with the right concept. We wish Two Lizards all the best in creating a desirable neighborhood place.

Right now, Yelp’s got the best coverage—it’s mostly good but there is one dude who did not agree. Popular items include the frozen margaritas, guacamole made tableside, cochinita pibil, and the flautas get a thumbs up. One of the Yelpers, Win C., says tonight’s the night if you want to party hardy: “This Friday is their official opening and they’re going to have a live Mariachi Band performing!” And don’t forget National Margarita Day on Monday—no doubt this will be a popular place then. 35-02 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria

Zorba’s reopened yesterday. I walked in last night and marveled at how different it looks—there’s still seating up front, but now there’s additional seating in a back room and a thinner area between the front and back. They are also planning on having a back garden (I peeked out the back window and saw the patio build in progress).

The overall look is less homey and more sleek. I asked one of the owners if they kept the charcoal chicken—one of their most delicious menu items—and he said it’s still there and no way would they eliminate it, since it’s one of their best sellers. He told me that one of his favorite new menu items is the pastrami sandwich. I’m looking forward to having a meal there soon. 29-05 23rd Avenue, Astoria

King of Falafel is moving his truck closer to Ditmars. This news appeared on the King’s Facebook page earlier this week:

With bittersweet emotions we plan on moving our food truck in the coming weeks. We are truly grateful to have had the opportunity to serve in the same location in front of C-town for almost 14 years! With the new King Of Falafel Resturant open we are planning on moving the truck closer to Ditmars. As of now we are still in front of Right Aid on 31st and Broadway. Stay tuned to find out when and where we will be making our new home.

Dang, good news for Ditmars! It makes sense that he’d separate the truck and the restaurant, plus space is dicey over there on Broadway with the construction in the old C-Town location. We’ll keep an eye on things and pass on the location specificities when we get them.

Sweet Afton’s happy hour gets an upgrade. We heard from our friends at Sweet Afton about changes to their happy hour:

On Monday, February 22nd we are making our Happy Hour Monday – Friday 3pm-7pm at Sweet Afton even happier by adding $3 off all of our House Cocktails ($7 Dirty Pickle Martinis etc.) in addition to our already awesome happy hour specials of $4 & $5 draft beers, $5 well drinks, and $6 wines.

ICYMI, Flattop Burgers. the new business from the Queens Comfort folks, Flattop Burgers, is opening in the old Aki Sushi location. Look for “elevated comfort food” and lots of burgers. Vegetarians, you never know—there might be something in the plans for you (this is just conjecture). 33-06 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria

One last tidbit—we popped into Create on Ditmars a few weeks ago and had a really tasty meal. It’s a pretty good option for someone who wants a healthy, “fast casual” meal. Mackenzi loved the tofu sofritos especially; my wrap with chicken, avocado, tomato, and more was also pretty good.

We spoke with the owner, who was very forthcoming with the news that they’ll be opening a Create in LIC in the near future.

We welcome additional tips—just drop us a line, anytime!