A Cozy Night at The Barn, A Hidden Astoria Gem

We’ve always considered The Barn a bit of a hidden gem. It’s off the beaten path – about a ten minute walk from the 30th Ave station on 21st Street. It’s not the type of place you’ll frequently pass by while running errands or bar-hopping, so for some, it’s still a bit of a secret.

I first heard about it a few years ago when I was playing in the Astoria softball league, and The Barn was our official after-party spot. My favorite thing about the bar/restaurant (other than the round of free beers for the winning team!) was the outdoor patio area with a relaxing vibe. However, I hadn’t sampled much of the menu until the folks at The Barn invited the WHA team to a complimentary tasting.

Join us as we eat our way through their offerings! As always, major thanks to Marielle Solan for the beautiful photos.

Let’s start at the beginning, with the Tuna Tartare. If you’re into raw fish, you’re going to love this dish. The fresh tuna combined with creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and herbs were a lovely light starter.

It’s hard to go wrong with mussels, and The Barn’s offering did not disappoint. The meaty sea creatures swam in a sea of tomato sauce goodness, with just the slightest kick of heat.

 

Next, it was time get garlicky. The beef tartare was served with a big hunk of garlic, to be rubbed directly on fresh bread before piling on the meat. Add some pickles for crunch, and you’ve got a tasty bite. (We’ll admit, Beef Tartare isn’t the most photogenic dish. Kinda looks like brains, right? We assure you, it tastes better than it looks!)

 

Now, for the main events! The whole fish you see below is a branzino, grilled to perfection with roasted potatoes and wilted greens. The delicate nature of the fish paired with a little greenery was a great combo for a not-too-heavy main course.

 

 

Another dish that doesn’t exactly pop on camera (but satisfied our bellies) was the Pork Chop. A well-cooked pork chop is excellent on its own, but this baby was stuffed with sage and fontina cheese, wrapped in prosciutto, and smothered in a mushroom sauce. The potato gratin was a bonus. I’m not exaggerating when I say we ate this down to the bone!

 

We (somehow) left room for dessert, and what a good decision that was! The two desserts we sampled were just what a sweet finale of a meal should be. My favorite of the two was the Nutella Crepes with peaches and whipped cream. Need I say more?

 

 

If you’re into lighter, brighter desserts, the Key Lime Pie is for you. Served simply with a lime wedge and a dollop of whipped cream, this treat is a sweetly tart way to end your meal.

 

Thanks again to The Barn for hosting us!

The Barn (30-09 21st St, Astoria) | (718) 728-0305
thebarnastoria.com | Facebook  | Instagram | Twitter

This post is sponsored by The Barn. Thanks for supporting the brands that support We Heart Astoria.

 

2 Comments

christopher cummings June 16th, 2016

the food here is excellent, and they have the best key lime pie.

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Colin Pearce June 15th, 2016

Is this the one right next to Vesta Vino? Is it the same people as Vesta Vino?

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