Big Changes Coming to 60 Beans – New Food, Drinks, Name

Earlier this week we heard an update from the folks at 60 Beans:

“The time has come to transition out of 60 Beans and into our new concept for the space. We will be closing this coming Monday, August 14, opening back up on Monday, August 21, to make changes to the space”

The biggest surprise is that they will not be continuing on with the 60 Beans name. Owner Antonia Joannides says, “Because the idea is to be more than a coffee shop, I’ve decided to change the name to something a little more all encompassing, as well as something a little more personal. However, I’m not ready to reveal it just yet!”

A Brand New Look + Coffee Reassurance

As for the interior, the color scheme is going to be navy, gold, white and black, quite a change from how we’ve known the place over the years. Antonia’s concept is for it to have a “cleaner, more modern look rather than a rustic masculine look.”. They’ll be adding a proper bar with stools, new banquets, painting, and new chairs and tables.

Regarding the coffee side of things. “The theme of coffee will remain prominent through the transition,” she explains. “We will keep the same early morning hours [opening 7am on the weekdays and 8am on the weekends] and continue on with free wifi. While we won’t maintain a traditional coffee shop vibe, we will continue offering all the coffee shop necessities. Sure, the music may be a touch louder and the seating will be a little more cozy, but we will be putting in a few more outlets!”

Drinks and Dranks

They plan on transitioning the space from coffee in the daytime to a bar in the evening; the overall theme will be more of a bistro, a casual eatery/cafe. “We were able to get a full liquor license so we do plan on offering craft cocktails, and a few will incorporate the coffee and teas,” explains Antonia. “This summer I’ve been featuring fresh fruit mojitos were I puree the fruit and turn it into ice cubes, so the drink is good to the last drop!”

To be clear, a full on bar is not their goal. “We want to take everything that 60 Beans has built so far and just enhance it,” remarks Antonia. “If you’re working on your laptop all day, hopefully you’ll trade in your latte for a glass of wine or a cocktail, and have a friend meet up with you for a snack. We’ll offer a formal menu for breakfast/lunch, brunch and dinner, and all items will be casual and approachable.” And in case you were wondering, the previous dinner menu items will not be making a comeback.

Look for shared plates and bar snacks—fried artichokes, bacon wrapped dates, hand cut fries, and the like. Dinner will feature a house burger, housemade pasta and shareable apps.

She adds, “I’ve recruited our pastry chef to come up with some sweeter brunch options and those are going to be something to talk about!”

Service Details

On the service side of things, they will offer both counter service and table service. Grab and go options will be available for the cafe (“our faithful morning coffee drinkers have nothing to fear!”). We are pleased to learn that 60 Beans staple items—like their fabulous Greek yogurt with fresh/dry fruit and Ceci-Cela Quiche will remain available. “One of our head baristas, Thomas Countz, will also be transitioning to the kitchen to continue coming up with decadent scone combinations,” Antonia explains. “We look forward to continue to expand our offerings with daily specials and features.”

And speaking of daily specials and features, look forward to happy hour: Monday-Friday from 4-7pm with $4 half pint draft beers, $7 wines and $10 house cocktails.

Slow and Steady

When they reopen later in August, they plan to slowly introduce all these new features. Full menus and extended hours will be available sometime in September. They believe going slow will make the transition easier on everyone, from customers to staff. But the biggest immediate changes will be the decor, the overall theme—and the new name.

Antonia leaves us with some final thoughts:

“Overall, while 60 Beans will be no more, it has paved the way for what is to come. The idea is to be a friendly, casual, comfortable, neighborhood place that offers something for everyone. I am so thrilled to be a part of this diverse neighborhood and I can’t wait to share my vision of this already beautiful space and elevate it to the next level.”

60 Beans, 36-02 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria
60beanskitchen.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Yelp

2 Comments

Andrea August 16th, 2017

This was one of the first artisan coffee houses in Astoria. I’m sad to see it go. But I’m wondering if they’ll bring Dominick back … that year or so when 60 Beans had a full kitchen was one of the most delicious times in this neighborhood.

Reply

Doreen August 14th, 2017

Fingers crossed for vegan options in Astoria!!! <333 Would also be awesome if they changed their policy on charging an arm & a leg for soy / almond milk. The same ice cortado in brooklyn costs $3.75 vs the $5.50 at 60 beans. I live on the same block and I can't justify coming to get coffee :( hopefully this changes!

Reply