Astoria, Restaurants
Aug 15, 2017

The Queens Kickshaw Says Goodbye

We’ll miss you, Kickshaw!

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Queens Kickshaw

Well, we heard the sad news late last night—beloved Astoria restaurant The Queens Kickshaw will close at the end of August:

“Dearest friends, today we announced that we are closing our doors on Sunday, August 27. Come visit us in the next two weeks, and join us at our closing party that evening. We are honored to have been part of your lives all these years.”

However… that’s not the complete story. Turns out they are closing the Kickshaw but opening a new restaurant in its place. And remnants of its predecessor will remain: “The Kickshaw spirit will stay in place, though the food and beverage will change. We will maintain our mission of being a supportive workplace while envisioning a new gathering spot for the neighborhood.”

kabocha-squash-soup-the-queens-kickshaw-astoria-queens

That amazing kabocha squash soup.

They are having a closing party on the final day of service, Sunday, August 27, from 6-11pm. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy the Kickshaw’s exceptional food and drink, and to pay their respects to what has been one of the most interesting eateries in Astoria over the years. People have been leaving comments with fond memories of their time at Kickshaw, and you can read them here (and add your own).

I won’t forget you, miso cold poached eggs.

The new restaurant will open in early October, when there will be an opening week dinner to celebrate. Tickets for that are already available, which you can buy here. My guess is that they will go quick.

watermelon-salad-the-queens-kickshaw-astoria-queens

Watermelon salad of our dreams.

We will definitely miss the place—The Queens Kickshaw has been a favorite among WHA staff. I remember when I first tasted the Gouda sandwich and its remarkable combination of savory, sweet, and spicy. And then there was the consistently delicious tomato soup. And the cold poached egg with miso butter and pickled mustard seeds. Li Hing Mui Popcorn. The chocolate pudding. All the cider. And some of the best coffee in the neighborhood. I could go on.

chocolate-pudding-kickshaw-northwest-queens-day-socrates-sculpture-park-astoria-queens

We heart you, chocolate pudding!

Thanks for all the wonderful food over the years, Ben and Jen and staff. We will miss The Kickshaw but can’t wait to see what you have in store for the new restaurant!

About Meg Cotner

Meg Cotner was trained as a harpsichordist and now works as a freelance writer and editor. She is the author of "Food Lovers' Guide to Queens," and is a skilled and avid home cook, baker, and preserver.

2 Comments

cd

It took me years to realize, as a rabid meat eater, that TQK was vegetarian. The food was that good…and they had a hell of strong curated beer / cider list too.

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Andrew M.

TQK was a trailblazer in Astoria. They did things that nobody was doing anywhere in Queens, hands-down the first decent latte I tasted in the neighborhood. I love Ben & Jen and wish them well on their new endeavor!

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