Openings, Closings & Rumors: July 2019

It’s time again for our roundup of Openings, Closings and Rumors around the neighborhood lately! As always, feel free to share what you’ve noticed or any insights you have!

OPENINGS

Sake Kawa

A new Japanese restaurant popped up on 36th Ave between 32nd and 33rd St, and so far has rave reviews. Patrons are loving their affordable Omasake menu–a special sushi menu where you leave ingredients and presentation up to the chef–at $50 for 10 courses, and overall freshness of the seafood.

32-05 36th Ave, Long Island City

Breathe Strength Yoga Studio

Calling all yogis! Another yoga studio has made its way to Astoria on 36th Ave. They have multiple membership options – and a new student special (3 for $30) and also have donation-based community class options.

31-16 36th Ave, Long Island City

Kinship Coffee

Kinship is continuing their expansion throughout Astoria! They are coming to Ditmars and 21st St near Astoria Park…and will keep us updated on opening details when they are confirmed.

4502 Ditmars Blvd, Queens

Roots Theory Juice Bar

This new juice bar opened last month–right next to Chip on Ditmars Blvd. It’s all about balance, right?

2204 33rd St, Astoria

Anemos Estiatorio

There’s more Greek in the neighborhood! The new restaurant/event space comes from the team behind TRU Astoria, Avenue Cafe and Aliada. They told us Anemos will offer “traditional Greek food with a modern twist” and that the “event-ready venue has live Greek music and dance, a great bar scene, delicious Mediterranean cuisine.”

41-15 34th Ave, Astoria

CLOSINGS

Tastee Corner

We’ve been getting lots of questions about Tastee Corner–the Greek 24-hour deli/diner right by the subway on 30th Ave. Unfortunately we don’t know much–we checked it out in person and don’t see any signs indicating why it was shut down. We did, of course, see the infamous bread in the entryway and pastries still in their case by the window. Whatever the reason, it seemed to have happened quickly. We’re reaching out to neighbors since there doesn’t seem to be any contact info available, so let us know if you have any connections or tips.

UPDATE: We heard from an inside source that the business owner of Tastee Corner went on vacation, and the space/building itself is owned by Trade Fair, who also own the little convenience/stationary store next to it. Both are apparently going as soon as their leases are up. Rumor is the Trade Fair owners will turn the space into an expansion of the store/prepared foods area. In the meantime, vendors have not been able to get in and stuff is going moldy.

30-20 30th Ave, Astoria

El Nuevo Cafetal

Again, we don’t know the full story, but this Mexican eatery has unfortunately closed down.

30-19 Astoria Blvd, Astoria

REMINDERS/UPDATES

Avenue Cafe

We had a reader ask about the “new cafe” with yellow awnings on 36th St and 30th Ave, and when we checked it out we discovered it’s not actually new–just updated! It’s Avenue Cafe, which has been in that space for 14 years, but had been looking a little worse for wear and closed in September for a big reno project. Now it has a completely redone inside, bright new awnings and new tables and chairs.

35-27 30th Ave, Astoria

Tamashii Ramen

Just a reminder that Tamashii Ramen on Broadway is closed for renovations until August 15.

2905 Broadway, Astoria

Sac’s Place

As we wrote here, Sac’s is moving from its longtime location on Broadway to Kaufman Astoria Studios. They officially closed this past Sunday (July 21), and expect the new space to be open sometime in August, date TBD.

2541 Broadway, Queens

Food Emporium

Food Emporium’s (on Broadway) most recent update shared on their Facebook is that they are now starting to fill the store and hope to be done in four more weeks (so, end of August)?

29-10 Broadway, Astoria

RUMORS

 

Mystery Space on 24th Ave. and 28th St.???

A reader let us know that something is (finally) happening in the old deli space on 24th ave and 28th St, right between the new Mighty Oak Roasters and Astoria Park Wines. They saw new tile and some kind of reclaimed wood bar/counter–let us know if you’ve seen any other updates or if any signage has gone up!

Pig Beach

We’ve been hearing rumors for a while that Pig Beach will be opening another location where Studio Square was. We’re in touch with their PR rep, and so far know that it will likely open sometime next year.

35-33 36th St., Queens

3 Comments

Boourns August 16th, 2019

I lived in Astoria for 13 years before moving back to Manhattan in 2017. Was feeling pretty homesick for the neighborhood where I spent most of my adult life, so googled and found this blog.

Wow, where to start. Sac’s moving to KA Studios? Why? What in the world. I often dream of taking the N back up to Broadway and getting a piping hot sicilian slice from the Sac’s to-go side. Will be interesting to see how they resurface in their new home.

Tastee Corner gave me countless late-night memories and excellent chili cheeseburgers. RIP.

El Nuevo Cafetal had some real hits and some real misses. But it was cheap across the board. One more solid, authentic Astoria Mexican option off the grid. Thank goodness for La Espiguita, which I *do* still make the trek back into Queens for occasionally.

Astorians, don’t take for granted how much incredible, affordable food you have in your area. I miss it immensely!

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WhatshappeningtoAstoria January 11th, 2020

I just moved from Astoria to western PA 7 months ago. One thing I miss is the amazing food. Seems like way too many closings since we have moved. I can imagine outlandish asking rent on retail hasn’t come down.

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Tamaris Rivera July 27th, 2019

Sampan Chinese restaurant in 30av and Steinway Street is gone now and add outta been my regular for a decade or so I’m terribly curious as to why lol

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