Arts and Culture, Astoria, Bars, Beer and Wine, Best Of Astoria, Brunch, Featured, Food and Drink, Mexican, Music, Restaurants, Sushi and Japanese
May 15, 2017
Best of Astoria 2017: Lindsay’s Picks!
While the fabulous Best of Astoria party celebrated our readers’ picks for the finest in the neighborhood, now it’s time for the WHA writers to shine a light on our favorite (…)
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While the fabulous Best of Astoria party celebrated our readers’ picks for the finest in the neighborhood, now it’s time for the WHA writers to shine a light on our favorite (…)
While the fabulous Best of Astoria party celebrated our readers’ picks for the finest in the neighborhood, now it’s time for the WHA writers to shine a light on our favorite spots. Last week, our fearless party planner Emily shared her choices for the best of the neighborhood, and on this lovely Monday morning, I’m happy to present my selections!
Best Brunch: The Bonnie
Photo Credit: Oleg March
For all of these events, The Bonnie was the easy choice. Their menu can please anyone, the environment is cozy and welcoming, and the brunch cocktails are a refreshing way to kick off your day. I’m a sucker for their avocado toast, and my companions have often raved about the Bacon, Egg, & Cheese Sandwich. No matter what the reason for your brunch, The Bonnie is always an excellent choice.
Favorite Place to Experience the Arts: HiFi Records
A few weeks ago was Record Store Day, and attending HiFi Record‘s celebration of the event reminded me how lucky we are to have a place like it in the neighborhood. A young local band called Better Head was performing, and Owner Javi, who was completely rocking out, leaned over to me and said, “I feel like I’m a teenager again!” His love for music is completely infectious, and it’s fantastic to have someone in Astoria dedicated to keeping live (and recorded, obviously) music alive and well in the hood.
Favorite Bar: Diamond Dogs
Photo Courtesy of Diamond Dogs’ Facebook page
Favorite New Arrival: Gaijin
If you’re looking for special occasion-worthy sushi in Astoria, newcomer Gaijin is an excellent choice. Chef Mark’s omakase menu is changing constantly, so you always know you’ll be getting the freshest fish, along with whatever creative combinations the kitchen can come up with. For your next splurge, make your way over to 31st Ave and prepare to be impressed!
Favorite Mexican Restaurant: Chela & Garnacha
There are way too many awesome places in Astoria to shout all of them out, but I did my best! What do you think? Share some of your picks in these categories in the comments below, or on Facebook!
Hey Lindsay! I have a friend coming to visit in a few days and while ive been living in Astoria for almost a year now I feel like I for sure haven’t seen and done it all. Are there some key places you would recommend me taking her? It will most likely be my first time too so Id like to have the professional eye. Thanks!
Hi Rachel! GREAT question. If the weather were nicer, I would 100% recommend the Bohemian Beer Garden for a few beers outside, but I think it’s going to be a little too chilly for that. If you can go during slower hours, I would definitely say Sweet Afton or The Bonnie for drinks, but know that Sweet Afton especially gets crowded. Shopping at Lockwood, The Astoria Bookshop, and HiFi Records are some of my favorite pastimes, although my wallet hates me for it :) One of my favorite dinner moves is ordering a pizza at Milkflower and bringing it to Diamond Dogs, but you can also totally eat at the restaurant. Kurry Qulture flies under the radar for Indian food, but it’s really excellent. (Seva is too, but a little less of a dine-in experience) If you don’t mind a bit of a wait, Taverna Kyclades is pretty much quintessential Astoria greek food and definitely worth a visit. I also love hanging out and sampling the beers at Singlecut–it’s definitely worth the walk!