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City Living: Astoria, Queens

By Hesper Desloovere | Special to amNewYork

September 19, 2007

It was only a few years ago that Astoria was largely synonymous with Greece in the minds of many New Yorkers. But the word is spreading: Just across the river from midtown Manhattan, the neighborhood is -- for now -- still as affordable as it is diverse.

The joke goes that Astoria was named for a man who never set foot in the area: John Jacob Astor. Angling for a $2,000 investment in Hallet's Cove, residents prematurely renamed the area Astoria. Despite the multimillionaire's measly $500 contribution, the name stuck.

Remnants of the wave of Czech, Irish and Italian immigrants from the turn of the century can still be found, most notably in Catholic churches and the neighborhood's iconic beer garden, Bohemian Hall. It wasn't until the 1960s that Astoria's most conspicuous immigrants, the Greeks, arrived in town.

While Middle Eastern and Latin populations have shaped the look and feel of the neighborhood in recent years, Greek influence still abounds in the form of restaurants, cafes, markets, and churches. Like many of Astoria's newer residents, Justine Benith moved to the area for the deals. "Low rent is the No. 1 attraction to the neighborhood. And it's extremely convenient to Midtown as well," she said. "Kids in their 20s need an affordable place to live, and that's what you'll find in Astoria -- for the time being."

Find it
Astoria is bounded by the East River on the west, 36th Avenue in the South, Northern Bouelvard and 50th Street to the east, and the Consolidated Edison Power Plant to the north.

TO EAT
The strongest testament to Astoria's ethnic diversity can be found in its dining offerings. The neighborhood's volume and variety of restaurants have long marked it as a foodie destination; today more and more restaurants boast Zagat ratings, attracting diners near and far.

Taverna Kyclades
Of the literally dozens of Mediterranean outposts in Astoria, Taverna Kyclades is a perennial favorite. Behind an unassuming storefront, the restaurant serves up top-notch quintessentially Greek grub. For dessert, head to a nearby bakery or coffee shop -- Kyclades is strictly meat and veggies. 33-07 Ditmars Blvd. 718-545-8666

Sac's Place
It's easy to walk by the tables draped with white cloths at Sac's Place in search of a slice, but an entrance on Broadway leads to a humble nook with good ol' bare wood tables. It's tempting to get a few coal oven slices, but at $9.50 for a small cheese pizza, why not spring for a pie? 25-41 Broadway. 718-204-8724

Brick Café
One of the Michelin-rated new guard, this Franco-Italian bistro benefits from looking way more expensive than it is. Brick's intimate interior -- and yes, brick facade -- make it a charming spot for a special occasion. 30-95 33rd St. 718-267-2735

Café Bar
Hipsters with hangovers are a sure bet on Sunday mornings at Café Bar. While clean lines and open space are the new norm on 34th Avenue, Café Bar has more personality than its slick neighbors, and superior crepes to boot. 32-90 36th St. 718-204-5273

Djerdan
"Best burek in town!" proclaims Djerdan. Not familiar with the flaky pastry? Don't let the language barrier prevent you from enjoying Balkan cuisine -- full-color photos accompany each and every menu option. 34-04 31st Ave. 718-721-2694

Mundo
A critic's darling, this Turkish-Argentinian restaurant deserves ones more mention. By the time you chow down your Red Sonja -- spiced red lentil patties -- you'll want to skip the entrée in favor of a towering slice of toasted almond cake. 31-18E Broadway. 718-777-2829