A Greek neighborhood with style and tradition
Astoria is a great neighborhood in the northwest of Queens whose particularity is the historical Greek population and Czech beer. Although proud of both, Astoria sports many other qualities.
However, this great diversity of neighborhood has much more to offer. Partly because the neighborhood is so large that there is no unifying architectural style: you will see large four-story apartment buildings and single-family homes.
The East River defines the western and northern borders of Astoria; its interior limits are 49th Street to the east and 36th Avenue and Northern Boulevard to the south. The N and Q trains make several stops in the neighborhood along 31st Street. Steinway Street and 31st Street are the most frequently patrolled by taxis.
Origins
Astoria was originally populated by the Dutch in the early 1600s and occupied diverse ethnic identities in later years. Italians ruled the area in the mid-20th century, until the Greeks settled here in 1960.
Since then, more immigrants from the Middle East, Brazil and Southeast Europe have arrived. As rents skyrocketed throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn, many recent college graduates and young families found Astoria's affordable housing, street safety, restaurants, and an easy commute to Manhattan. And they have made a home, too.
The visitor will find old-school restaurants from various immigrant communities that call this neighborhood their “home”. More recently, restaurants and bars have opened.
On the other hand, the most walkable areas of Astoria are around Ditmars Avenue at 31st Street at the north end of the neighborhood, and 30th Avenue and Broadway, east of 31st Street. The best way to get to the neighborhood is via the N and Q train, which make several stops in Astoria.
Walks
Broadway and 30th Avenue, east of 31st Street, are pedestrianized stretches full of cafes, these blocks have a European flair. Astoria is known for its combination of old and new, which is why you will find Greek and Italian restaurants where the menu has not changed in decades alongside newly opened restaurants that seem to jump on all culinary trends.
Astoria's hippest side is on display at the Queens Kickshaw, which serves cheese sandwiches with artisan coffee near the intersection of Broadway and Steinway Street. There, the cluster of Middle Eastern shops and restaurants on Steinway Street has earned the nickname "Little Egypt."
The truth is that Ditmars Boulevard, a walkable area on the north side of Astoria, is the best place to get Greek food. Kycledes Taverns serves old school seafood dishes, al Agnanti, you can get mezes and a jug of wine overlooking Astoria Park.
Astoria Park is a riverside strip of green areas, with a municipal swimming pool, track and bicycle route. For a rainy day activity, head to Kaufman Astoria Studios, a film studio opened in 1920 - and still in operation today - that houses the Museum of the Moving Image. Expanded and reopened in 2011, the museum explores the history of television, film and video games, and frequently shows films.