Channel Your Inner Greek — in Astoria, Queens
I love to wander the neighborhoods of New York City and soak up their unique identities. Each has its own appeal, from locals neighborhoods like Inwood, to those that celebrate a shared heritage. One of my favorites of these authentic neighborhoods is the northern part of the large Astoria neighborhood in Queens. While Astoria has a variety of restaurants and shops to explore, it is primarily known for its Greek options. The restaurants and markets here offer some of the best Greek food you will taste outside of Greece. Read on to learn about some of the gems in this unique neighborhood.
The Most Famous Greek Food in NYC
For as long as I can remember, Greek food in Astoria has meant a meal at Taverna Kyclades to the majority of New Yorkers. Most are hard pressed to name any other Greek restaurants in the area and with good reason. Taverna Kyclades has been turning out amazing Greek dishes in a fun, while sometimes chaotic, atmosphere since 1996. They do not accept reservations so you will have time to ponder the menu and look forward to all the delicious treats you are about to indulge in. Ardian Skendari, the six-foot-six owner and chef is a master with fresh fish and you will not be disappointed if you choose any fried or grilled options.
Taverna Kyclades opened a location in the East Village which many Manhattanites were very excited about. However, while the food is still tasty, the atmosphere is a bit chaotic and noisy. It detracts from the overall experience. However, now there is another option in Bayside Queens, if you are in that area. If you are in Manhattan, your best bet is to hop the N train, head for Astoria and wait for your turn at some of the best Greek food outside of the Greek Islands.
Great Greek Food Off-the-Beaten Path
One day I was wandering around Astoria, heading off the main drag, and seeing what else was out there. I stumbled upon a little blue and white restaurant on an otherwise residential corner and decided it was going to be my dinner location based on curb appeal alone. Gregory’s 26 Corner Taverna is in an unassuming location with very friendly staff. You can eat inside or outside on what seems like the front porch of a house. It is a very cozy setting where some very delicious Greek food is served. As I scarfed down my bread dipped in quite possibly the best olive oil mixture I’ve ever tasted, I watched a couple local men enjoying a seemingly very long lunch. That is always the sign of a good locals place to me! The waitress brought one of my favorite Greek dishes, Shrimp Santorini. It did not disappoint. Until, that is, I could not finish it and asked for a to-go box. After walking back to the main streets, I realized I had left it! I rushed back to find it sitting there waiting for me, with the waitress waving and telling me she knew I’d be back. They also included some of the olive oil mixture as I had told them how much I loved it. I enjoyed my leftovers for lunch the next day. Just as good.
A Bit of Bohemia in the Heart of the Greek Neighborhood
For a non-Greek, but still very Astorian experience, head to the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden. I love this place year-round. It is absolutely at its best in the summer when the outside garden is packed with all types of people including young people drinking their fair share of a variety of good beers, friends chatting while ordering the tasty bratwurst at the grill, couples enjoying the bands, and families taking advantage of table service while keeping an eye on their little ones working off excess energy on the dance floor.
In the winter the place has a different vibe but still well worth the visit. You can still sit outside, which is nice during the holidays when you can enjoy the festive decorations. However, don’t hesitate to sit inside at the bar, despite the somewhat spartan decor. It’s more low-key but a good vibe nonetheless, filled with locals and a cozier atmosphere.
Walking through a True Greek Market
If you like to walk among the aisles of some amazing offerings and let your Greek food urges take you where they will, look no further than Titan Foods. This large Greek specialty market opened in 1984 and has a multitude of offerings including Greek bread, beans, coffee, olive oils and vinegars, fresh bakery treats, and of course, the favorite of many, the feta…because everything’s better with feta! You can sample the feta and other tasty cheeses before deciding what to take home with you. I am often thankful that I live a subway ride away and must carry all that I purchase home. Otherwise I might easily walk out with half the store.
Get your Greek On!
If you cannot make it to sail around the Greek islands, take the N train and get your Greek on in Astoria. This is truly a neighborhood where people of Greek heritage live and you can get a true taste of the country without leaving the city. I highly recommend stopping first for some shopping at Titan Foods (they will deliver!), heading for a pre-dinner drink at the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden and then choosing either Gregory’s or Taverna Kyklades for a perfect dinner. You can’t go wrong here in Astoria.
In this article:
Taverna Kyklades-Astoria: 3307 Ditmars Blvd, ΝΥ, 11105
Taverna Kyklades-East Village: 228 1st Avenue, NY, 10009
Taverna Kyklades-Bayside: 3930 Bell Blvd, NY, 11361
Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden: 29–19 24th Avenue Astoria, New York 11102
Gregory’s 26 Corner Taverna: 26–02 23rd Ave, Astoria, NY 11105
Titan Foods: 2556 31st St, Astoria, NY 11102
