Looking for a hidden gem in New York City? Look no further than Astoria, a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood in Queens bursting with culture, flavor, and charm. Whether you’re a foodie, an art lover, or just someone searching for a unique NYC experience, Astoria has something special waiting for you.

Astoria offers easy access to Midtown Manhattan (just a 10-minute subway ride!) but feels worlds away with its relaxed vibe and diverse community. Take a stroll down tree-lined streets, enjoy stunning views of the East River, and explore the fantastic local spots that make this neighborhood unique.

Foodies

Foodies, get ready! Astoria is home to some of the best Greek food outside of Greece, but it doesn’t stop there. From mouthwatering Mediterranean dishes at Telly’s Tavern to flavorful mole at Ruta Oaxaca, the dining scene is as diverse as it is delicious. Don’t forget to check out Tootles & French, which is named one of the best spots in the area for its creative and cozy atmosphere.  Not to be forgotten, my favorites are Taverna Kyclades and “Ambrosia Garden,” where you feel transported to Greece.

Art Lovers

Art lovers, you’re in for a treat, too. Astoria has incredible cultural landmarks like the Socrates Sculpture Garden and the Noguchi Museum. Plus, the Museum of the Moving Image offers a behind-the-scenes look at the magic of film, making it a perfect stop for anyone passionate about cinema.

Spotlight on Akiko Fukuda: An Artist Rooted in Astoria’s Creative Scene

Astoria is home to many talented artists, and one such standout is Akiko Fukuda, a Japanese-born illustrator whose work blends digital innovation with timeless artistry. After 13 years in New York’s fashion industry, Akiko transitioned to illustration in 2017, using digital tools to bring her hand sketches to life with added color, depth, and dimensionality. Her art celebrates beauty, purity, and the allure of the female form, aiming to reconnect women with the grace and innocence they experienced in their youth. Akiko’s work has been featured in numerous exhibitions, including the Astoria Art Center’s 2nd Annual Local Artists Showcase and Outside the Gallery at Studio 34 LIC, as well as in designs for prominent clients like Pose Beauty, Bien Abye, and Milene Jardine Chocolatier. With her unique vision and connection to Astoria’s vibrant arts community, Akiko continues to make a significant impact, showcasing the creativity and cultural richness of the neighborhood.

Arts & Culture

Looking for a mix of history and modern-day fun? Astoria is steeped in cultural heritage, with a long history of Greek immigrants shaping the community and its offerings. Explore its local parks, independent boutiques, and unique shops, or grab a cold beer at the Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden – a must-see spot for any visitor.

Astoria Journey

In this issue of Culturally Inclined, we’re diving deep into the heart of Astoria—its rich cultural fabric, exciting dining spots, and thriving arts scene. Buckle up for a journey into one of New York City’s most eclectic and beloved neighborhoods!

So why wait? Astoria is calling, and it’s the perfect place to explore, eat, and create memories. 

LIFESTYLE

Buzz with the Bees At Astor Apiaries

Urban beekeeping is a sweet way to enjoy the outdoors. Astor Apiaries began as a rooftop hobby hive a decade ago, but has since blossomed into a full-time business. So what’s the buzz? In addition to selling honey, wax, and beekeeping tools, Astor Apiaries frequently hosts events like Beekeeping 101, honey tasting, and candle making. It’s the perfect introduction for anyone interested in keeping bees.

Reach for New Heights

Summit a tower at Brooklyn Boulders without leaving Queens. The Queens space features a variety of small bouldering problems and floor-to-ceiling climbing towers. Passes are available by the day, week, or month, and separate equipment rentals are available. The space can also be rented out for private events or birthday parties. In addition to bouldering and climbing, the facility offers yoga, personal training, weight lifting, and cardio. Children’s summer classes are also available by the week.

Experiment with Drama

The Chocolate Factory Theater is an artist-focused organization founded in 1995 to build a creative home for experimental performance artists. The theater is focused on the community of artists in New York City, elevating their art and helping to foster their ideas into new projects. Tickets for performances are based on a pay-as-much-as-you-can to ensure access to performances while also funding the organization.

Dip Your Toes In, The Water’s Fine

At the center of the emerald gem of Astoria Park is the sapphire Astoria Pool, an enormous oasis in the summer for anyone who loves the water. A Works Progress Administration project dating to the 1930s, the pool can accommodate 5,570 swimmers at one time and is the largest of the city’s public pools. There are also smaller semi-circular pools, a wading pool, and spray spouts. Bleachers overlooking the pool make it easy to keep an eye on the kids while you stay dry.

Movie Night, But Not On The Couch

Head out to the movies – next door to where they make them! The Regal UA Kaufman Astoria Theater is just down the street from the Kaufman Astoria Studios, where much of New York City’s film and television production takes place. There’s nothing quite like the smell of buttered popcorn.

CULTURE

Astoria is home to the largest Greek population in the world outside of Greece itself, earning it the moniker “Little Greece.” Since the 1960s, when Greek immigrants settled in the neighborhood, Greek culture, restaurants, and bakeries have come to dominate the neighborhood.  Numerous Greek Orthodox Churches and language schools are also in the area. Astoria is family-friendly, with the huge Astoria Park providing much-needed green space and countless other parks dotting the neighborhood.

Greek Cultural Center

The Greek Cultural Center opened in 1874 to bring theater, music, folk dance, films, and classes to the neighborhood. The center aims to preserve the Greek language, especially for the children of immigrants, and provide artists with a place to showcase their work on traditional Greek themes. The center hosts many events, including literary, theatrical, and other performance art.

Socrates Sculpture Garden

Founded in 1986, overlooking the East River, the sculpture park was created by the artist Mark di Suvero as an accessible community space. The five-acre waterfront space hosts events and displays rotating selections of art. Unlike most other museum spaces, the park remains open during installations and de-installation, allowing the public a first-hand view of installing artwork and viewing artists at work in the workshop area. Throughout the summer, the park hosts a farmstand (every Saturday) and yoga classes (on Sundays).  There is often other programming hosted in the park, like outdoor film screenings and other cultural events.

Noguchi Museum

Isamu Noguchi was a 20th-century sculptor known for gardens, furniture, ceramics, architecture, sets, and landscapes. Noguchi traveled extensively and kept studios in Japan and New York. He oversaw the opening of the museum in 1985. The works, garden, and museum represent the culmination of his career.

Museum of the Moving Image

A celebration of film and all motion pictures, the Museum of the Moving Image has long been the nation’s only museum dedicated to “the art, history, technique, and technology of the moving image.” But this museum isn’t just about what is seen on screen; it explores all production phases with many interactive exhibits. The ongoing Jim Henson exhibit is a great place to see behind the scenes of the world of the muppets, from Fraggle Rock to the Muppet Show. The museum hosts regular events, including film screenings and director Q&As, and memberships are available. It’s an ideal place for kids and anyone interested in the art and labor behind making films. Don’t miss the grasshopper tacos and mezcalitas across the street at Tacuba Cantina if you go.

Museum of Nostalgia

This throw-back to retro toys is a combination toy store and museum. Founders Phebe and Jeff love toys and have amassed a collection focused on classics from the 1970s and 1980s. The toy-loving couple hosts events, buys collectibles, and sells toys online and in person. Whether you’re looking for a hard-to-find vintage piece from childhood or just want to gawk at the classics, the Museum of Nostalgia is the place to go.

Q.E.D.

This women-owned arts venue is a community-driven space for creatives to host live performances. The venue hosts over 80 monthly events, including readings, lectures, and stand-up comedy, and offers classes. There is a recording studio where numerous podcasts are recorded, and the performance space is available for private events.

SHOPPING

Akiko Fukuda, a talented Japanese-born illustrator based in Astoria, blends the worlds of fashion and digital art with her unique illustrations and scarf designs. After 13 years in New York’s fashion industry, she transitioned to illustration in 2017, using digital tools to bring her hand-drawn sketches to life with vibrant colors and depth. Her work celebrates beauty, purity, and the timeless allure of the female form. Akiko’s Surface Designs collection, which includes her signature Cotton Silk Scarves and Pocket Squares, reflects her dedication to craftsmanship. Each piece features a hand-rolled hem, ensuring every accessory is as unique as the artist herself. Available in limited quantities, her scarves combine crispness and smoothness, showcasing intricate patterns inspired by her love for art, culture, and femininity. Akiko’s designs have been featured in exhibitions and are available through stores like Bien Abye, Nordstrom, and INCASA New York.

Astoria is filled with many small independent retailers. While it doesn’t necessarily attract tourists or crowds of better-known destinations like the Village or Williamsburg, there are plenty of twee shops offering unique products, gifts, and local products. Each of the commercial districts in the neighborhood is distributed around the elevated subway stations, making them convenient on the way to and from the train and creating a Main Street feel at each station.

Lockwood

Not just a single store, Lockwood offers home furnishings, clothing, and paper products from three different storefronts. The leading shop features unique gifts, ceramics, candles, and local products like Astoria calendars. There are also products for children, like toys, books, and other things to keep them entertained. The paper store offers stationary, greeting cards, and desktop products like pens. The fashion store has adult and children’s clothing, a mix of novelty and casual fast fashion.

Astoria Bookshop

This neighborhood bookstore boasts a sizable children’s book section and first-run books for adults, including literary fiction, genre fiction, and cookbooks. The shop regularly hosts author and children’s storytimes and events like zine-making workshops.

credit: Astoria Bookshop/yelp

Gamestoria

From board games to collectible card games, Gamestoria offers all sorts of fun. The shop stocks children’s games like Pass the Pigs, more adult-oriented strategy games like Settlers of Catan, and party games like Beer IQ. Gamestoria has many options to help you find the right match. The shop also hosts in-person gaming with Magic: the Gathering and Dungeons and Dragons tournaments.

credit: Gamestoria/yelp

Brass Owl

The Brass Owl is a one-stop shop offering an eclectic mix of gifts, beauty supplies, accessories, clothing, and paper products. Whether it’s a wooden subway for a child or a bath bomb for a mom, there’s a big selection of unique offerings. The shop also has a selection of crystals if your self-care regimen is more ethereal. The store hosts popups, sidewalk sales, and children’s storytime throughout the year, so check out their events page.

Gift Box Astoria

The Gift Box offers precisely what the name suggests – gifts of all sorts, from candles to paper goods. The shop also highlights local-to-Astoria goods and products from local artists.

Morning Glory

This Japanese-focused specialty shop has toys, home decor, bath, travel, and paper products from Japan. It’s the neighborhood destination for Hello Kitty everything, collectible plushies, trinkets, accessories, and a variety of other things that will bring you joy.

credit: Morning Glory/yelp

DINING

Astoria has been home to numerous immigrant groups, including Czechs, Slovaks, Italians, and Greeks. Even as the new generations come and go, many of the eateries and food establishments that once focused on immigrant groups thrive today, serving their specialty cuisine to a new community. Today, there are numerous Greek restaurants, like Telly’s Tavern and Bahari Estiaborio, and food from across the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean. There’s also more room for large format bars and restaurants, like barbecue joint Pig Beach, Katch Astoria, and the slightly smaller Diamond Dogs.

Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden

Perhaps more famous than Astoria itself, the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden offers a massive outdoor bar modeled on European beer gardens. The family-friendly garden has long picnic tables and is shaded by ancient trees. There’s a stage where bands, especially polka bands, play live music. The food menu includes big pretzels, schnitzel, and spaetzle, with an outdoor grill operated in the summertime for brats and sausages. In colder weather, there’s an intimate indoor bar and a larger basement-level banquet room with a kitchen serving delicious pierogies, goulash, and dumplings. Immigrants from Austria-Hungary created the Bohemian Citizens’ Benevolent Society and eventually opened the hall in 1910. The society still maintains schools and preserves Czech and Slovak culture.

John Brown Barbecue

Both fans of Kansas City-style barbecue and fans of Kansas City sports will be at home in one of New York City’s best barbecue joints. The restaurant offers genuinely smoked meat with dry rub and classic barbecue side dishes like beans, collards, and mac and cheese. This is an informal, order-at-the-counter type of place, but there’s a big backyard for casual afternoons. And, of course, the best place to watch the Kansas City Chiefs.

La Guli Bakery

This Italian American bakery has been serving Astoria since 1937. Here, you’ll find traditional sweets like biscotti, cannolis, and tri-color cookies, plus custom-ordered cakes, marzipan, and pastry.

World Artisan Market

The market, a collection of restaurants and casual dining establishments, brings together a variety of cuisines in one destination between the 36th Street and Broadway elevated subway stations. There’s something for everyone here, from barbecue to vegan options. Highlights include Elevensies, an upscale pastry shop and cafe, and Sotto La Luna, serving Neapolitan-style pizza and fresh pasta dishes.

credit: World Artisan Market

Ruta Oaxaca

This Mexican-inspired restaurant celebrates mole, a type of preparation involving spices and chiles. While most Americans think of a mole as a single sauce, there are at least seven master recipes and many more variants beyond that. Ruta Oaxaca offers an extensive selection, more generally exploring the many different moles and Oaxacan cuisine.

Taverna Kyclades

The large Greek immigrant population means plenty of restaurants featuring Greek cuisine, but they aren’t all Michelin-rated. The restaurant is a destination for classics like Spanakopita, Greek spinach pie, hot and cold mezze, and Mediterranean seafood dishes like octopus, smelts, and anchovies. You’ll find plenty of lamb, kebabs, and more fish among the entrees. The restaurant has been popular enough to open a second location in Bayside, Queens, and an outpost in the East Village temporarily closed for kitchen renovations.

The Bonnie

Astoria’s destination for cocktails, The Bonnie, has an extensive list of options organized around mezcal, rye, vodka, gin, rum, vermouth, and a variety of Amaro for sipping. The kitchen offers dinner, brunch, and even late night, or at least until 11:45 on Fridays and Saturdays. There’s plenty to choose from here with pub stalwarts like chicken pot pie and modern additions like fish tacos, and the late-night menu includes contemporary upscale pub options like smash burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, and shishito peppers.

Single cuts

A local brewery tasting room is a real asset for most neighborhoods, and in Astoria, that’s Singlecuts Beersmiths. The Astoria location includes vinyl records, pinball machines, pop-up kitchens serving food—and, of course, Singlecut’s selection of beers. The taproom also hosts events like trivia, live music, and more and can be booked for private events.