Mar’s

34-21 34th Ave, (718) 685-2480, lifeatmars.com

Survey says: “Oysters, cocktails and a hipster bent make this the perfect date spot to take your brave Brooklynite for the evening.”

Sweet Afton

30-09 34th St, (718) 777-2570, sweetaftonbar.com

With dim lighting and a hip clientele, this is the quintessential Astoria spot to take a date.

Flo Lounge Restaurant

37-20 30th Ave, (718) 204-6096, flocafeny.com

The cuisine is influenced by Asia, Europe, and the U.S., so you can get any variety of food and flavors for you and that special someone.

Inside Astoria

28-07 Ditmars Blvd, (718) 956-4000, insideastoria.biz

This is a locally-owned gift shop in Astoria for all ages with emphasis on kids and infants, home accessories, small furniture & lamps, wall art, candle & bath, books, greeting cards and more.

Lockwood

32-15 33rd St, (718) 626-6030, lockwoodshop.com

Survey says: “They have everything you could ever need and more”

Brass Owl

36-19 Ditmars Blvd, (347) 848-0905, thebrassowl.com

This homey boutique offers a selection of shoes, accessories, and gifts.

New York Sports Club

38-11 30th Ave, (718) 932-1400, mysportsclubs.com
Survey says: “Love Sal’s spin class!”

Blink Fitness

32-27 Steinway St, (718) 880-3620, blinkfitness.com

One of the best gym deals in the city, this particular Blink is big, bright, airy and has all the machines one could ask for. For those self-motivated folks, it doesn’t get better than this. There are tons of treadmills and elliptical machines, and a large weight area upstairs. They also have affordable personal training packages.

Life Health & Fitness

37-11 35th Ave, (718) 349-3494, lifehealth-fitness.com

Excellent bang for your buck at this local Astoria gym. Great classes (try spin or any of the ab workouts) and it’s open 24 hours for your fitness pleasure. Try the Ladder machine to truly test your fitness level.

The Astor Room

34-12 36th St, (718) 255-1947, astorroom.com

Drop in Tuesdays through Sundays from 5–7pm for a signature cocktail or craft beer and enjoy live jazz from an eclectic roster of local musicians.

The Strand Smokehouse

25-27 Broadway, (718) 440-3231, thestrandsmokehouse.com

Stop by for a drink and catch up with friends Friday through Sunday and hear some of the hottest bands in town.

Singlecut Beersmiths

19-33 37th St, (718) 606-0788, singlecutbeer.com

Survey says: “They have their own stage above the main floor!”

UA Kaufman Astoria Stadium 14

35-30 38th St, (718) 786-1722, regmovies.com

If you sign up for a crown club card (for free) you can earn points towards free popcorn, soda and movies! If you have the card, you can get $1 popcorn on Tuesdays.

Museum of the Moving Image

36-01 35th Ave, (718) 777-6888, movingimage.us

Each year the museum screens more than 400 films in a stimulating mix of the classic and the contemporary. With live music for silent films, restored prints from the world’s leading archives, and outstanding new films from the international festival circuit, museum programs are recognized for their quality as well as their scope.

Museum of the Moving Image

36-01 35th Ave, (718) 777-6888, movingimage.us

This museum immerses visitors in the creative process of making moving images. It features over 1,400 artifacts, from nineteenth-century optical toys to video games, as well as an array of interactive experiences, audiovisual material, and artworks.

Survey says: “A fun place to spend the afternoon learning about modern media.”

MoMA PS1

22-25 Jackson Ave, Long Island City, (718) 784-2084, momaps1.org
This museum devotes its energy and resources to displaying the most experimental art in the world and throws awesome outdoor parties in the summer.

Astoria Park

19th St and 23rd Dr, (718) 626-8620, nycgovparks.org

Survey says: “Lovely and spacious!” … “So many great, free events!”

Socrates Sculpture Park

32-01 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, (718) 956-1819, socratessculpturepark.org

A small gem of a park. Especially great in the summertime when they have a weekly farmers market, free yoga and tai chi, and movie screenings during the week. The unique sculpture art adds a special touch. Also great for dogs!

Survey says: “Relaxing, and has the best summer activities. (Sorry, Astoria Park.)”

Astoria Performing Arts Center

30-44 Crescent St, (718) 706-5750, apacny.org

Astoria Performing Arts Center’s mission is to bring high quality theater to Astoria and to support local youth and senior citizens. Ever wanted to help build or paint a set? The group is always looking for volunteers.

Q.E.D.

27-16 23rd Ave, (347) 451-3873, qedastoria.com

The Q.E.D. is an after-school space for grown-ups. You’ll find arts and crafts, stand-up comedy, tastings, DIY projects, poetry slams, game nights, walking tours, storytelling, gardening, improv, and everything in between.

The Secret Theatre

44-02 23rd St, (718) 392-0722, secrettheatre.com

This small theater in the Long Island City Art Center has 99 seats, and features dance, opera, film, improv, and more.

Coif Hair Salon and Spa

31-16 Ditmars Blvd, (718) 274-0060, coifhairsalon.com

Need a cut, color, or up do? Check out Coif for a pleasant experience at very reasonable prices.

Shade Bar Organic Hairspa

36-05 Ditmars Blvd, (718) 278-7892, shadebarspa.com

Shade Bar offers A LOT of different services – facials, nails, waxing, tanning, cuts, color, extensions, and straightening. Check it out if you are looking for the royal treatment.

Q.E.D.

27-16 23rd Ave, (347) 451-3873, qedastoria.com

Q.E.D. settled into the Ditmars area and is bringing in comedians, trivia shows and great classes for adults to learn and laugh.

The Creek and The Cave

10-93 Jackson Ave, Long Island City, (718) 706-8783, creeklic.com

Affordable (read: low cost or FREE) comedy shows all week and weekend, with opportunities for improv as well. Big names come through here and it’s also a great way to check out the local talent.

Rèst-âü-Ránt

30-01 35th Ave, (718) 729-9009, rarbarlic.com

Free comedy every Tuesday night at 9pm, and you can get a bottle of wine and a cheese plate for $30.

Greenbay Marketplace

32-06 Broadway, (718) 204-6400

Amazing selection of natural and organic food items. If you have any type of dietary restrictions, this is the place to shop. They also have a great meat and fish counter, and don’t sleep on the sushi rolls prepared fresh daily to go. Secret tip: walk by their abundant ice cream aisle, and find something locally made and delicious to take home with you.

Best Market Astoria

19-30 37th St, (718) 721-7500, bestmarket.com

This supermarket has a focus on fresh produce, and you can find a number of craft beers as well.

Key Food

22-15 31st St, (718) 721-4680; 32-15 Newtown Ave, (718) 728-9403, keyfood.com

Key Food really has all you need in a supermarket. It is clean, well laid out, and it is right next to the subway station.

Caffe Bene

32-14 Steinway St, (718) 777-1958, caffebeneusa.com

Survey says: “The back area looks like a library, and is actually filled with books! Wish the Wi-Fi could be a bit faster at times.”

New York City Bagel & Coffee House

29-08 23rd Ave, (718) 728-9500; 40-05 Broadway, (718) 728-9511, nycbch.com

Plenty of seating to choose from along with great coffee and bagels? We’d call that a win.

Create

36-03 30th Ave, (718) 204-0333, createastoria.com

Easy-going eatery offering cafe fare such as sandwiches & breakfast food, plus espresso & smoothies.

Best Place to Play Softball: Whitey Ford Field

2nd St by 26th Ave, nycgovparks.org

Astoria Social’s softball leagues play at this field. You can find out more info at astoria-social.com/softball.