The Astor Room

35-11 35th Ave, (718) 255-1947, astorroom.com

Also a BOAST winner for cocktails, Happy Hour, and live music, it’s clear why this is also the best date spot.

Sek’end Sun

32-11 Broadway, (917) 832-6414, sekendsun.com

This bar has a warm and cozy atmosphere, and you can always impress a date by introducing them to the iconic QUEENS sign in the patio.

Mosaic Craft Beer, Cocktail & Wine Bar

25-19 24th Ave, (718) 728-0708, mosaicastoria.com

If your date enjoys craft beer, impress them by taking them to this spot down 24th Ave a bit off the beaten path. If the owner is working that day, have him pick out some seasonal items for you and your date to drink while noshing on the quite tasty flatbread and dips. Especially great during the week when it’s quieter and you can cozy up next to each other on one of the couches.

Lockwood

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

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

The Brass Owl

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

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

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.

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.

New York Sports Clubs

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.

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.

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 Queens Kickshaw

40-17 Broadway, (718) 777-0913, thequeenskickshaw.com

Live music most Friday nights 9–11:30pm!

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 on Saturdays 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!”

Survey says: “Whether it’s Fourth of July fireworks, running, a picnic, or whatever else, I’m so grateful we have this park in our neighborhood.”

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.)”

Gantry Plaza State Park

4-09 47th Rd, Long Island City, (718) 786-8568, gantrypark.com

Survey says: “Might not count but it’s my favorite in the city.”

Editor’s Note: Yes, it’s in LIC, but we’ll give it to you.

Q.E.D.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Greenbay Marketplace

32-06 Broadway, (718) 204-6400

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

Trade Fair

30-08 30th Ave, (718) 728-9484, tradefairny.com

Google says: “Multiethnic market with exotic produce, imported international foods & a full-service butcher.”

Starbucks

31-01 Broadway, (718) 777-1305; 37-11 35th Ave, (718) 706-0464; 31-44 Steinway St, (718) 274-5700; 30-18 Astoria Blvd, (718) 278-1518; 22-04 31st St, (718) 626-6004, starbucks.com

Where else can you spend ten hours straight studying for finals or writing your next article without even a word or nudge to leave? Starbucks, that’s where.

Survey says: “Yes, it’s a chain, but the Astoria locations are clean, easy to get a seat, and some of the best spots for free wi-fi.”

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; 29-21 Ditmars Blvd, (718) 777-0504, createditmars.com

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

Best Brewery: SingleCut Beersmiths

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

To take a tour of the brewery, be in the Tap Room five minutes before the scheduled tour (7pm on Fridays & 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays) with a beer in hand and listen for the announcement. The tours are free, take about 30 minutes, and are subject to cancellation at any time.