Bungalo Lounge Bar

32-03 Broadway, (718) 204-7010, bungaloastoria.com

One of the original bar & lounges in Astoria, with a tradition of great service and providing a welcoming retreat for the locals. A combination of lounge atmosphere and a taste of Manhattan nightlife.

Icon Astoria

31-84 33rd St, (917) 832-6364, iconastoria.com

Gay hangout with a festive atmosphere featuring DJs, go-go dancers & regular drag shows.

Sek’end Sun

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

On a recent Thursday night, we saw about six dates going on. The atmosphere is laid-back, servers are friendly, and there’s that great Queens sign to post to Instagram if the conversation stalls.

The Ditty

35-03 Ditmars Blvd, (347) 617-1747, thedittybar.com

Lots of fun board games so it can be an interactive date.

Museum of the Moving Image

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

Definitely a good place to take someone who has never seen this museum.

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.

Astoria Bookshop

31-29 31st St, (718) 278-2665, astoriabookshop.com

In addition to books, there are lots of events that happen here.

New York Sports Clubs

38-11 30th Ave, (718) 932-1400, mysportsclubs.com

Google says: “Great equipment and facilities, staff is very friendly and professional!”

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.

Club Fitness New York

31-11 Broadway, (718) 545-0004, clubfitnessny.com

Google says: “New equipment, a lot of space, and nice atmosphere.”

Planet Fitness

30-33 Steinway St, (718) 777-0700, planetfitness.com

Survey says: “Hydro massage and Free Pizza!”

Gigi Salon & Styling Studio

34-17 30th Ave, (718) 777-7755, gigistylingstudio.com

Google says: “Expect great service and friendly staff when walking into this salon.”

Modern Barber Shop

30-14 Broadway, (718) 728-9227, facebook.com

Always fun to chat with the barbers here, and a nice touch that they use a straigh-edge for the sideburns and back of the neck.

The Shillelagh Tavern

47-22 30th Ave, (718) 728-9028, shillelaghtavern.com

Google says: “A great little neighborhood joint w/great service and music.”

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.

Oliver’s Astoria

37-19 Broadway, (718) 806-1476, oliversastoria.com

This bar has a nice space for live music.

The Letlove Inn

27-20 23rd Ave, (718) 777-5683, letloveinn.com

Survey says: “Jazz night mondays with adam platt trio is a MUST.”

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.”

Greater Astoria Historical Society

35-20 Broadway, 4th Floor, (718) 278-0700, astorialic.com

From its website: The Society hosts field trips, walking tours, slide presentations, and guest lectures to schools and the public.

MoMA PS1

22-25 Jackson Ave, Long Island City, (718) 784-2084, momaps1.org
This museum is in LIC, but worth listing. It devotes its energy and resources to displaying the most experimental art in the world and throws awesome outdoor parties on Saturdays in the summer. Also, if you have an ID with zip code 11101–11109 you get free admission.

Astoria Park

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

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!

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.”
Editors’ note: “Although in LIC, we like this park a lot also, so we’ll allow it.”

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.

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

Survey says: “Great community.”

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.

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.”

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.

Key Food

22-15 31st St, (718) 721-4680; 32-15 Newtown Ave, (718) 728-9403; 30-13 36th Ave, (718) 482-7600, 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 (36th Ave, 30th Ave, and Astoria-Ditmars Blvd).

Gossip Coffee

37-04 30th Ave, (718) 440-8792, gossipcoffee.com

Nice, comfortable space. Relax with a coffee or tea while you surf the web on your device of choice.

Queen’s Room

36-02 Ditmars Blvd, (347) 987-3994, queensroomnyc.com

It’s not hard to see why there were six people on their laptops in the middle of the afternoon on a Monday. The wi-fi is fast, and the space is inviting. It’s a great place for checking email or updating your Twitter feed. Do you know they have really really good coffee too?

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.

Best Place for Karaoke: Karaoke Shout

32-46 Steinway St, (718) 569-0080, karaokeshout.com

Huge variety of songs to choose from. You can sing in front of everyone, or reserve a private room.

Best Place To Do Homework: Coffeed

37-18 Northern Blvd, (347) 706-4696, coffeednyc.com

A great place to hit the books. Just a heads-up that it closes at 3pm on weekdays and 4pm on weekends.

Best Out of Astoria Activity: Mets game at Citi Field

123-01 Roosevelt Ave, (718) 507-8499, newyork.mets.mlb.com

Survey says: “Not in Astoria but going to Citi Field is a good time if you enjoy a Mets game!”