NYRR free 5K at Astoria Park

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

NYRR free 5K is every Saturday at 9am. Additionally, there are tons of things to do in the park, including tennis, track, volleyball, basketball, skateboarding, swimming, and movies in the summer.

Stand-up comedy at Q.E.D.

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

Besides stand-up shows, there is trivia and classes, among other things. Check out the calendar because there’s always something cool or interesting happening.

Astoria Social

[email protected], astoria-social.com

Astoria Social has co-ed leagues for Darts, Trivia, Softball and Kickball.

Pool at Break Bar and Billiards

32-04 Broadway, (718) 777-5400, break-ny.com

Lots of HDTVs to watch the game, and so many fun things to do here, including ping-pong, pop-a-shot, Giant Jenga, and yes, billiards.

Q.E.D.

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

Survey says: “They’re not just comedy! They have a nice range of activities for a night out — or daytime on the weekends! They’re essentially a community center in some ways, trying to have events for different audiences, and I’m glad they’re here.”

Sek’end Sun

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

Survey says: “Sexy, sleek spot with varied seating, unique cocktails and tasty bites.”

Mosaic

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

Astoria Bookshop

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

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

Inside Astoria

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

Google says: “Always tons of beautiful gifts and very nice people working there.”

New York Sports Clubs

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

Survey says: “Can’t beat the price!”

Club Fitness New York

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

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

Simply Fit Astoria

37-20 Astoria Blvd S, (347) 639-0489, simplyfitastoria.com

Google says: “Clean space and nice workout rooms.”

The Wolfhound

38-14 30th Ave, (718) 204-2111, wolfhoundnyc.com

Live music on Sundays with the Sunday Sessions, and Mondays with Irish Trad Session.

The Last Word

31-30 Ditmars Blvd, (718) 440-3378, tlwastoria.com

Survey says: “They always have great music and it’s always varied.”

The Quays Pub

45-02 30th Ave, facebook.com/TheQuaysPubAstoria

Facebook says: “Great neighborhood/local atmosphere with the friendliest bartenders imaginable, engaging patrons, and live music. Couldn’t ask for a better place to play and listen to music.”

J’Aime Nails

28-39 31st St, (718) 204-7835, facebook.com

Google says: “Great prices, love the aesthetic, very clean, nice staff!”

Active Outlook Massage

30-97 Steinway St #303, (646) 283-4657, activeoutlookmassage.com

Massage Book says: “Excellent communication. She asked if it was too much or too little, and when I said she could go harder she did. Couldn’t believe 90 minutes was up when she was done.”

UA Kaufman Astoria Stadium 14

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

If you sign up for the Regal app (for free) you can earn points towards free popcorn, soda and movies!

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 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.

The Noguchi Museum

9-01 33rd Rd, Long Island City, (718) 204-7088, noguchi.org
Google says: “The attention to space and light of the exhibitions brings the work to life.”

Bin Bin’s Nails

28-61 Steinway St, (718) 274-6145

Google says: “Expert nail artists can create awesome gel manicures with beautiful designs.”

J’Aime Nails

28-39 31st St, (718) 204-7835, facebook.com

Google says: “Love the service and cleanliness of the place!”

Nails by Sue

29-16 23rd Ave, (929) 522-0898, facebook.com
Google says: “This is the best place to get a beautiful mani pedi at a great price.”

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!

Whitey Ford Field

2nd St and 26th Ave, nycgovparks.org/parks/whitey-ford-field

This is where Astoria Social has softball games.

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

Editor’s Note: This is LIC, but we’ll include it! 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.

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.

Natural Frontier Market

31-28 Ditmars Blvd, (718) 255-6530

Google says: “Great collection of products, price is comparatively low.”

United Brothers Fruit Markets

32-24 30th Ave, (718) 932-9876, unitedbrothersfruitmarkets.com

Google says: “Great selection of fresh fruits and vegetables moderately priced.”

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.

Astoria Coffee

30-04 30th St, (347) 410-7399, astoriacoffeeny.com

Survey says: “The Twitter feed is amazing and the coffee is even better!”

Queens Library

Various locations, queenslibrary.org

The librarians make sure it’s quiet. Shhhhhhh!

Best Way to Meet New People: Astoria Social

[email protected], astoria-social.com

Astoria Social’s Mission: We aim to bring people passionate about their community together to give their time to worthy causes while meeting new people and building friendships.

Best Best-Of: BOAST

boast.nyc

Editor’s Note: Aw, thanks!