Mojave

22-36 31st St, (718) 545-4100, mojaveny.com

Survey says: “The outdoor seating area in nice weather and the great food make Mojave a surefire bet every time!”

Vesta Trattoria & Wine Bar

21-02 30th Ave, (718) 545-5550, vestavino.com

Survey says: “Good for dinner and great deal on the house wine. Exposed brick walls create a nice ambience.”

The Queens Kickshaw

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

Founded and run by a married couple, Queens Kickshaw is just a good omen for love. Whether it’s your first date or 51st, you can’t go wrong with Kickshaw; this relaxed yet chic venue triples as the perfect location for a coffee date, drinks, brunch, or a fancy grilled cheese dinner. (Seriously, some of the best grilled cheese in all of NYC. We recommend the Gouda.) They also serve a fantastic brunch, have a large aray of craft ales and ciders, and most importantly, they serve mead. Now if that isn’t a conversation starter, we don’t know what is!

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.

Planet Fitness

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

The price is very reasonable for this no-frills, no-nonsense gym. There are plenty of cardio machines, and you can sign up for a personal trainer to develop a work out plan for you.

The Astor Room

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

Drop in Tuesdays through Sundays from 5pm–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 on a Friday through Sunday and hear some of the hottest bands in town.

Crescent & Vine

25-03 Ditmars Blvd, (718) 204-4774, crescentandvine.com

Survey says: “A small, intimate setting. Astoria’s own You Bred Raptors plays on the last Friday night of every month with no cover.”

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: “I love the museum so much I became a member. So many good events scheduled with great guests.”

Astoria Park

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

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!

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.

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.

Bravo Supermarkets

34-12 34th Ave, (718) 784-8420, bravosupermarkets.com

While we’re still mourning the loss of the old watering hole Tupelo which previously stood in this very spot, Bravo remains a welcome addition to the neighborhood. With a wide array of international food items, you’ll find produce and ingredients that you may not even have been looking for! Its sleek but homey appearance and wide isles make for a pleasant shopping experience.

Euro Market

30-42 31st St, (718) 545-5569

Survey says: “Great selection of European products!”

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.

Create

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

Easygoing eatery offering cafe fare such as sandwiches & breakfast food, plus espresso & smoothies.

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.