Gantry Plaza State Park
Grove 34
Sek’end Sun
Museum of the Moving Image
The Shillelagh Tavern
The Brass Owl
DO & SEE

These are the 2023 winners for the best museums, boutiques, parks, and more. Get going!
(Please note that the winners in LIC are listed alphabetically.)

Best Date Spot

ASTORIA

1st Maggie Hall’s

34-06 30th Ave, maggiehalls.com

Google says: “THE perfect DATE spot in Astoria. Vintage ambience, friendly bartenders, and fabulous cocktails. What more can one ask for?”

2nd Heart of Gold

37-14 31st Ave, (718) 255-1844, heartofgoldnyc.com

Google says: “If you’re into local craft beers, this is a must! I love that they support local crafters and always have a variety of choices across multiple types of beer. The staff is very knowledgeable and always happy to help you find your next selection. The atmosphere is equally great with a laid back vibe and the perfect back garden.”

2nd Sweet Afton

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

Google says: “A great place to hang out with friends and grab a drink or dinner. Low lighting, rustic feel, not too loud. A nice vibe for a date too.”

3rd Mosaic

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

Google says: “Nice speakeasy bar, comfy furniture, good vibe, friendly staff.”

3rd Sek’end Sun

32-11 Broadway, (917) 745-0745, sekendsun.com

Google says: “Cute outdoor seating area and nice selection of beers and appetizers. Also has great daily specials!”

3rd The Last Word

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

Google says: “Comfy seating, never crowded (by design), great cocktails and nice music.”


LIC

Casa Enrique

5-48 49th Ave, Long Island City, (347) 448-6040, casaenriquelic.com

Google says: “Service was attentive as you would expect at a place serving top quality food.”

Hunter’s Point South Park

Center Blvd by Borden Ave, (212) 639-9675, nycgovparks.org

Google says: “Popular urban park offers a waterfront promenade, green space, playground, dog run and cafe plaza.”

Woodbines

47-10 Vernon Blvd, (718) 361-8488, woodbineslic.com

Google says: “Staff is always super friendly, food and drinks are great and reasonably priced.”

Best Gift Shop

ASTORIA

1st Lockwood

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

Google says: “Not only does Lockwood have fantastic gift ideas for the home, but it also has NYC specific items!”

2nd The Brass Owl

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

Google says: “This is such a gem in the neighborhood, and I hope they stay open forever! They’re the perfect place to shop for gifts when you don’t really know what you’re looking for.”


LIC

Book Culture LIC

26-09 Jackson Ave, (718) 440-3120, bookculture.com

Google says: “If I could choose any book store to live in, this would be the one. Great selection of books, plus, so many other trinkets and gifts to look at including journals, ceramics, ornaments, jellycats, stickers, lotion, soaps, and more.”

Best Gym

ASTORIA

1st Matrix Fitness Club

43-60 Ditmars Blvd, (718) 267-8989, matrixfitnessclub.com

Google says: “Contemporary gym offering strength and cardio equipment, plus fitness classes and a juice bar.”

1st Orangetheory Fitness

31-57 31st St, (718) 962-0800; 22-56 31st St, (917) 814-6272, orangetheory.com

Google says: “After a few classes, I’m really happy with OF Astoria. The staff are warm, friendly, inclusive, and nonjudgmental, and the workout is easy to adjust for my fitness level while providing instant feedback on my progress.”

2nd Club Fitness New York

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

Google says: “Clientele who know what they’re doing and clean up after themselves, staff who are kind and helpful, and facilities are great.”

2nd Fitness Lounge

30-77 Steinway St, (347) 813-4200, fitnessloungenyc.com

Google says: “I’ve been using Fitness Lounge for the last year, and it’s a perfect private fitness studio. Very clean and lots of equipment, and often not crowded at all in the mornings.”

2nd New York Sports Club

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

Google says: “The facility offers a good variety of equipment, and the main floors are clean.”

Best Place for a Haircut

ASTORIA

1st Alex Barber Shop

30-03 32nd St, (718) 726-7427, yelp.com

Google says: “The service was top-notch, providing both great quality and speed.”

2nd Studio Tim

30-93 32nd St, (347) 813-4837, studiotimny.com

Google says: “Such friendly staff and first-class treatment, I highly recommend!!!”

Best Place for Live Music

ASTORIA

1st Maggie Hall’s

34-06 30th Ave, maggiehalls.com

There is live music every Thursday, 8–11pm.

2nd The LetLove Inn

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

Google says: “Such a great bar, very laid back and features killer music. Bartenders are super friendly and helpful.”

2nd The Shillelagh Tavern

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

Google says: “My kind of local with great staff, live music and always someone I know. Looking forward to having my own dance night there!”


LIC

Culture Lab LIC

5-25 46th Ave, (347) 848-0030, culturelablic.org

Google says: “This place is awesome. Free summer outdoor concerts every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Open space, great music. Right on the riverfront.”

LIC Bar

45-58 Vernon Blvd, (718) 786-5400, licbar.com

Google says: “Brick-walled corner watering hole that offers plenty of beers on tap, long tables and backyard garden.”

Best Local Organization

ASTORIA

1st Astoria Food Pantry

25-82 Steinway St, astoriafoodpantry.com

Google says: “Their standards are high and staff very courteous as always.”

1st Astoria Park Alliance

astoriaparkalliance.org

Their wesbite says: “Astoria Park Alliance exists to ensure the conservation and sustainability of Astoria Park for all New Yorkers.”


LIC

Culture Lab LIC

5-25 46th Ave, (347) 848-0030, culturelablic.org

Their website says: “Culture Lab LIC formed to be the arts and culture umbrella for Western Queens. We present local, national, and international art of all genres, while supporting New York artists and other nonprofits by providing space, resources and a sense of community.”

Best Massage

ASTORIA

1st House of Wellness

31-21 31st St 4th fl, (917) 873-0076, yourhouseofwellness.com

Google says: “I spent an incredible hour at House of Wellness. My deep pressure massage was perfect and targeted on my trigger points.”

2nd Natura Spa

30-79 Steinway St, (718) 956-5530, naturaspanyc.com

Their website says: “Achieve full body wellness through our therapies based on your personal needs to renovate your senses, provide you with long-lasting benefits, and reestablish your body, mind and soul connection.”


LIC

Quintessential Therapy

30-10 41st Ave 2nd Fl, (718) 785-5566, massagebook.com

Google says: “The staff is professional, friendly, and make you feel extremely comfortable. I booked a deep tissue massage and loved it.”

Best Museum

ASTORIA

1st Museum of the Moving Image

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

Google says: “The history of film, television and digital media told via interactive displays, plus screenings.”


LIC

MoMA PS1

22-25 Jackson Ave, (718) 784-2084, momaps1.org

Google says: “Museum of Modern Art-run venue for experimental & contemporary art and events, set in an old school.”

The Noguchi Museum

9-01 33rd Rd, (718) 204-7088, noguchi.org

Google says: “Galleries and exhibits dedicated to artist & architect Isamu Noguchi plus a serene sculpture garden.”

Best Nail/Beauty Salon

ASTORIA

1st Nailberry

25-72 31st St, (718) 880-9992, nailberry-nail-salon.business.site

Google says: “They did an amazing job with my wedding nails. I showed 3 photos of color, shape and design and I was very pleased with the result.”

2nd Athena’s Nails

31-11 30th Ave, (718) 278-4597, yelp.com

Google says: “I have been going to Athena’s Nails for 20+ years. They are the best nail salon in the city. Excellent Service!”

2nd Kiki Nails & Spa

34-20 30th Ave, (718) 728-1742, yelp.com

Google says: “I’ve been coming to Kiki nails for over 13 years. The salon is consistent, clean and the technicians do great work on my nails.”

2nd Silvia Nail Salon

30-03 Newtown Ave, (718) 406-9078, silvianailsalon.com

Google says: “Today was my second visit here and both times I left very happy.”

2nd WellShow Nails & Spa

33-16 Broadway, (718) 806-1232, wellshownailspa.business.site

Google says: “I’ve had my nails done at many nail salons in New York and this is BY FAR the BEST!”

2nd Ying Nails & Spa

37-09 30th Ave, (917) 288-5166, yelp.com

Google says: “I always love coming here to get my powder manicure done.”

Best Organization or Cause to Contribute To

ASTORIA

1st Astoria Food Pantry

25-82 Steinway St, astoriafoodpantry.com

Google says: “Their standards are high and staff very courteous as always.”

2nd Astoria Park Alliance

astoriaparkalliance.org

Their wesbite says: “Astoria Park Alliance exists to ensure the conservation and sustainability of Astoria Park for all New Yorkers.”

3rd Astoria Pug

instagram.com

Their Instagram says: “Making composting more accessible in Astoria, Queens.”

Best Park

ASTORIA

1st Astoria Park

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

The renovated track and turf field in the middle of it are beautiful and great to run and play on. There are also many tennis courts, basketball courts, a skate park, an Olympic-sized pool, and large grass areas to relax on. Every year there are fireworks (pre-Fourth of July) and free movies in the summer.

2nd Rainey Park

34-24 Vernon Blvd, (212) 639-9675, nycgovparks.org

Google says: “Public park featuring a scenic, riverside promenade, plus baseball fields and dog-friendy areas.”

Note: As of December 2023, it is temporarily closed.


LIC

Gantry Plaza State Park

4-09 47th Rd, (718) 786-6385, parks.ny.gov

Survey says: “Pepsi Cola Sign 🙂 , can take the ferry to go anywhere, a lot of events especially 4th of July fireworks!”

Hunter’s Point South Park

Center Blvd by Borden Ave, (212) 639-9675, nycgovparks.org

Google says: “It is well maintained and is the best spot to view Manhattan’s skyscrapers. You can see both the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building.”

Socrates Sculpture Park

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

Google says: “Large-scale sculpture and multimedia installations in a park built on a former landfill site.”

Best Performing Arts Venue

ASTORIA

1st Q.E.D.

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

Google says: “QED is by far my favorite place to do mics and the shows are always so much fun. I feel so lucky to live closeby so I can easily come frequently.”


LIC

Astoria Performing Arts Center – LIC

44-02 23rd St, (718) 706-5750, apacny.org

Google says: “I am thrilled and grateful that there are still small creative enclaves like APAC in NYC!”

Culture Lab LIC

5-25 46th Ave, (347) 848-0030, culturelablic.org

Google says: “The absolute best place to be in NYC! What a wonderful collection of minds, hearts, and beautiful souls working together to create a truly innovative experience.”

Best Pet-Friendly Establishment

ASTORIA

1st Heart of Gold

37-14 31st Ave, (718) 255-1844, heartofgoldnyc.com

Survey says: “Not only pet friendly, but the staff will quickly learn the name of your favorite buddy.”

2nd Maggie Hall’s

34-06 30th Ave, maggiehalls.com

Maggie Hall’s says: “If your pet is friendly we are pet friendly. We don’t allow pets after 9pm on Friday and Satudray because of the busy nights.”


LIC

Château le Woof

31-01 Vernon Blvd, (718) 626-9663, chateaulewoof.com

Google says: “I loved this place for Sunday brunch. Well-behaved doggies, a candle lit room out the back with live jazz, excellent food and friendly service.”

LIC Bar

45-58 Vernon Blvd, (718) 786-5400, licbar.com

Google says: “LIC Bar is a gem in the area! It’s open late, has a great indoor vibe and back patio with string lights.”

Best Stand-Up Comedy Venue

ASTORIA

1st Q.E.D.

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

Q.E.D. says: “You’ll find stand-up comedy shows with performers ranging from the beginner to the very famous. We also have workshops, meet ups, movie screenings, readings, lectures, watch parties and more. Our affordable classes and shows are as diverse as Queens itself. With 80 or more events each month, there’s something for everyone.”

2nd Grove 34

31-83 34th St, (347) 848-0361, grove34.com

Google says: “SICK venue to host a comedy show or party – the owners are so nice. I went to a stand up special taping & it was HILARIOUS.”


LIC

Culture Lab LIC

5-25 46th Ave, (347) 848-0030, culturelablic.org

In the warmer months most days are booked for live music, but there are some days that have stand-up comedy. It’s such a cool venue, and a real gem in LIC.

Best Supermarket

ASTORIA

1st City Fresh Market

21-15 Broadway, (718) 728-1112, mycityfreshmarket.com

Google says: “They have ready to eat food, and a wide selection of groceries.”

1st Key Food Supermarket

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

Google says: “Chain offering groceries & household goods, such as cleaning supplies & beauty products.”

2nd Lidl

19-30 37th St, (844) 747-5435, lidl.com

Google says: “We walk all the way from the Astoria Park neighborhood to go shopping here!”


LIC

Trader Joe’s

22-43 Jackson Ave, (718) 472-2672, traderjoes.com

Google says: “Trader Joe’s is simply a fantastic grocery shopping destination. Their unique and diverse selection of products, many of which are organic and health-conscious, makes every visit exciting.”

Best Place to Work or Study

ASTORIA

1st Heart of Gold

37-14 31st Ave, (718) 255-1844, heartofgoldnyc.com

Google says: “Great service, good selections of drinks, great outdoor space. Good spot to plan a board game and have some snacks.”


LIC

Any of our public libraries!

47-40 Center Blvd, (718) 707-9944; 37-44 21st St, (718) 752-3700; queenslibrary.org

Google says: “Plenty of place for people to work.”

Best Thing to Do or See Overall

ASTORIA

1st Astoria Park

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

Google says: “Not only one of the best views of Queens, but also super clean and safe.”

1st Museum of the Moving Image

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

Google says: “The exhibitions are very well-designed and there are plenty of interactive activities great for both kids and adults.”


LIC

Hunter’s Point South Park

Center Blvd near Borden Ave, (212) 639-9675, nycgovparks.org

Google says: “Beautiful city park! Amazing views of Ed Koch Bridge, Chrysler Building, Summit and Empire State Building! Very nice family friendly park with plenty of space to stroll around!”

DO & SEE Write-in

ASTORIA

Best Place to Check Out: Hell Gate Bridge

Google says: “Opened in 1916, this steel arch bridge in NYC connects Queens to Randall’s Island.”

Best Place to Play Softball: Queensbridge Park

Vernon Blvd by 41st Ave, (212) 639-9675, nycgovparks.org

Survey results from December 2023. Click here for the results from December 2022, December 2021, December 2020, December 2019, December 2018, December 2017, December 2016, January 2016, July 2015, January 2015.