Where to Shop, Eat and Drink on 31st Ave
Open streets means open for business.
City data shows that corridors with Open Streets bounced back faster from the pandemic than those without—and they continue to thrive. It’s easy to #ShopLocal on 31st Ave, with a wide variety of eateries and shops.
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Restaurants and Bars
Il Bambino
Known for their frequently updated panini menu and delicious baked treats, Il Bambino is a neighborhood favorite and a great spot to pick up lunch on the run. Our go-to menu pick is the Il Bambs Cubano: roast pork with salsa verde, smoked ham, spicy pickles, fontina, and grain mustard aioli - yum!
Watch chef and owner, Darren Lawless, explore ‘The Art of Flavor’ at home here.
Milkflower
Website | Instagram | 718-204-1300
Neapolitan-style pizzeria Milkflower made a splash when they opened in 2013, and nearly 10 years later they are still serving their signature specialty pies to Astoria locals and visitors alike. At our first cornhole tournament this year, players couldn’t get enough of their Van Dammer Pizza: Brussels sprouts, mozzarella, egg, black peppers, and truffle oil.
Mom’s Kitchen & Bar
Website | Instagram | (718) 267-0142
Mom’s has an outrageously Instagrammable menu and is always a popular spot for brunch on the weekends! Enjoy the cornhole set on the Open Street while you wait for your table, and order us a Nutella Bigmouth Shake: vanilla ice cream, cocoa pebbles, chocolate, caramel, and a Nutella-dipped cookie - incredible!
Bareburger
Website | Instagram | (718) 777-7011
Did you know that this is the original Bareburger location? Yes, the one that started it all! While the chain is now international, visiting Bareburger on 31st Ave still feels like eating at a family-owned restaurant, with friendly service and a great atmosphere. If all their burger customization choices are making your head spin, try ’The Foursome’ slider sampler for a taste of Blue Bison, Sweet Ostrich, Spicy Elk, and Classic Beef.
Bar Dalia
Website | Instagram | (347) 507-1218
Sister bar to Mosaic on 23rd Ave, Bar Dalia expands on their excellent cocktail list with an equally exquisite lunch and dinner menu - and they just added brunch from 12pm - 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays! The Salmon Benedict is incredible, with smoked salmon, poached eggs, and hollandaise atop a toasted English Muffin & a side arugula salad.
Golden Dragon
Nobody does American Chinese cuisine better than Golden Dragon! They make all the classics with fresh ingredients, and with free delivery to boot. You can’t go wrong with a house combo like the General Tso’s Chicken, served with pork fried rice and an egg roll.
Diamond Dogs
With their nondescript black entrance, you’d be forgiven for passing over Diamond Dogs on your first visit to 31st Avenue, but locals know to step inside for one of the best neighborhood bars in Astoria. With friendly regulars and bartenders, a rotating selection of craft beers - many of them local! - and a pretty clutch backyard, you’ll feel at home here in no time. As an added bonus, their lack of a kitchen means they are BYO food! Our favorite drink is whatever is currently in the slushy machine - right now it’s a Tijuana Moods: Bruxo mezcal, lime, Tempus Fugit creme de cacao, and Ancho Reyes chili liqueur, but check in as it changes often!
Djerdan Burek
Website | Instagram | (718) 721-2694
The Balkan community knows that Djerdan Burek is the best place in NYC for authentic burek pies - just look at the sea of Croatia jerseys that appear on and around 31st Ave whenever their soccer team plays an international match, for one example! The menu here is simple and traditional - phyllo dough pastries filled with either cheese, beef, or spinach. You can also pick up frozen burek to bake yourself at home!
Enthaice Thai Kitchen
Website | Instagram | (718) 932 1111
Astoria has no shortage of Thai options, but Enthaice stands out for their beautiful atmosphere and outstanding quality of their dishes - it truly is a fine dining experience for a casual dining price. Try the Thailand Duck - crispy Long Island duck with basil, carrot, snow peas, bell pepper, tomato and pineapple served with chef’s special red curry sauce.
Halsey’s Tavern
Website | Instagram | (718) 267-2735
Located next to Mom’s on 33rd street, Halsey’s has a great beer and cocktail menu, as well as weekly games and events including Trivia Night and Mixtape Bingo. Another great feature - they share a kitchen with Mom’s and serve their brunch menu! We recommend the Woodland Omelette, served with wild mushrooms, gouda, arugula and bechamel with home fries or salad.
Check back soon for fuller write ups on some of our other favorite local restaurants, including Madame Sou Sou’s Cafe, Vite Vinosteria, & more!
Shopping
Loveday 31 Vintage
Tobacco N Vape
A classy head shop, Tobacco N Vape stocks all kinds of smoking accessories, as well as CBD products and cigars. They’re also open late, til 1am, making it a great resource after the bodegas are closed.
Services
Coming soon