Category: bar-restaurants

Former Newa Chhe rebrands as Foodmandhu, bringing Nepalese-American fusion to Sunnyside

Dirk McCall de Palomá of Sunnyside Shines (center) and Foodmandhu owner Pashupati Shrestha (center, holding scissors) join community members for Foodmandhu's grand opening on Thursday. Photo: Shane O'Brien

May. 23, 2025 By sobrien May 23, 2025 By Shane O’Brien A new restaurant offering a menu full of traditional Nepalese dishes and American classics celebrated its grand opening on Queens Boulevard on Thursday afternoon. Foodmandhu celebrated its grand opening at 43-01 Queens Blvd. on Thursday, taking over from Nepalese joint Newa Chhe, which…

Haraz Coffee House brings upscale Yemeni café culture to Steinway Street in Astoria

May. 21, 2025 By jmilitello May 21, 2025 By Jessica Militello A new addition to Steinway Street in Astoria is offering more than just coffee—it’s providing a sophisticated, alcohol-free gathering space deeply rooted in Yemeni culture. Haraz Coffee House, located at 25-43 Steinway St., opened its doors in March and has already made a…

Asian-inspired ice cream shop Soft Swerve opens in Long Island City food hall

May. 20, 2025 By jmilitello May 20, 2025 By Jessica Militello The unofficial start of summer just got a little sweeter—and cooler—with the grand opening of Soft Swerve in Long Island City. The popular New York-based, Asian-inspired ice cream brand officially opened its doors on Friday, May 16, inside the JACX&CO food hall, located…

Chick-fil-A to open in Woodside on May 8, replacing former Burger King near BQE

May. 5, 2025 By Czarinna Andres May 5, 2025 By Czarinna Andres A new Chick-fil-A restaurant is set to open Thursday, May 8, at the northeast corner of Northern Boulevard and 68th Street in Woodside. The space, previously occupied by Burger King, will bring approximately 70 new jobs and a $25,000 donation to fight…

OKI Japanese Restaurant, a Sunnyside staple for 25 years, to close at end of April

Apr. 28, 2025 By Czarinna Andres April 28, 2025 By Maxwell Murray OKI Japanese Restaurant, a beloved Sunnyside staple known for its cozy atmosphere and traditional Japanese fare, will permanently close its doors on April 30 after 25 years in business. The restaurant, located at 45-11 Queens Blvd., announced the closure with a handwritten…

Queens Cup cocktail competition returns to The Bonnie for 15th annual showdown

Apr. 25, 2025 By sobrien April 25, 2025 By Shane O’Brien The 15th-annual Queens Cup cocktail-making competition will return to the Bonnie in Astoria next month, bringing nine Queens bars together for an evening of craft cocktails inspired by some of the most popular video games of all time. Queens Cup Arcade: Ready Round…

Chefs go head-to-head for Brisket King crown at Pig Beach in Astoria

Guests line up for Brisket at the annual Brisket King NYC cook-off at Pig Beach BBQ. Photo: Shane O'Brien

Apr. 24, 2025 By sobrien April 24, 2025 By Shane O’Brien More than 500 barbecue lovers packed Pig Beach BBQ in Astoria on Wednesday, April 23, for the 13th-annual Brisket King NYC, where over 20 chefs from across the Tri-State area served up creative interpretations of the classic Texas barbecue dish. Held at 35-37…

Sunnyside Restaurant Week returns with deals at over 50 local eateries

Apr. 22, 2025 By sobrien April 22, 2025 By Shane O’Brien The annual Sunnyside Restaurant Week officially kicks off Tuesday, April 22, featuring deals at more than 50 local restaurants to showcase the neighborhood as a true culinary destination. The two-week culinary celebration, running through Sunday, May 4, allows Sunnyside residents and out-of-towners alike to…

Explore Astoria’s Little Egypt during Arab American heritage month

Apr. 11, 2025 By jmilitello April 11, 2025 By Jessica Militello In Astoria’s Little Egypt, food is more than a meal—it’s heritage passed down through generations. Tucked along Steinway Street, between Astoria Boulevard and 28th Avenue, is one of Queens’ most flavorful corridors—home to long-standing Middle Eastern restaurants, fragrant coffee shops, and vibrant hookah…

Sweet corn sensation: Mayahuel in Astoria introduces masa-based dessert menu

Apr. 4, 2025 By jmilitello April 4, 2025 By Jessica Militello Foodies and dessert lovers are in for a delicious surprise at Mayahuel in Astoria, where the newest dessert menu puts masa—corn dough—at center stage, showcasing just how sweet and versatile corn can be. Located at 32-07 34th Ave., the family-owned Mexican restaurant debuted…