Category: bar-restaurants

Katch Astoria faces possible closure amid visibility dispute tied to construction

Jun. 20, 2025 By sobrien June 20, 2025 By Shane O’Brien The longtime owner of Katch, a popular gastropub in Astoria, says she may be forced to shut down within two months due to a sharp decline in revenue that she attributes to nearby construction blocking visibility of her business. Roseann McSorley, who has…

Astoria’s Comfortland makes its Manhattan debut this July

Jun. 9, 2025 By jmilitello June 9, 2025 By Jessica Militello The Lower East Side is about to get a sweet makeover, Astoria-style, with the expansion of Comfortland to the NYC neighborhood. The beloved local gem, known for its decadent sweets and savory sandwiches, is slated to open its newest location at 92 Rivington…

Barkada Social Club debuts in Astoria with bold flavors and a social mission

Jun. 4, 2025 By Czarinna Andres June 4, 2025 By Kathryn Greene In Filipino, the word barkada means a clique or informal group of friends—and that’s exactly what chef and owner Giemay Manuel is cultivating in Astoria with her new restaurant, Barkada Social Club, located at 33-05 Broadway. “Barkada is about being a collective…

Osteria Brooklyn in Long Island City offers skyline views and seasonal Italian fare

Jun. 2, 2025 By jmilitello June 2, 2025 By Jessica Militello As longer days and warm summer nights set the stage, there’s no better time to savor authentic Italian cuisine paired with sweeping waterfront views in Long Island City. Since expanding to Queens in December 2023, Osteria Brooklyn @ LIC, located at 1-50 50th…

Former Newa Chhe rebrands as Foodmandu, 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. Foodmandu 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…