Named after the famous New York local and businessman John Jacob Astor in an attempt to coax him into investing in the area (he only ended up putting up $500), Astoria has long been a bustling place. It used to be a getaway for wealthy Manhattan residents, but eventually became a more working- and middle-class area, and is changing yet again. Part of the northern part of the neighborhood, still called Steinway, was founded as a village for workers at the piano maker’s factory, still in operation. Part of the draw of Astoria is the proximity to Midtown, of course, but also the great bars and restaurants. We come here for the food, of which there are many places to enjoy in various styles and settings, from casual buffets to fancy sit-down spots. Steinway and Broadway are two of the to-visit streets for a rich variety of choices. Take your pick from Brazilian, Greek, Middle Eastern, Italian, Japanese, Colombian, and beyond. Speaking of streets, it’s very pleasant to roam here and look at the sometimes questionable, yet always fascinating, architecture remodeling choices on the old homes.
Astoria is often where buyers from other boroughs first dip their toes into Queens. It’s filled with an eclectic housing stock ranging from multi-families to rental buildings to condos with a few pre-war co-ops mixed in, as well as people from all over—but so is Queens. Also, the views of the Manhattan waterfront are not to be missed!
Adler & Son’s Astoria Favorites
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Astoria Merch
Adler & Son Guide to Queens
