When one thinks of going to a speakeasy what comes to mind is a hidden room where visitors sit in a dark space with little flairGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Astoria’s Secret, is unlike any other speakeasy, bringing an intimate and fun experience to what would otherwise be just an ordinary night outGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

The speakeasy is “secretly” located behind a lingerie storefront called The Lingerie ShoppeGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Once stepping through the curtain at the entrance, however, you are greeted by staff who call themselves ‘queens’, wearing high-end corsets and laceGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. The open space features a modern burlesque theme exuding vivacious purple, pink and blue art on the walls, and velvet furniture with a long black granite wraparound barGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

When owner Debra Istwan and her partner Joey were thinking of the concept for Astoria’s Secret, they envisioned an upscale and exclusive atmosphere where people can enter a world celebrating beauty and eleganceGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

“We wanted to create an environment where you can lose track of time and leave everything going on at home behind for the night in a private setting,” said IstwanGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Astoria’s Secret has a list of incredible cocktails in celebration of the speakeasy themeGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

The most popular drink is the house’s homemade moonshine with fresh fruitGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. This is unlike any other moonshine in terms of taste with a variety of flavors ranging from peach to watermelon mintGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. The drink pairs nicely with the baked mac n’ cheese Philly cheesesteak balls dish, drizzled in a three-cheese sauce combining the best of two homestyle dishesGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

As it was a century ago, word of the speakeasy was spread, quietly that is, by word of mouth only to people who were in the loopGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Today’s method is just the same but with a contemporary twistGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

When this speakeasy first opened, visitors had to follow them on Instagram and receive an invite with the addressGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Astoria’s Secret also hosted a range of themed nights and entertainment including singers and dancersGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. This helped build a community early on which they have continued to expand via Instagram and Secret TVGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Produced in house, Secret TV is hosted on the speakeasy’s Instagram account, streaming live performances of singers and dancersGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

“We fell in love with this community in Astoria and we wanted to support our local artists by giving them a platform to entertain,” shared IstwanGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Now, with the reopening of their indoor space on September 30th, the wait is over to enjoy everything Astoria’s Secret has to offerGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. They plan on having a variety of theme nights for Halloween and returning to live entertainment indoors, in addition to private partiesGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Whether you’re looking for a glamorous experience or a private space to host a group event and have a fresh experience, this is the place to goGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

28-53 Steinway StGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. | 929Give_Me_Astoria_image_00028.424Give_Me_Astoria_image_00028.3700

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