Breaking down March with these New Kids on The Block!
Welcome, March! The days are getting a bit longer, and spring is simply that much closer. What better way to celebrate this new season than with our neighborhood’s new additions? From delicious steaks and sweet treats to great local cocktails, be sure to warm up this month with our picks for new kids on the block!
Moka & Co.
If you haven’t had the opportunity to try Yemeni coffee, fret not, as Moka & Co. is here to bring Astoria delicious quality coffee from the other end of the globe. And, this coffee shop has an admirable mission: cultivating quality Yemeni-farmed coffee beans all while remaining environment-friendly. Yemeni coffee is some of the oldest and best in the world, originally being the go-to location for the product, via its port city of Mocha.
Customers can expect a variety of coffee and tea, as well as delicious treats to enjoy. For those who want to try a traditional Yemeni pastry with their coffee, the sabaya is a wonderful option, which is a Yemeni layer cake drizzled with honey on top. Consider Moka & Co. your new local option to unwind with a delicious cup of coffee, and perhaps something sweet, too.
28-54 Steinway St. @mokacocoffee
Motto To Go
Should you feel like venturing slightly out of Astoria as the weather warms up, Motto To Go is definitely worth a try. The comfort food eatery, located in Sunnyside, is take-out only and full of flavor. The menu combines Korean and Peruvian flavors to bring delicious combinations you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. This combination can be found across the menu, but especially in the standout Peruvian Lomo burger, which consists of a smashed burger alongside Bulgogi beef, red peppers, red onion, aji verde and Peruvian yellow sauce.
If burgers aren’t quite your thing, then certainly give Motto To Go’s spicy chicken sando a try; this sandwich is packed with fried chicken thigh and topped with hot honey, aji verde, sesame pickled cucumbers and Kewpie lettuce. Additional menu items include Korean fried chicken, sesame chicken, Bulgogi fries, and much more. Comfort food in the comfort of your own home? Yes, please.
40-05 Skillman Ave. @motto.togo
Chocolate House
Craving something chocolatey to kick spring off? Chocolate House is now open in Astoria to satisfy your sweet tooth! And, let’s face it, it’s always a good time to make your day even sweeter. Chocolate House’s menu ranges from all types of delights such as crepes, waffles, milkshakes, and much more. Toppings are not exclusively chocolate, though, as the neighborhood’s newest dessert shop presents its guests with many other options such as a variety of fruits, biscoff, nuts, sprinkles, and even cheesecake bites. Our recommendation?
On your first visit one of the many crepe and waffle options are a must, but if you aren’t sure where to start the cannoli crepe or waffle is sure to be a hit, complete with milk chocolate, cannoli cream, strawberries, and chocolate chips.
25-88 Steinway St. @chocolatehouseus
Lincoln Market
With locations throughout the five boroughs, it’s only right that Lincoln Market’s newest location is right here in Astoria, within walking distance from Ditmars. The newest supermarket in the neighborhood prides itself on bringing the freshest in foods and produce in an organized, clean space. Lincoln Market’s Astoria space has multiple floors filled with a wide range of products and also provides customers with freshly made food pre-made to go or hot food on the spot. If you’re looking for the convenience of online shopping and grocery delivery, Lincoln Market offers that directly as well via its website.
21-21 31st St. @lincolnmarketny
Meat and Salt
Image via Instagram (@meatnsaltny)
Let’s talk a delicious steak to treat yourself. Meat and Salt is Astoria’s newest premier steakhouse offering customers a chance to indulge without straying too far from home. Despite being a steakhouse, this eatery stays true to its name and offers a bunch of sizzling dishes sure to satisfy your appetite. Expect a variety of meat-oriented dishes straight from the grills, and even soup to warm up on those early days in March. Delicious cocktails are also offered, and if you want to bring your little ones to join in on this unique dining experience, Meat and Salt encourages you to bring the whole family to enjoy.
30-07 Newtown Ave. @meatnsaltny
Red Sorghum
LIC’s newest restaurant opening is none other than the outstanding Red Sorghum. Located as part of the Jacx Building, Red Sorghum is inspired by the Hunan and Szechuan flavors of China. Besides the incredible decor and vibrant atmosphere, Red Sorghum’s dishes are what elevate this eatery. Must-try items include the century egg claypot which has just the right texture and flavor certain to make you think about this dish until the next time you visit. Other menu items include spicy chicken, Dan Dan noodles, and Grandma’s rice noodles which, as you guessed, aims to be reminiscent of what one might eat at grandma’s house.
28-03 Jackson Ave. @redsorghumlic
Grab a friend and get a head start on the best Astoria has to offer this March!
