Hello, April…we did it! Is there any better feeling than knowing the days are getting warmer, the nights are shorter and that summer is not so far away? And, as spring continues to blossom, so do the openings in our neighborhood. Be sure to welcome April and support our local businesses with this month’s edition of our new kids on the block!

Bar Parioli

A hearty bowl of pasta hits just right, no matter the time of year in the city. Bar Parioli is serving up classic Italian dishes sure to please even the pickiest of tastebuds. Their specialty pasta, the half rigatoni, is made daily in-house and complements each dish to perfection. Not sure where to start? The eatery’s spicy vodka rigatoni is Astoria’s answer to the influencer pasta dish. Other standout menu items include the carbonara and pesto rigatoni. Pair your meal with any of Bar Parioli’s natural wines or cocktails and you’re sure to take on the day!

35-01 Ditmars Blvd. / @barpariolinyc

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Darjeeling Kitchen & Café

Opened just in time to enjoy some delicious Tibetan food, Darjeeling Kitchen & Café is Astoria’s newest women-owned business, located just on 36th Avenue. Customers can expect Tibetan/Himalayan specialties on the menu, such as momos. If you are unfamiliar, momos are the Tibetan take on steamed dumplings, that can be filled with meat, veggies, tofu, and more. Momos aren’t the only thing on the menu, as the team also offers a variety of specialty coffee for those who prefer to sip on a caffeinated beverage while they work, study, or simply socialize. Be sure to show some love to this new spot this month!

31-12 36 Ave. / @darjeelingnyc

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Gaming City USA

Spring is the perfect time of year to embrace your playful side. Fortunately, Gaming City USA is now open for Astorians to take fun to the next level. This entertainment center boasts a variety of both classic and innovative games for adults and kids alike. Gaming City USA has top of the line 4D and 5D games, interactive VR rooms, claw machines, arcade games, and much more. Whether it’s a first date, birthday party, or just a fun activity with friends, Gaming City USA surely has something for everyone.

36-10 31 St. / @gamingcityusa

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MaLu Bakery

Opened just in time for the Easter holiday and spring season, MaLu Bakery offers customers a unique experience with their flavorful loaves, pastries, and more. If you are looking to try traditional Greek pastries such as koulourakia (Greek butter cookies), amygdalota (Greek almond cookies), or simply want to indulge in more fresh baked goods, definitely give MaLu Bakery a try. Located on Broadway, Astoria’s newest bakery certainly has a sweet treat for every occasion. 

40-05 Broadway / @malubakeryny

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Spanglish

This April calls for spicing things up, and Spanglish Astoria is here to serve! Open daily and offering bottomless brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, Spanglish offers customers modern Mexican fare alongside a variety of fun cocktails sure to kick off the spring season the right way. The menu consists of your more mainstream dishes such as nachos, guacamole, and tacos, but the specialty menu items are where Astoria’s newest Mexican eatery truly shines. A must-try is the mixto molcajete, which is comprised of skirt steak, chorizo, queso, tostones, chicken, and jalapeño, served alongside rice, beans, and flour tortillas. In terms of cocktails, definitely give any of the tequila-based beverages, such as the margarita or paloma, a try to make things extra fun.

36-03 Ditmars Blvd. / @spanglish_astoria

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Westville

The sun is out, and now is the perfect time to venture a bit beyond Astoria and take a trip to Long Island City to indulge at Westville’s newest location! This NYC eatery is a favorite for its healthier take on American fare. Open daily, in addition to offering brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, Westville is an ideal location for a first date, solo meal, or even catching up with friends. Their standout menu item is surely the mac n cheese, which is perfectly cheesy on the inside and crisp on top. End your meal on a sweet note with the eatery’s delectable chocolate chip cookie and enjoy the day!

43-12 Hunter St. / @westvillenyc

Grab a friend and be sure to enjoy all of Astoria’s newest openings for this month!