Top 14 Things to Do in Astoria This Summer: The Ultimate Staycation Guide
With summer fast approaching, many people have an exciting getaway lined up in the near future. But one of the best parts about living in Astoria is that you don’t actually have to leave town in order to feel like you’re on vacation. Our neighborhood is filled with so many incredible things to do, places to visit, and restaurants to eat at—making it perfect for a weekend staycation. So, if you feel like living like an out-of-towner for a few days, breaking from your routine, and ditching your usual spots, we have the guide for you. We’ve curated a full itinerary for locals looking to enjoy a mini escape on the streets they call home—complete with elite dining, unique shopping, inviting bars, and local entertainment. Follow it to a tee and you’ll surely experience some of the best that our neighborhood has to offer.
Friday
Friday Pints: Singlecut Beersmiths
Get your weekend started at Astoria’s favorite brewery. Treat this first destination like you’ve just touched down in a new city and are immediately grabbing some drinks with friends. With so many delectable drafts on tap, there’s no wrong choice for what to drink at Singlecut. If you’re not a regular, perhaps start with their flagship beer, the 18-Watt IPA. Conversely, if you are a frequent Singlecut patron, embrace the staycation spirit and select something you’ve never tried before. You won’t regret it. Leave yourself some time for a few rounds on their incredible assortment of pinball machines, and don’t forget to visit the can shop before you go so you can take some beer home with you. With Singlecut as your first stop, your weekend will be off to a great start from the jump.
19-33 37th St I 718.606.0788 I singlecut.com I 4.2 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Friday Dinner: Astoria Seafood
If you’re looking to kick off your weekend with a fun and flavorful dining experience, Astoria Seafood is a local favorite that never disappoints. This beloved, family-run seafood spot doubles as both a market and restaurant—diners handpick their fresh fish or seafood at the counter, which is then expertly cooked to order. Whether you’re craving grilled shrimp, fried calamari, or a whole branzino, everything is prepared just how you like it.
Astoria Seafood is great for groups and has a lively, no-frills vibe that makes every meal feel like a celebration. Grab your friends, bring your appetite, and get ready for one of the most authentic seafood feasts in Queens.
3710 33rd St, (718) 392-2680 / www.astoriaseafoodnyc.com / 4.0
Friday Late Night: Sweet Afton & Sidekick
Known as “The Astoria Local,” Sweet Afton is unquestionably one of the neighborhood’s top watering holes. And with their lively weekend atmospheres, special late-night food menu, and conjoining Sidekick bar that stays open deep into the night, it is an excellent last stop for night one of your staycation. If you’re still hungry after dinner, their late-night bites menu is available until 1am and features classic bar fare such as a burger, popcorn chicken, and a fried chicken sandwich, as well as more unique options like pinwheel “doritos” and zucchini fritters. With affordable cocktail offerings and an impressive lineup of draft beers, Sweet Afton and the Sidekick really are both ideal spots for a nightcap.
30-09 34th St I 718.777.2570 I sweetaftonbar.com I 4.0 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Saturday
Saturday Brunch: Ovelia
Whether you wake up on Saturday feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on the day or you’re nursing a bit of a hangover and searching for a hair of the dog, Ovelia’s brunch will give you what you need. Since this weekend is meant to celebrate the best parts of Astoria, it stands to reason that you incorporate some Greek flavor into your brunch, and Ovelia has made a name for itself over the years by offering patrons an authentic Greek dining experience. Their brunch menu features classic dishes with Mediterranean twists. Their Greek breakfast—which comes with two eggs, loukaniko, halloumi, tomato, cucumber, and multigrain toast—and their baklava pancakes are both great ways to start the day.
34-01 30th Ave I 718.721.7217 I ovelianyc.com I 3.9 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Saturday Stroll: Socrates Sculpture Park
Work off your brunch with a walk to, and through, one of Astoria’s top attractions. Located on the East River next to Hallets Cove Beach, a visit to the sculpture park is the perfect relaxing weekend activity. Combining art and nature, it highlights some of the best our neighborhood’s geography has to offer and showcases Astoria as a cultural hub. Moreover, this month is the perfect time to check out the park because June 1st marks the opening of their newest exhibit, The Socrates Annual 2025. It is a culmination of the park’s fellowship program and features work centered around the theme “Up/Rooted” from some incredibly talented artists. A stroll through Socrates is the perfect way to get some fresh air during your staycation.
32-01 Vernon Blvd I 718.956.1819 I socratessculpturepark.org
Saturday Shopping: Gift Box & Astoria Bookshop
A mini shopping spree is a great addition to any weekend, and Astoria has plenty of great stores to visit. For this list, we’ve decided to focus on two of the quaintest and most community-focused small businesses in the area, the Gift Box and Astoria Bookshop. The team at the Gift Box prides themselves on sourcing unique items from local artisans. It’s been a beloved fixture in the neighborhood since it opened its doors and is the perfect spot to browse candles, organic cosmetics, thoughtfully made crafts, fun stationery, and more. And, with a wide variety of charming Astoria and NYC-themed products available, you can commemorate your staycation with a gift for yourself that celebrates our great neighborhood.
After visiting the Gift Box, bookworms should walk up to 36th Ave and peruse the curated shelves of Astoria Bookshop. One of the warmest and most inviting stores around, you’ll find a massive selection of books in every genre, as well as puzzles, games, and accessories. Be sure to check out their staff picks section, as it is always filled with great recommendations. This midday shopping journey will surely leave you fulfilled and ready for the next experience on our itinerary.
25-11 Broadway / (347) 813-4881 / giftboxastoria.com
36-19 30th St I 718.278.2665 I astoriabookshop.com
Saturday Dinner: Ramro
Ramro is one of the best restaurants in Astoria. On Saturdays, their $99 six-course tasting menu is available, and those who have enjoyed it know that it is one of the most exquisite culinary experiences our neighborhood has to offer. Reservations are encouraged and diners can choose between three different timeslots—5pm, 7pm, or 9pm. The ever-evolving menu changes week to week, so even if you’ve been to Ramro in the past, you’ll be greeted with something new on your return. Regardless of what they are, the selections will assuredly be bursting with the restaurant’s trademark Filipino and Nepalese flavors. Originating as a hole-in-the-wall and developing into what their team calls “a place where casual bites meet fine dining,” Ramro won’t leave you feeling disappointed. Their tasting menu experience specifically is perfect for a memorable night out.
3093 38th St I 347.507.1418 I ramronyc.com I 4.8 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Saturday Night Entertainment: Q.E.D.
Transition from an unbelievable dinner to a vibrant and hilarious comedy show to complete night two of your staycation. One of Astoria’s most beloved establishments, Q.E.D. is home to excellent shows every night of the week, including Saturdays. In the hands of new owner and Astoria resident Hannah Lieberman, the space is as exciting, busy, and fun as ever. As a true community-focused establishment, Q.E.D. is a necessary addition to your weekend plans. Whatever show you end up seeing, you will certainly leave feeling not just satisfied, but overjoyed.
27-16 23rd Ave I 347.451.3873 I qedastoria.com
Sunday
Sunday Breakfast: Between the Bagel NY
Since the idea of the staycation is to take a break from the norm to live life like a tourist for a couple of days, visit Between the Bagel in order to ditch the traditional breakfast sandwich and try something new. Set the bacon and sausage aside in favor of this Korean-fusion spot’s signature sandwich. Named the SMB (Seoul Meets Bagel), this creation comes with bulgogi beef, egg, American cheese, sautéed kimchi, and gochujang mayo sandwiched between your choice of bread. It is one of the most unique and delicious breakfast options in Astoria, and will have you ready to take on the final day of your staycation.
31-13 30th Ave I 718.932.1425 I @betweenthebagelny I 4.8 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Sunday Trip to the Museum: The Noguchi Museum or The Museum of the Moving Image
Since Astoria is home to a couple of excellent museums, this itinerary item is up to you. The good news is you can’t go wrong with either choice. Art fans should check out The Noguchi Museum, a cultural institution in the neighborhood since 1985. Here, they’ll find open air and indoor galleries showcasing the world’s largest collection of famed artist Isamu Noguchi’s work. With drawings, sculptures, architectural models, and stage designs on display, there is no shortage of incredible art to behold at the Noguchi Museum.
If film and television are more your thing, then the Museum of the Moving Image is perfect for you. A treasured Astoria landmark, MoMI always has incredible installations and exhibits on display. Their renowned Jim Henson exhibition is always worth checking out, but they also currently have a tremendous exhibit honoring the stuntwork of the Mission: Impossible films, as well as a VR experience called Portals of Solitude created by some absurdly talented Taiwanese filmmakers. With weekend screenings, too, you can even see a film while you’re there. They have a genre-spanning lineup set for June, showing everything from classics like Stagecoach and The Birdcage to more modern fare like The Raid: Redemption, 2024’s The Fall Guy, and even Jackass 3D.
9-01 33rd Rd I 718.204.7088 I noguchi.org
36-01 35th Ave I 718.777.6800 I movingimage.org
Sunday Lunch: Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden
No summertime Astoria weekend would be complete without a trip to New York City’s oldest beer garden. Regardless of who you’re spending your weekend with, Bohemian Hall is the perfect Sunday afternoon destination. It’s great for a solo outing, families, couples, big groups, or small groups. Indulge in a couple of cold pints of delicious and refreshing Czech beer and perhaps a sandwich, kielbasa, or giant pretzel. While none of us probably need another reason to visit the neighborhood’s favorite beer garden this summer, use this itinerary as one anyway.
29-19 24th Ave I 718.274.4925 I bohemianhall.com I 3.8 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Sunday Dinner: Milkflower
Since you’ll technically be treating this weekend like you’re a tourist in NYC, it can’t end without some pizza. That is why Milkflower is the ideal final destination to finish your staycation at. This casual, rustic Italian eatery is home to some of the best pizza in all of Astoria. Unwind here while enjoying one of their many flavorful pies, such as the Willy Mo, which comes with meatballs, tomato, garlic confit, mozzarella, basil, and grana padano, or the Stunn Dunn, which is topped with caramelized onion, gruyere, scallion, red onion, and mozzarella. Their approachable menu also features pasta dishes, salads, calzones, starters, wood-fired vegetables, and other sides. You will find yourself only taking a break from your delicious meal to look back upon the incredible weekend you just had in this extraordinarily special neighborhood we are all lucky to call home.
34-12 31st Ave I 718.204.1300 I milkflowernyc.com I 4.2 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
