nycgo / maps

Astoria

Boasting one of the largest populations of Greeks outside of Greece, many of Astoria’s businesses are bilingual, and conversations in Greek are the norm in this quaint Queens neighborhood. Outdoor cafés, grapes growing in backyards and soccer on every television during the World Cup make Astoria one of the more European-flavored neighborhoods in the City. Children who grow up here often stay in the neighborhood after marrying, buying or renting down the street from their parents. The annual Easter midnight mass brings hundreds of candle-carrying families into the streets. Greek cuisine, famous for fresh seafood and grilled lamb, is plentiful here, and many restaurants trot out a belly dancer in the evenings. Even the local parks boast replicas of Greek statues and amphitheaters. After dark, DJs at local hotspots and watering holes play popular European and American dance-club tracks, entertaining young Astorians and other visitors who gather at the neighborhood’s fun and vibrant bars.