10 dishes I like in the greater Astoria area
a humble list
As a newly crowned Yelp Elite, I now have the authority to tell people what to eat.
Here’s a snapshot of what I like right now. Criteria include deliciousness, memorableness, and convenience for me personally. A quick caveat — I go through phases, so there might be some past food obsessions not featured here simply because it’s been a while since I’ve eaten at those spots. (Don’t worry, they remain in my heart.)
You can find the Google Maps list here!
Where to go: Cafe de Colombia Bakery II
What to order: Buñuelos
Sweet, cheesy, chewy, fluffy all the same time, these Colombian buñuelos — in the shape of a perfect sphere — are such a textural pleasure.
Where to go: Murray’s Cheese Bar (LIC)
What to order: Tomato soup
You can also order a grilled cheese to go along with it. True to its name, Murray’s has really good cheese, and even the plain grilled cheese slice is delicious. But the real star of the show is the tomato soup. Creamy, flavorful, luscious. It is the greatest tomato soup I’ve ever had.
Where to go: Los Portales
What to order: 3 tacos and a chips and salsa
I’ve enjoyed the al pastor, chorizo, and carnitas tacos. Each one is less than three bucks. This is my go-to delivery spot.
Where to go: Makina Cafe
What to order: Doro wat
Thick, oniony, and super flavorful chicken stew. Of course, the meal isn’t complete without sides. The injera was perfect, and you can order two vegetables — I’ve tried and enjoyed the misir (spicy red lentils), shiro (pureed chickpeas), gomen (collard greens), and beet salad. Everything tasted fresh and delicious. And you’ll have to get takeout or delivery — it’s a garage kitchen.
Where to go: Cano Coffee Company
What to order: Coffee (with a bit of milk)
I’m not a coffee snob, but I have tasted bad coffee before. That’s how I know that this place serves good coffee. The family-owned business sources their coffee beans from their family-owned farm in Colombia. They also have vibrant red branding.
Where to go: Nai Brother Fish
What to order: Signature with basa fish
It’s SO GOOD. This is Chinese sauerkraut soup, so your bowl will be full of cabbage and fish and tofu and bean sprouts. The signature broth is tangy, nourishing, deeply flavorful, spicy, warm, and of course, features heavenly levels of sichuan peppercorn. Get the green pepper broth if you want something fresher, lighter, and less spicy.
Where to go: Cafe Triskell
What to order: Ham, egg, and swiss cheese crepe
A gorgeous, airy French cafe on 36th ave complete with the flag of Bretagne flying over the store awning. Their authentic buckwheat crepes have a great texture, are simple but delicious, and very filling. The coffee is good too.
Where to go: Retro Pizza Cafe
What to order: Square meat slice (and a brownie)
My favorite late night pizza spot. Their square slice is tasty and very filling, perfect for when it’s been more than 3 hours since you ate dinner. I also always grab a brownie when I come here.
Where to go: Hot Peppers
What to order: Chipotle honey chicken bowl with spicy queso
For when you crave Chipotle, but you’d rather go to a local business and also have better food. Heaping serving sizes. The honey chipotle chicken and spicy queso are my favorite ingredients, but you can get whatever you want. (I’ll allow it.) Guac isn’t extra.
Where to go: Pao De Queijo
What to order: 3 layer chocolate cake slice
Saving this for the real ones who read til the end. The best chocolate cake I’ve ever had in my life. If you don’t like chocolate, or indulgent desserts, or you only eat desserts that are “not too sweet!” this is not for you. It’s delicious, chocolatey, sweet (but not sickening!), and one slice might last you two or more days. And if you’re also interested in one of the thirty or so sandwiches on their menu, prepare for some choice paralysis.
Congratulations on becoming Yelp Elite 👏👏👏