LONG ISLAND CITY & ASTORIA RESTAURANT GUIDE
Season Picks:
Elo Restaurant
By Tatiana Ermakova
 Long Island City has quickly become well known for its delicious and diverse restaurants, and Ins&Outs is always excited to visit newly opened eateries and spread the news amongst our readers. This time, we visited Elo Restaurant, located at 12-14 31st Ave. in Long Island City, just a few blocks from Costco. Elo’s cuisine is described as “Greek-French-Italian,” and offers a variety of appetizers, lunch and dinner courses, as well as a brunch menu on the weekends.
Judging by the moderate menu prices, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. The cost is around $7 for lunch courses and $12 to $16 for dinner. The most expensive item on the menu, grilled lamb chops, are only $15.95! However, I was pleasantly surprised. Elo Restaurant radiated hospitality, the interior design was modern and elegant, and the quality of food exceeded all my expectations. One of the owners, Kyriakos Maminakis, personally greeted the customers and answered their questions about the food. He explained that his vision of restaurant management is to make every customer feel special. No matter which dish you choose, it should be perfectly prepared “with you in mind.” I tried the grilled octopus and lamb chops in merlot glaze, and I agreed that the food was amazing. Moreover, even familiar dishes had unique and exquisite tastes that werre different than I had experienced at any other restaurant.
 All of the desserts at Elo are homemade and delicious. My white chocolate crème brulee was simply divine. Mr. Maminakis told me that they changed the recipe of the crème brulee eight times to achieve its rich and distinctive taste. The restaurant also has a full bar that serves wines from Italy, France and California, along with great martinis, cocktails and mojitos.
In general, the restaurant has a very friendly atmosphere in which you can relax, enjoy great food, and listen to soft music. They also invite bands and musicians to play traditional Greek music and entertain guests. Elo is a true treasure hidden on a quiet street in Long Island City. Discover it for yourself, and I hope you will keep coming back, because I certainly will.
Watch video review>>
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58 N. 3rd St., Brooklyn | 718-384-1369
If it is possible for a restaurant to serve artistic integrity,Williamsburg’s Monkey Town Restaurant is seasoned to please. Along with an impressive menu, this local gem is a rare forum for artistic expression that includes interpretive dances, short films and musical performances. Adjacent to the dining room sits the large theater that holds various performances nightly. In this venue, it’s out with the old and uncomfortable row theater seating, and in with plush white linen floor couches. Sit back, relax, and get comfortable because dinner and drinks are served during the shows.
I was able to sit in on a colorful performance of selfexpressive dance, which incorporated sound, lights and the four floor-to-ceiling projector screens that lined the walls. The night’s performance also served to raise money for the war in Iraq.
The menu, which rotates seasonally, is comprised of “Earth,” “Land,” and “Sea” sections for the vegetarians, carnivores and pescatarians in the audience. Head chef Ryan Jaronik serves a full performance with extensively garnished details accompanying the most common plates. The foie gras, for example, is served with banana guacamole. I inquisitively ordered a side of this curious duo. Just as I suspected: amazing.
Try the pastrami crab cake appetizer, which has remained on the menu for two seasons and is back by popular demand. It is garnished with truffled sauerkraut and hot pink mayo. The achiote grilled mahi as a main course is a delicious choice for any fish lover. It is impeccably cooked and served over a bed of grilled pineapple black bean salsa and topped with heart of palm-avocado salsa and pineapple reduction. For the land lovers out there, try the delectable lobster stuffed chicken breast. I recommend the wild mushroom quinotto, which is paired with goat cheese and asparagus.
This food is very reasonably priced and well worth the experience. I’m still not sure if my entrée or the performance was more stimulating. Either way, for the best of both worlds, visit Monkey Town.
By SUSANNA KOHLY
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3114 Broadway, Astoria | 718-204-8964
Classic Greek cuisine is founded on the bold flavors of tangy yogurt, spicy garlic, and a prominent zing of lemon on almost everything. Growing up Greek, the strong flavors and textures I have come to expect in traditional cooking seem extreme when compared to the Manhattan’s watered-down Greek endeavors. Behold Stamatis. This Astoria gem serves up traditional Greek fare at its finest, from fresh roasted snapper to lamb falling off the bone.
The Stamatis experience begins in the kitchen, literally. As you enter the restaurant, the open-air kitchen welcomes you to browse a large display case featuring the homemade specials of the day. Yemista, or fresh stuffed tomatoes, immediately catch my eye. Rice and meat abound inside these tender vegetable shells, and with a strong nutmeg flavor, this dish is as real as it gets. Traditional to Cypriot cuisine, these unique spices have become a true symbol of authentic Greek fare.
Try the Kolikithakia, crisp fried zucchini served with a classic garlic dip called skordalia. The paper-thin zucchini slices are lightly breaded and quick-fried, achieving a thin crunch that is chip-like and delicious.
Another favorite is the house-made tzatziki. Stamatis’s version of this creamy yogurt sauce is just garlicky enough to peak the appetite and made with fresh dill to help balance any dish. Eat tzatziki as an accompaniment to chicken or fish, or try it with pita bread as a scrumptious dip. Thicker than its American cousin, Greek yogurt maintains its texture when blended or mixed with other ingredients. Stamatis’s tzatziki is some of the best I’ve had, transporting me to mthe Greek Isles with a single dollop.
I was pleasantly surprised to see my snapper stuffed with buttery roasted fennel, a seasonally-appropriate vegetable that is tastiest in fall. The ingredient-conscious chefs will guide and shape your Stamatis experience, and are sure to thrill even the most tenured foodie. Aware of taste, freshness, and traditional flavors, Stamatis provides an authentic taste of Greece right here in New York City.
By DION BENETATOS
RECENT OPENINGS:
LUCAS STEAKHOUSE
34-55 32nd St., Astoria
718-786-5200
COMING SOON:
EL AY SI
47-38 Vernon Blvd., LIC
ElAySi.com (under construction)
A comfort food restaurant that will have head chef Christopher Frakes, previosuly the head chef at The E.U. (now closed) and Butcher Bay, both located in the East Village, in the kitchen. The menu of this rustic and homey space will consist of Spicy Fried Chicken, Mac & Cheese with Applewood Smoked Bacon, and Fried Bread Tacos, to name a few items.
LONG ISLAND CITY BAGEL SHOP
Corner of 11th and 47th Ave., LIC
oda-architecture.com
Slated to open in October, this adaptive reuse project is fusing LIC's industrial past with it's residential future. The bakery will be be literally and figuratively "green" with ivy covering the outside to minimize AC use and a grassy outdoor patio to help reduce the heat caused by the asphalt parking lot. Wooden rolling pins on the facade are another nice touch and all bagels will be made on the premises.
TESTACCIO RISTORANTE
47-30 Vernon Blvd., LIC
testacciony.com
Contemporary Roman Cuisine will be dished up by head chef Ivan Beacco from Borgo Antico in Union Square. Owned by Carlo Bordone, Paul Bordone, and Alviero Pirani, the restaurant is scheduled to open in September. Carlo & Paul Bordone immigrated from Italy to Astoria. They are real estate developers and own a contracting company. They owned and designed Pepolino Ristorante in Tribeca and are looking to bring some more flavor & ambience of Manhattan to LIC!
INS&OUTS STAFF FAVES:
48-17 Vernon Blvd., LIC
718-706-6531
DUTCH KILLS
27-24 Jackson Ave, LIC
718-383-2724
GLORY DELI
46-30 Vernon Blvd., LIC
LOUNGE 47
47-10 Vernon Blvd., LIC
718-937-2044
MANDUCATIS RUSTICA
46-35 Vernon Blvd., LIC
718-937-1312
MARIO'S DELI
47-23 Vernon Blvd., LIC
718-937-3193
marioslicdeli.com
TOURNESOL
50-12 Vernon Blvd., LIC
718-472-4344
tournesolnyc.com
LONG ISLAND CITY - RESTAURANTS
BRICKTOWN BAGEL
Fresh bagels served to you quick and easy.
51-06 Vernon Blvd., LIC
718-361-2428
BROOKS 1890 RESTAURANT
This 99-year-old saloon still has its original decor. Open just Mon-Fri.
24-28 Jackson Ave., LIC
718-937-1890
CASSINO RESTAURANT
Serves Italian and international foods, with Dominican specials on Thursdays and Fridays, a lovely backyard for outdoor dining, and homemade sangria!
47-18 Vernon Blvd., LIC
718-937-9662
cassinorestaurantnyc.com
Watch I&O TV video-review
CAFÉ HENRI
Serves soups, salads, and crepes, among other French novelties.
10-10 50th Ave., LIC
718-383-9315
COMMUNITEA
Cafe with charming interior and a wide variety of sandwiches.
47-02 Vernon Blvd., LIC
718-729-7708
COURT SQUARE DINER
Traditional joint around Court Sq. This 63-year-old diner is open 24-7.
45-30 23rd St., LIC
718-392-1222
courtsquaredinerlic.com
THE CREEK
The restaurant serves Tex-Mex food
10-93 Jackson Ave., LIC
718-706-8783
hecreekandthecave.com
EAST RIVER COFFEE SHOP
Simple yet busy diner with excellent service and food.
10-50 44th Drive, LIC
718-786-5835
FIVE STAR BANQUET & RESTAURANT
Indian buffet Lots of great choices like Tandoori Chicken or Lamb Vindaloo and tons of vegetarian options.
13-05 43rd Ave., LIC
718-784-8484
JACKSON AVE STEAKHOUSE
The portions are large, the prices are affordable, and the meat is good.
12-23 Jackson Ave., LIC
718-784-1412
jacksonsteakhouse.com
JUNIOR'S CAFE
This Italian/seafood restaurant boasts the best pizza in town (at least according to Junior, the owner)
46-18 Vernon Blvd., LIC
718-472-9694
LAS VEGAS RESTAURANT
Home-style Spanish food
44-62 21st St., LIC
718-482-9478
LUCKY MOJOS
Combines Cajun Fusion & Sushi. Who knew?
5-14 51st Ave., LIC
718-786-7427
luckymojos.net
MANDUCATIS
One of Long Island City's best-known restaurants for more than 23 years.
13-27 Jackson Ave., LIC
718-729-4602
MANDUCATIS RUSTICA
46-35 Vernon Blvd., LIC
718-937-1312
MANETTA'S
Casual place, known for its brick-oven pizzas and bustling crowd.
10-76 Jackson Ave., LIC
718-786-6171
MASSO
Italian cuisine. Open for dinner from 4 p.m. to midnight, and on Saturday and Sunday for brunch from 10:30 a.m., closed on Mondays.
47-25 Vernon Blvd., LIC
718-482-8151
lucaloungenyc.com/masso
MARIO'S DELI
Catering is available for all occasions.
47-23 Vernon Blvd., LIC
718-937-3193
marioslicdeli.com
MR WONTON
Express Chinese food.
26-04 Jackson Ave., LIC
718-482-1117
NEW CITY CHINA
Express Chinese food.
47-31 Vernon Blvd., LIC
718-729-8580
NEW THOMPSON'S DINER
This Caribbean diner is a local hangout where rice, beans, and pressed Cuban sandwiches are the faves.
32-44 Queens Blvd., LIC
718-392-0692
NEW YORK DREAMS DELI
In the morning this deli serves omelets and pancakes and switches to grilled, deli, and gourmet sandwiches by the afternoon.
24-19 Jackson Ave., LIC
718-706-8000
718-729-8580
PJ LEAHY'S
Irish Bar & Grill
50-02 Vernon Blvd., LIC
718-472-5131
RIVERVIEW RESTAURANT & LOUNGE
Nouveau American cuisine. Upscale dining facing the Manhattan skyline.
2-01 50th Ave., LIC
718-392-5000
riverviewny.com
ROCCO'S
Philly cheesesteaks, chicken, and Italian sausages served to take out.
5010 Northern Blvd., LIC
718-204-0478
SAGE AMERICAN KITCHEN
A great place where locals stop for fresh baked goodies and takeout.
26-21 Jackson Ave., LIC
718-361-0707
sageamericankitchen.com
SHI
4720 Center Blvd., LIC
347-242-2450
eatdrinkshi.com
SWEETLEAF
Sweetleaf serves fairly traded specialty coffee and whole leaf tea in the heart of Long Island.
Open 7AM - 6PM seven days a week and bake a delicious selection of treats daily.
48-12 11th St, Long Island City, NY 11101
917-832-6726
sweetleaflic.com
TEQUILLA SUNRISE
Mexican cuisine in a traditional atmosphere. Mariachis on the spot.
40-01 Northern Blvd., LIC
718-729-3301
TOKYO SUSHI BAR
Japanese
38-01 31st St., LIC
718-472-3778
WATERFRONT CRABHOUSE
2-03 Borden Ave., LIC
718-729-4862
wfcrabhouse.com
WATER'S EDGE
The panoramic view of the Manhattan skyline and the free ferry ride make up for the pricey yet tasty menu.
44th Dr & East River, LIC
718-482-0033
watersedgenyc.com
ASTORIA - RESTAURANTS
718
Late-night bistro, featuring tapas for all and some fancy fixin's.
35-01 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria
718-205-5553
AGNANTI RESTAURANT
Greek food and an ideal location on the edge of Astoria Park
19-06 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria
718-545-4554
AL OMDA
Traditional Egyptian food
33-10 28th Ave., Astoria
718-204-9393
ANNA'S CORNER
Cold meze, pies (spinach or chicken, e.g.), hot meze, and charbroiled entrees.
23-01 31st St., Astoria
718-545-4000
ARHARN THAI
Excellent, traditional Thai food
32-05 36th Ave., Astoria
718-728-5563
ATHENS CAFÉ
The bustling sidewalk scene of this popular Greek cafe makes you want to stop.
for at least a frappe.
32-07 30th Ave., Astoria
718-626-2164
AVENUE CAFÉ
35-27 30th Ave., Astoria
718-278-6967
BARRIL GRILL
3018 Broadway, Astoria
Italian cuisine
3415 Broadway, Astoria
718-728-7522
BEL AIRE DINER
Serves classic American and Greek specialties. Opens 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
31-91 21st St., Astoria
BENJAMAS
Taste of Thai cuisine in Astoria.
34-16 Broadway, Astoria
718-932-8826
BUTCHER BROTHERS STEAK HOUSE
29-33 Newtown Ave., Astoria
718-267-2771
BISTRO 33
Japanese-French fusion.
19-33 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria
718-721-1933
CAFÉ BAR ASTORIA
Artsy cafe with 60s-themed decor, great atmosphere, and divine Mediterranean-influenced food.
32-90 36th St., Astoria
718-204-5273
CASA GALICIA
37-09 31st Ave., Astoria
718-932-1114
CAVO
This loft-like, trendy Mediterranean restaurant offers one of the best dinning experiences in town.
42-18 31st Ave., Astoria
718-721-1001
CENTRAL LOUNGE
20-30 Steinway St., Astoria
718-726-1600
centrallounge.com
CEVABDZINICA SARAJEVO
Eastern European cuisine
37-18 34th Ave., Astoria
718-752-9528
CRYSTAL PALACE
31-09 Broadway, Astoria
718-545-2990
CUP DINER
Retro, 50's style diner. The soda fountain makes it worth a stop.
35-01 36th St., Astoria
718-937-2322
DA FRANCO
23-92 21st St., Astoria
718-267-0010
DJERDAN
34-04 31st Ave., Astoria
718-721-2694
EASTERN NIGHTS
Egyptian cuisine
25-35 Steinway St., Astoria
718-204-7608
ELIA'S CORNER
Greek restaurant and a local favorite, which is significant considering the high Greek population.
24-02 31st St., Astoria
718-932-1510
ELO RESTAURANT
Modern Greek-Italian-French cuisine. Great dinner and lunch specials
12-14 31st Ave., Astoria
718-726-4400
Watch I&O TV video-review
FAVELA GRILL
Cozy Brazilian steak house. Serves great inexpensive barbecued meat and traditional dishes.
33-18 28th Ave., Astoria
718-545-8250
favelagrill.com
FREEZE PEACH CAFE
22-00 29th St., Astoria
freezepeach.org
GABLE’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
Italian cuisine, take-out too!
30-18 Broadway, Astoria
718-545-8498
GO WASABI
Japanese and Korean cuisine.
34-02 30th Ave., Astoria
718-204-7354
GRAND AVENUE PIZZA
Grab a slice.
34-24 30th Ave., Astoria
718-728-8879
GRAND CAFE
American cuisine, open late.
37-01 30th Ave.
718-777-7321
grandcafelounge.com
GREEK CAPTAIN
Variety of fresh seafood combos in a nautical atmosphere.
32-10 36th Ave., Astoria
718-786-6015
GYRO UNO
This restaurant chain mixes Greek food and American standards such as pizza and burgers with no shame.
28-01 Steinway St., Astoria
718-274-4870
JJ'S FUSION AND SUSHI BAR
Asian and French Cuisine blended together into a tasty creation
37-05 31st Ave., Astoria
718-626-8888
jjsfushion.com
JOUR ET NUIT
Moroccan cuisine
28-04 Steinway St., Astoria
718-204-2511
KABAB CAFÉ
Great (yet cheap) Moroccan cuisine.
25-12 Steinway St., Astoria
718-728-9858
HIMALAYA TEA HOUSE
Nice tea house with some Tibetan dumplings and soups, great for after dinner tea or just to relax.
33-17 31st St., Astoria
718-777-7450
LA CASA DEL PAN
Colombian bakery
33-20 30th Ave., Astoria
718-721-7991
LA FONDA ANTIOQUEÑA
Enjoy great food surrounded by crafts and artifacts from Colombia.
32-25 Steinway St., Astoria
718-726-9857
LA ESPIGUITA
Mexican cuisine
32-44 31st St., Astoria
718-777-5648
LOCALE
Fine dining Italian
33-02 34th Ave., Astoria
718-729-9080
LOS AMIGOS
Mexican
22-73 31st St., Astoria
718-726-8708
MALAGUETA
Brazilian Latin American restaurant
25-35 36th Ave., Astoria
718-937-4821
MEZZO MEZZO
31-29 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria
718-278-0444
MOMBAR
No sign outside and no menus make this tiny Egyptian spot a great find.
25-22 Steinway St., Astoria
718-726-2356
MOMENTO ITALIAN BISTRO
Delicious Italian food
29-35 Newtown Ave., Astoria
718-267-2771
OVELIA
Traditional and Contemporary Greek cuisine, an extensive brunch, and lunch menu and original and homemade items.
34-01 30 Ave., Astoria
718-721-7217
PICCOLA VENEZIA
We know where you're going: straight to Italy.
42-01 28th Ave., Astoria
718-721-8470
PINOCCHIO PALACE
Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. The European style crusty pizza is known for the perfect balance of cheese, sauce, and toppings.
3202 30th Ave., Astoria
718-721-3636
PITA PAN
This charming eatery takes pita bread to another level.
37-17 30th Ave., Astoria
718-204-1633
POLLOS 36
New Andean Cuisine: Peruvian rotisserie chicken, ceviche, paella, empanadas, desserts, and much more.
36-02 Steinway St., Astoria
718-786-9030
RENAISSANCE
Excellent international cuisine for great prices.
27-34 21st St., Astoria
718-274-9210
SABOR TROPICAL
Brazilian restaurant with everything under the Brazilian sun. And okra.
36-18 30th Ave., Astoria
718-777-8506
S'AGAPO
Fresh Greek food, lots of variety.
34-21 34th Ave., Astoria
718-626-0303
SANFORD'S RESTAURANT
30-13 Broadway, Astoria
718-932-9569
SAN ANTONIO BAKERY #2
Empanadas, sandwiches, and tasty hot dogs all with a Chilean twist. Try the hot dog completo, which comes loaded with avocado, tomatoes, and mayo.
36-20 Astoria Blvd., Astoria
718-777-8733
SEVA INDIAN RESTAURANT
30-07 34th street, Astoria
718-626-4440
sevaindianrestaurant.com
SOHO SANDWICH BAR & BLENDZ
They're helping the population "eat well and stay healthy." Gourmet sandwiches and wraps plus fresh salads and juices.
22-11 31st St., Astoria
718-728-8883
SOMA
Mediterranean Restaurant
49-09 25th St, Astoria
718-204-0501
THAI ANGEL KITCHEN
Contemporary Thai cuisine served in a modern setting.
34-11 30th Ave., Astoria
718-726-7029
thaiangelnewyork.com
THAI ELEPHANT
Family run thai restaurant, with great lunch specials.
21-09 31st St., Astoria
THAI PAVILION
Good traditional Thai joint.
37-10 30th Ave., Astoria
718-777-5546
thaipavilionny.com
TIERRAS COLOMBIANAS
Great Colombian restaurant with inexpensive extra large portions.
33-01 Broadway, Astoria
718-956-3012
THIRTY ONE
Italian Cuisine
22-48 31st St., Astoria
718-728-8288
TRATTORIA L'INCONTRO
Great traditional Italian restaurant
21-76 31st St., Astoria
718-721-3532
trattorialincontro.com
UNCLE GEORGES
This family-owned Greek restaurant offers great service, affordable food, and delicious grilled meats.
33-19 Broadway, Astoria
718-626-0593
UNO CHICAGO GRILL
37-11 35th Ave., Astoria
718-706-8800
WAVE THAI
Tasty authentic Thai food
21-37 31st St., Astoria
718-777-6789
YAJAI
Thai
33-16 30th Ave., Astoria
718-956-9559
ZENON TAVERNA
Greek and Turkish fusion
34-10 31st Ave., Astoria
718-956-0133
ZLATA PRAHA
Czech-Hungarian food and an assortment of imported beers. Try the roasted goose, an exotic house specialty served with sauerkraut, and dumplings.
28-48 31st St., Astoria
718-721-6422
zlatapraha.cc
LONG ISLAND CITY - Hotels
COMFORT INN
2 Star Hotel
42-24 Crescent St • 718-303-3700
comfortinn.com
BEST WESTERN CITY VIEW
Motor Inn
3317 Greenpoint Ave • 718 392-8400
bestwestern.com
DAYS INN
2 Star Hotel
31-36 Queens Blvd • 718-433-0077
daysinn.com
FAIRFIELD INN
2 Star Hotel
52-34 Van Dam Street • 718-398-7700
fairfieldinn.com
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS
2 Star Hotel
38-05 Hunters Point Ave • 718-706-6700
ichotelsgroup.com
HOLIDAY INN MANHATTAN VIEW LONG ISLAND CITY
The Holiday Inn Manhattan View is now accepting reservations for arrivals after October 29, 2008. The Holiday Inn Manhattan View is a brand new modern, sixteen story high-rise hotel centrally located within close proximity to Manhattan and the following attractions: Times Square, Penn Station, Madison Square Garden, Macy's, Herald Square, the Empire State Building, Union Square, and the Jacob Javits Convention Center. Relax in our fabulous indoor pool, or work out in our state-of-the-art fitness center
39-05 29TH STREET
Long Island City, NY 11101
1 877 863 4780
website
LA QUINTA INN
2 Star Hotel
37-18 Queens Blvd • 718-729-8775
lq.com
QUALITY INN
2 Star Hotel
30-03 40th Ave • 718-391-0202
qualityinn.com
RAVEL HOTEL
The Ravel is Long Island City first luxury boutique hotel featuring 63 lavishly designed guestrooms overlooking the Manhattan skyline. Ravel is centrally located 1 mile east of midtown Manhattan. Nestled between the 59th Street Queensboro bridge and midtown Manhattan/ the Ravel offers guest a true city experience without the hassle.
8-08 Queens Plaza
Long Island City, NY 11101 • 718-289-6101
ravelhotel.com
SUPER 8 MOTEL
1 Star Hotel
31-62 14th St • 718-932-2100
super8.com
VERVE HOTEL
Offering boutique accommodations in the heart of Long Island City, the Verve Hotel, an Ascend CollectionTM hotel, is within walking distance to Silvercup Studios film and television production facility. Local points of interest like the LaGuardia Airport, downtown Manhattan, Long Island University and the Queens Zoo are less than four miles from this Long Island City, NY hotel. John F. Kennedy International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport are minutes away.
40-03 29th Street
Long Island City, NY 11101
718-786-4545
vervehotel.com
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