By Nathan Duke
Wine aficionados with a taste for the exotic and a low−key atmosphere will feel right at home in 24, Astoria’s new bar which features wine and beer from around the world as well as a variety of tapas, coffee and tea.
The bar can be found several blocks from the Ditmars Boulevard N train subway stop at 25−19 24th Ave. It opened its doors in late April and is already drawing large crowds of residents from the residential section of the neighborhood in which it is located.
Owner Patrick Baqueriz said the wine bar offers selections from Argentina, France, Chile, Georgia, Germany, Italy and the United States that range in price from $7 to $15 per glass, as well as a rotating roster of beers, including Strawberry Blonde, Pete’s Wicked Ale, Australia’s Baron’s Black Superior and Argentina’s Quillmars.
Baqueriz said he thought the wine bar would provide a mellow atmosphere in which Astoria residents could kick back and try wines from around the world.
“I know that wine relaxes people,” he said. “It’s a nice place to go after work. I wanted to open a place in the neighborhood where people could be informal and relax. I think people like our cozy, living room−type setup.”
He said he has gone through as many as 60 bottles of wine on a busy weekend.
“I have friends who work in liquor stores who do not sell that much wine in four days,” he said.
The bar, which plays a mixture of house music and acid jazz for background ambience, features an array of paintings by local artist Jorge Namerow, which depict women amid swirling backdrops of red, blue and green hues. The lighting in 24 is low and its setup includes a variety of couches and tables of varying sizes.
Baqueriz said the bar will soon feature events, such as parties and gatherings, as well as performances by stand−up comedians and jazz acts.
It will also expand its menu next week to include tapas, including a cheese plate, finger foods, meats, antipasto selections, bread, grapes and spicy octopus. The bar also offers coffee, espresso and a wide variety of teas.
The bar opens each day at 6 p.m., but its hours of operation vary. Baqueriz said he has kept the wine bar open as late as 3 a.m. or 4 a.m. on weekends, depending on demand.
“I cater to whatever the neighborhood wants, so our hours are sporadic,” he said.
Reach reporter Nathan Duke by e−mail at nduke@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718−229−0300, Ext. 156.
