There’s a reason why restaurants stay in business more than 50 years… They’re good! And Queens has some of the finest as proven in our picks below.
The Astor Room
34-12 36th St.
(near corner of 35th Ave.)
Astoria, NY 11106
718.255.1947
The Astor Room at Kaufman Studios Astoria may have reopened in 2014, but the eatery has been serving food since the 1920s as the original commissary to the movie industry’s earliest stars. Hollywood icons Adolph Zukor, Rudolph Valentino, Mary Pickford, Charlie Chaplin, Gloria Swanson and W.C. Fields—all called the original studio home, and all made their way to the commissary to enjoy a meal between scenes or to raise a glass before heading out, some to perform on nearby Broadway in Manhattan. Today, The Astor Room is known for its subtle twists on continental fare and inventive takes on classic cocktails, ensconced within a living, breathing piece of cinematic history and a glamorous bygone era. You don’t have to be a thespian from movie’s golden age to eat at The Astor Room, but feel free to act like one!
Dutch Kills Centraal
28-40 29th Street
Long Island City, NY 11101
718-606-8651
Believed to be 100 years old, the structure which houses Dutch Kills Centraal once housed a thriving eatery called Victor’s Bar and Grill in the 1940’s. Completely renovated only a few years ago, the interior incorporates original elements, such as the arts and craft flooring and Art Deco bar, and sustainable furnishings, like the seating—sourced from Build It Green—and light fixtures, created from wine bottles. The menu offers innovative comfort foods, utilizing local purveyors and organic products. Beers on tap are from local breweries that rotate seasonally, as does the cocktail menu; with wines which are affordable and selected to match the menu.
166-02 65 Avenue
Fresh Meadows, NY 11365 1551
(718) 762-2727
Little has changed in the Fresh Meadows neighborhood which Fillmore’s Tavern calls home, including the building which houses the venerable establishment. Built in 1912, the two-story structure has always housed a restaurant, which was taken over and renamed in 1977 after the “mediocre” 13th President. During Prohibition, the tavern operated under the guise of a grocery store. In the 50’s it was the only place to go to watch I Love Lucy and baseball on TV. In 1968 the owner, Vinny had the audacity to let women sit at the bar. In 1986, Fillmore’s Tavern was one of the first in the nation to serve blackened steak and it continues to be the eatery’s number one bestselling dish, joining such popular pub fare as burgers, Buffalo wings and meatloaf.
96-40 Queens Boulevard
Rego Park, NY 11374 1143
(718) 897-1700
Third generation Ben’s Best owner Jay Parker took over the 70-year-old authentic Jewish deli from his father in 1984, and has remained true to the eatery’s heritage as his father was before him. The eatery offers delicious, old fashioned, dark and spicy pastrami that is still cured by hand and in barrels; fresh rye bread, custom baked daily; and a superb matzo ball chicken soup. Ben’s Best was featured on Food Networks “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives;” and appeared in the 2014 movie, “Deli Man.”
63-88 Woodhaven Boulevard
Rego Park, NY 11374 4840
(718) 894-8084
Owned and operated by the Barnes Family since 1959, London Lennie’s has evolved from a quintessential fish-n’-chips shop to the premier seafood restaurant in Queens, notorious for the best in fresh, local seafood selected daily at the world-famous Fulton Fish Market. The leading seafood restaurant hosts the area’s finest raw bar and was honored with the 2007 & 2008 “Wine Enthusiast Award of Distinction” and 2008 & 2009 Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence.”
Neir’s Tavern
87-48 78th St, Woodhaven, NY 11421
(718) 296-0600
New York City’s oldest tavern is not in Manhattan; it’s in Woodhaven, Queens. Opened in 1829, Neir’s Tavern has been serving yummy comfort food and cold beer for more than 180 years. Once called “The Most Famous Bar You’ve Never Heard Of,” the watering hole hosted the first performance of Woodhaven native and Silver Screen star, Mae West; and was used for a few iconic scenes in Martin Scorsese’s “Goodfellas.” Mouth-watering steaks highlight a well-tailored American style menu.
The quality and commitment that is the key to these venerable Queens restaurants echoes the mission of Renaissance Home Care & Adult Day Services: to demonstrate “Caring with a Commitment to Quality” and meet the emerging needs of individuals living at home, who want compassionate, professional, and skilled services. Whether the care is in the comfort of their own home or in a clean, nourishing environment offering a full range of therapeutic and recreational activities that promote social, physical, and emotional well-being, Renaissance aspires to encourage experiences that exceed expectations, while adding a personal touch.
