A foodie hub, Queens’ Astoria area may be at its most mouthwatering after many of its eateries have already closed. From popular taco trucks to not-so-basic barbecue, the neighborhood knows food cravings don’t stick to any clock. For when hunger (and midnight) strikes, here are the best late-night eats in Astoria, Queens.
Sweet Afton
Restaurant, Bar, American, $$$
Sweet Afton, New York | Courtesy of Sweet Afton, credit: Mike Di Tota
With its tightly curated menu of elevated American classics and live music every Monday, Sweet Afton isn’t a post-outing destination but an attraction all in itself. Those who arrive before the kitchen’s closing time of 2 am will be rewarded with three-cheese scallion mac and cheese, steak sandwiches featuring black garlic mayo, fried McClure’s pickles with smoked sauce, and plenty of good vibes.
At El Rey Del Taco Truck, expect mouthwatering Mexican food and long lines—yes, even as late as the truck’s 5 am closing time. Here, made-to-order tacos, quesadillas, nachos, and more feature crispy carnitas, chorizo, and beef tongue—ideal drunk foods if ever there were.
This Syrian spot is a small place cooking up huge flavors. Open as late as 4 am, Pita House (which also goes by the names Jerusalem Pita and Pita Hot) is the place to go for homemade pita chips with hummus, shawarma sandwiches, platters of stuffed grape leaves, and Middle Eastern hospitality.
The Greek grub at King Souvlaki is a delicious bet any time of day, but the spot’s 5 am closing time makes it particularly great for late-night noshing. Hellenic specialties such as lamb gyro with housemade tzatziki sauce and Greek salad with imported feta cheese stand out on the spot’s menu of traditional tis skaras-style sandwiches, platters, and extra virgin Greek olive oil-cooked fries.
Keep the drinks (and good vibes) flowing at Oliver’s, an Astoria eatery specializing in craft beers and complementary plates. With a selection of more than 50 brews and menu items such as tater tot nachos, tequila-marinated shrimp tacos, and chicken and waffles, you may find that even 4 am is too soon to say goodbye.
Southern standbys snag an Astoria address at Butcher Bar, a barbecue smokehouse bringing down-home delicacies up north. Open (and hopping) until 12 am, the Bar delights with 12-hour slow-smoked brisket, “meat candy” beef burnt ends, saucy pulled pork, bacon baked beans, and more.
At the Astoria outpost of this local chain, you can secure the super-sized slices you know and love as late as 5 am. Come with a group (or with an appetite) to Artichoke Basille’s Pizza, where Staten Island, panko crab meat, and signature artichoke and cream slices prove that when it comes to Big Apple eats, the best things come in big packages.
As its name suggests, The Thirsty Koala specializes in Australian-inspired cuisine. Down-under eats, such as the restaurant’s award-winning grilled wattle seed, Australian lamb lollies, and lamingtons, are washed down by more than 20 beers hailing from Australia and beyond at this Astoria eatery open ’til midnight.
