Astoria Has NYC's 'Coolest' Block; Locals Are Unimpressed: Report

ASTORIA, QUEENS — 30th Avenue in the heart of Astoria has been dubbed the “coolest” block in New York City, according to a new report from Time Out, but some locals are less than impressed with the review.

Earlier this year, the site asked its New York-based readers to name the coolest block in the city, and most people named Astoria’s 30th Avenue for its “smorgasbord of local eateries,” streetside music, and influx of “trendy NYC businesses.”

And although some locals agree that Ovelia and Comfortland are among the best eateries in the city, not all of them agree with the characterization of the avenue and neighborhood overall.

The review says that northwest Queens is “growing by leaps and bounds” as it becomes increasingly populated by “young professionals who want a short commute to Manhattan” — which is a tired way of describing the avenue, according to several locals on a community forum.

“I’ve read some version of this paragraph in pieces about Astoria for the last 15+ years,” writes one. “I'm a middle aged professional now,” adds another, who moved to the neighborhood in 2007.

Others point out that some of the so-called trendy businesses that are popping up on the avenue actually started in Astoria and have been there for many years — like Chip City.

And others yet add that there are “good but also bad aspects” to the changing demographics and business in the neighborhood — alluding to the rapid gentrification that’s characterized parts of the area for years.

On their part, Time Out concludes “whether you agree with us or not, we've got some tips on how to enjoy yourself on 30th Avenue” — naming Sweet Afton's, Vesta, Via Trenta and Shady Lady as worthwhile bars and restaurants, and recommending that people visit The Welling Court Mural Project.

You can read the full Time Out review here.