The arrival of Hispanic immigrants in Astoria became significant enough for mention as early as 1984. In 1990 Hispanics were 16.9% of Astoria’s population, and by 2000 they   grew to 19.9%, when 40% of the foreign population were from Latin America. According to the 2010 Census data, of Astoria 89,122 people, 24, 538, or 27.5%, were Hispanic, most of whom originated from Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Ecuador. The 2012 data reflect 6,399 from Latin America – Dominican Republic, Spain, and Spanish-speaking Central or South American countries. As the data shows, groups from Latin America have composed the the most recent wave of immigrants in Astoria.

Food:

If you’re looking for an authentic Mexican taqueria,Viva el Mariachi does the job just fine, complete with the cheesy name. In fact, the New York Times even covered it in “Globally Speaking, Astoria’s Best,” saying it’s 2 dollar tacos are “Astoria’s tastiest tacos” (Saltzstein, 2005). They serve authentic Mexican food like carnitas, pierna adobada and, on weekends, barbacoa – all of which is served soft, hot and succulent, with well spiced salsas.

Along 30th avenue, an individual does not have to walk very far before he is met with the delicious aromas of sweet bread and quesadillas con flor calabaza (quesadillas filled with both cooked pumpkin and pumpkin flowers) from the Hidalgo Panadería y Cafetería.

MexiBBQ Kitchen & Draught, a highly rated Mexica restaurant, is also located on 30th avenue.

Here are some pictures from there which we have include in order to wet your palate:

On 36th ave there are some more Latin American eateries including the Venezuelan Arepas Cafe and the Brazillian  Malagueta, a place for first rate authentic cuisine.