Culture in Astoria
From The Peopling of Astoria, Queens
Culture in Astoria is inextricably tied to the neighborhood's ethnic heritage. The first immigrants to settle in Astoria were the Dutch and the Germans. They were followed by the Czech, Irish and Italians. During the 1960's there was a great influx of Greek immigrants. For a while Astoria was a Greek stronghold where more than 50% of the population was of Greek descent. Recently however Astoria's ethnic makeup has changed significantly. As the Greek immigrants created wealth, they moved to other neighborhoods. During the 1990's they were replaced by a new influx of immigrants from Mediterranean countries. Today Astoria is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the U.S characterized by great ethnic restaurants and a very vibrant night life.
Greek immigrants were essential in shaping Astoria's identity as a predominantly Mediterranean neighborhood. Many immigrants from the Mediterranean and the middle east were attracted to the neighborhood because they shared a similar cultural heritage with the Greeks. Distinguishing between an Egyptian instrumental song and a Greek one can be a daunting task even for a native of those countries. Despite the great diversity of the neighborhood Astorians are very tolerant of the differences that exist between them.
Historically Astoria has been a blue collar neighborhood but recently even this fact is changing. Affordable rents, low crime rates and a great night life have attracted many young professionals and artists to the neighborhood. Many of those former residents of Manhattan chose to move to Astoria because they were tired of living in "the belly of the beast". They benefit from the fact that Manhattan is very accessible from their neighborhood but at the same time they can enjoy a more laid back and relaxing environment.
Gentrification has taken its toll on rent prices which have recently increased by 30%. The neighborhood's appeal has increased so much that it has made Astoria a very common tourist attraction. Even some old Greek inhabitants have recently returned to Astoria.
Astoria is also rich in cultural institutions and organizations. The film industry in the neighborhood was an equal rival to Hollywood during the 1920's. But it is the diversity of its ethnic restaurants and the nightlife that are undoubtedly the main attraction in Astoria.
Restaurants: Virtually all ethnic groups are represented with restaurants that offers their ethnic food. The most famous are Greek restaurants. Restaurants that offer middle eastern cuisine have recently gained prominence.
Recommendations:
Elias Corner- Greek restaurant that offers seafood
As you enter this popular Greek restaurant, you will see all the fresh fish it has to offer that day, conveniently displayed in a glass-enclosed deli case. The atmosphere is not quite up to the high standards of the food, but the sparse room is comfortable enough. Patio dining is also available. The amazingly tender grilled octopus is a favorite appetizer. Whole grilled fish is the specialty of the house, but shellfish, steak and swordfish kebabs are excellent as well. Reservations are not accepted. Cash only.
Bank- serves Italian and Croatian cuisine
35-01 Broadway, Astoria, Queens
The restuarant was actually once a bank, hence the name. The bar and dining room are separate and particularly interesting is the map of Italy made completely out of wine corks. The hot antipasto, and baked mussels are especially tasty. The cork map is exemplary of the unique artwork many astoria restuarants incorporate into their decor.
Taj Maha- Indian cuisine
Agnanti- Greek
(19-06 Ditmars Blvd) hits the double with excellent Greek food and a charming location right on the edge of Astoria Park.This restaurant should not be missed in the warm evenings when it's light enough to stroll the park after dinner.
Kebab cafe- Egyptian food
(25-12 Steinway St) is a foodie pleasure palace dome, where the affable chef and owner Ali makes Egyptian food that bring gourmands to tears.
Bohemian Hall and Beer garden- serves Czech meat and potato dishes.
(29-19 24th Ave) serves Czech meat and potato dishes in a great setting. The garden is large and full of trees and picnic tables filled with folks sipping cold beer and tackling plates of hearty Czech cuisine.
Astoria is also famous for its Hookah Bars which will soon be closed due to a law banning smoking in restaurants.
Recommendations: 
Sarah east
Mamlouk
This small restaurant resembles a Middle-Eastern lounge, with low tables, plush chairs, and relaxed patrons contentedly puffing on hookahs after dinner. The owners also helm the popular Moustache, a few blocks north, and the cooking is even better at their most ambitious restaurant to date. We suggest you go for the prix-fixe, six-course menu. The selection changes every day, and there is always a choice for vegetarians, but expect excellent renditions of Middle-Eastern staples like hummus, moussaka, lamb stew, tabbouleh and the like.
Kush
It features white walls and Moroccan decorations, with soothing Mediterranean rhythms emanating from the sound system. The wall hangings and cushioned seating give it a particularly authentic feel without being overbearing, and the drinks are reasonably priced.
Egyptian coffee shop
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Nightclubs:
This trendy-but-stylish venue features well-known DJs and a dance-friendly crowd across two separate rooms housing five DJs per night. The crowd is on the bridge-and-tunnel tip, but the jocks spin hip-hop and house with authority. Call ahead to make table reservations for bottle service.
The Creek www.thecaveandthecreek.com
Greek wedding dance
Sirtaki music