Goodbye Lucky Mojo - We'll Miss You!

Hearing rumors that Lucky Mojo's, a fun BBQ and sushi place in LIC, was on the outs was finally confirmed today. I know that emotions about this place were mixed--people were either in the love or the hate camp--but I happened to love it and am sad to see it go.

Their last day is tomorrow, Saturday, August 29th and they'll be open late "kickin till late Saturday night," they say. For you Mojo lovers, I encourage enjoying one last hurrah with a cold brewski, corn fritters and BBQ ribs.

Good-bye Mojo's, it was nice knowing ya! I hope that something else fabulous comes to this spacious saloon-style space, but in the meantime, I'll miss you Mojo's.

Lucky Mojo's - 5-14 51st Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101
718.786.7427
7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue
www.luckymojos.net

Brasil Coffee House in LIC is Closed

Just as happy I was to discover the amazingness of LIC's Brasil Coffee House last year, I was just as sad last week when I saw that it closed. I'm bummed about this, as I thought this coffee house served great brew and delicious Brazilian treats such as Pao de Queijo (cheesy bread)--plus, it was a nice alternative from the run-of-the-mill Starbucks.

I checked their website and there were no updates about the closing so I'm guessing it happened recently. Also curious about its other location in LIC, I called to find the number disconnected. Sounds like they are definitely finito in LIC.

The space is currently empty but I'll keep a close eye to see if anything else pops up in its place. Here's to hoping for another unique coffee house...

Brasil Coffee House - 48-19 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11101
718.729.5969
7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Ave
www.brasilcoffeehouse.com

Goodbye Nebuta

Nebuta, the convenient Japanese take-out joint near the Astoria Blvd subway stop has closed. Although it hadn't made too big of a mark in the neighborhood, it was an easy and inexpensive place to get sushi take-out and other Japanese specialty products. We'll see what replaces it and by the looks of it, a new owner hasn't been found. Holler if you know more about it. And for the time being, there's always Tokyo I.

Nebuta - 29-18 Hoyt Avenue, Astoria, NY 11102
718.204.6778
N/W Train to Astoria Blvd

Zodiac - Closed for Good?

About nine months ago, I mentioned the temporary closing of Zodiac Cafe due to renovation. I've been keeping a close eye on it and I haven't seen any sort of progress, making me wonder if this long-time Astoria staple is closed for good. Investigating further, I called their number and it has been disconnected, raising more red flags. If anyone knows the scoop about this place, please drop me a line. And unless I hear otherwise, I'm going to assume that this place is finito.

Zodiac - 30-15 Newtown Avenue, Astoria, NY 11102
718.726.3995
N/W Train to 30th Avenue

Bar 36 - Is It Closing?

I walked past Bar 36 on Monday and saw sad looking cardboard in the windows. The place looks closed and it appears that it'll remain closed for good. I tried calling them and inquiring but no one picks up. Come to think of it, I haven't seen this place open in a long time, especially on the weekends. Not having a great experience there myself, I can't say that I'm surprised but we'll see what happens - if it'll open under new management or if it'll close altogether. Time will tell...

If you know more, please drop me a note.

Bar 36 - 36-05 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103

718.715.4420

N/W Train to 30th Avenue

www.bar36.com

Go Wasabi Ditmars is No Longer

Some sad news for the Ditmars neighborhood--Go Wasabi on 29th Street and Ditmars is now closed. There's several sad looking notes posted on the windows and the door reporting that they've been closed since April 18th. Looks like Watawa and Sakura will rule this side of the 'hood in terms of sushi.

Although Go Wasabi Ditmars is no longer, its sister restaurant on 30th Avenue is very much alive and kickin'. Check them out for some solid sushi options and enjoy the live Jazz on Friday and Saturday nights.

Go Wasabi - 29-11 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105 - CLOSED

Go Wasabi - 34-02, 30th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11103 - OPEN

718.204.7354

www.gowasabi.com

Island Has Closed - But Not For Good

I discovered some trouble in paradise on my way to Spa Hydra. As I passed the infamous Euro hangout, Island, I noticed a letter taped on its door. Immediately, I became intrigued. Can something be wrong? Lo and behold there was something very wrong--the letter said that due to a conflict with the landlords, Island is now closed. I can't say that I'm sorry to hear it. While the atmosphere was incredible, the clientele and the food was anything but. Island claims that it will reopen soon and encourages patrons to keep their hopes up but I'm not convinced. I know...I know...how completely biased but I can't root for a place that serves overpriced drinks and less than mediocre tasting food. Que sera, sera.

Island - 35-15 36th St. Astoria, NY 11102
718.433.0690
N/W Train to 36th Avenue or R Train to Steinway