Happy Cinco de Mayo Astoria! I hope you're all planning to go out and enjoy the festivities that go along with this cheery holiday. Although Mexican in nature, you don't have to be Mexican to enjoy Cinco, as there are plenty of different ethnic eateries and bars that are joining in the fun. Take a look at my top 10 options here in no particular order.
Mojave - This modern, Southwestern eatery is going all out with a live band, the Gregorio Uribe Trio and a free margarita with your meal. Call for reservations for parties of 6 or more. 22-36 31st Street Astoria. 718.545.4100 Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden - Although their international beer selection is extensive, tomorrow night focuses on Mexican beer. A bucket of Corona, which consists of 6 bottles is only $20. The celebration starts at 5 p.m. 29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria. 718.274.4925
Club 21 - Another popular Eastern European watering hole, they know how to celebrate with 1/2 priced margaritas and discounted tequila shots, which go for as low as $3 a pop. 30-09 21st Street, Astoria. 718.728.0305
Sunswick - I love that Sunswick is kicking it up a notch for Cinco with an entirely different menu and specials on Mexican beers. A big fan of their burgers, I hope these stay on tomorrow's menu! Check back for more details on their Facebook page. 35-02 35th Street, Astoria. 718.752.0620
Ovelia - It's a double hitter over at Ovelia with an extended happy hour until 10 p.m., with sangria and beer and the Rock 'n Ribs Wednesdays menu offering. Make sure you come hungry! 34-01 30th Ave, Astoria. 718.721.7217
Testaccio - Although it's a restaurant, Testaccio has a great bar in front and drink specials will certainly be in place. Assorted Coronitas will be served in buckets (5 for $10) and there will be specials on tequila. And while you're there, don't miss out on a delicious stone oven pizza with a crunchy crust. 47-30 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City. 718.937.2900
Yolo - This very subway accessible bar is featuring wallet-friendly drink specials including $5 sangria and Corona and $6 margaritas and tequila drinks. 22-55 31st street, Astoria. 718.777.1177
The Creek and Cave - Check out this LIC eatery for a Tecate + shot special for $4 as well as $5 margaritas all day. They'll also have a comedy line-up starting at 8 p.m., so you can get your drink and your laugh on too. 10-93 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City. 718.706.8783
Sparrow - I love this laid-back speakeasy bar, which will no doubt be a good time for tomorrow night. They'll feature margarita specials and maybe some beer specials too. Details are still sketchy so stay tuned or give them a shout for more info. 24-01 29th Street, Astoria, NY 11102. 718.606.2260
La Vuelta - Although they're not running any specials tomorrow, La Vuelta is a Latin inspired bistro so I encourage you to get your sangria, margarita or empanada fix here. All their chicken dishes are delicious but I would skip the paella. 10-43 44th Drive, Long Island City. 718.361.1858
La Vuelta - 10-43 44th Drive, Long Island City NY 11101718.361.18587 Train to 45th Road/Courthouse Square or E/V Train to 23rd/Ely Avenuehttp://www.lavueltabistro.com/I've been hearing a lot about La Vuelta, a small Latin Bistro in LIC, which has been around for a couple of years. A group of us including my brother Peter, cousin Vicky, Eric, Dan and I ventured over there after an evening at Dutch Kills.
Atmosphere:
Simple is the theme here and while there isn't much to look at, it feels comfortable and lived in. I like the exposed brick walls, which make the space feel cozy, as well as the sparse Latin art on the walls.
Despite the welcoming interior, we headed straight to the outdoor garden, as it was a lovely, warm night out. The outdoor area was charming, nice and spacious with about 10 sizeable tables for small-medium groups. I liked that it was somewhat quiet, and that we didn't have trouble hearing ourselves talk, which could sometimes be a problem in small outdoor areas.
Food:
The menu at Vuelta offers a mix of Latin flavors with a plethora of chicken dishes--a food, which they excel in. Everyone ordered it except for me, and I had food envy after my underwhelming choice of paella.
Mixed Empanada Platter - This was a great choice for a group, as we all got to have our fair share of almost every empanada flavor. My favorite was the pulled pork, with smoky BBQ sauce and onion. The pastry crust on all of these was crunchy and flaky, albeit a little greasy. Both of our dipping sauces of pico de gallo and guacamole were delicious, my preference lying a bit more with the guac.
Tostones - Vicky and Eric ordered a side of tostones (twice fried plantains) for an appetizer. I got to sample a couple and loved them--crunchy, salty and accompanied by an aromatic garlic sauce, it was a nice way to start a meal. I'd also recommend eating them as a side dish with chicken or any kind of protein.
Seafood Paella - Judging by the way this meal was going, I was expecting excellence. However, I was sadly disappointed by the flavors in this dish. I think the main problem had to do with the quality of seafood--it just wasn't great and had a fishy smell and aftertaste. The mussels were especially unacceptable (limp and meatless), whereas the shrimp was just OK. Luckily, the rice was enjoyable but I had to pick around the seafood. Blah!
Chicken - Dan, Vicky, Eric and Peter all ordered chicken dishes. Vicky and Eric shared a whole roasted chicken on the bone and Dan got his own half portion. Both were hearty, flavorful and super juicy. You could tell that chicken is Vuelta's specialty and I'd order it next time around versus any type of seafood. Peter's grilled seasoned chicken was also tasty, although slightly on the dry side (probably because it was boneless).
Service and Cost:
Our waitress was friendly but a touch absent-minded. She messed up our drink order, although to our advantage (she gave us extra beer by accident) and was a little quirky. No harm though, as our dishes arrived in good time and we didn't feel neglected sitting in the outdoor garden.
You won't be dishing out the big bucks at La Vuelta. Appetizers range between $5-$18, entrees fall in the $6-$22.50 range and sides typically cost between $2-$4.50. Sangria is a good deal at $20 for a large-ish pitcher.
2 Mmmms
Cinco de Mayo is here (tomorrow) and although the weather might not cooperate, the neighborhood restaurants and bars are breaking out all sorts of good specials that are worth checking out.
Specials
Mojave - Live music will get things started along with a complimentary first round of margaritas or sangritas with dinner. 22-36 31st Street, Astoria NY 11105. 718.545.4100Margaritaville - The casual Mexican eatery will feature $4 shots of tequila, $20 buckets of beer (any beer) but the food offering won't vary from the everyday menu. 38-01 Broadway, Astoria NY 11103. 718.777.1707
Luna de Juarez - This boisterous Mexican cafe will host a party with live music, giveaways and 2-for-1 drinks for happy hour from 5pm - 8pm. 25-98 Steinway St, Astoria NY 11103. 718.274.4350La Vuelta - LIC's Latin bistro will turn it up for tomorrow's holiday with $5 margaritas, $3 tequila shots and their scrumptious-sounding and gently priced grub. 10-43 44th Drive, Long Island City, NY 11101. 718.361.1858Blackbird's - It's all about the drinks with tequila shots, margaritas and mojitos on special for $6. The food is just OK but the atmosphere is friendly and comfortable, a good place to grab a drink. 41-19 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103. 718.943.6899
Ovelia - Although far from Latin, they'll have Mexican menu items tomorrow and will offer $4 Negra Modelo and Corona beer, $5 sangria, margaritas and tequila shots. 34-01 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103. 718.721.7217
Gleason's - The newly opened bar on Broadway boasts a $3 tequila and Corona special. It's a good opportunity to check out their new diggs. 33-08 Broadway, Astoria NY 11106. 718.626.5393Business as Usual but Still NoteworthyEl Boqueron - Although the menu and the drinks will be the same as usual, they make a mean sangria (pictured above). If you're looking for a quieter, tamer Cinco de Mayo, you'll find it here. 31-01 34th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11106. 718.956.0107Los Amigos - One of the more authentic Mexican restaurants in Astoria, it's good but not fancy. The food and drinks are already cheap, so there's no break in price. I do think that it's worth a visit. 22-73 31st Street, Astoria, NY 11105. 718.726.8708Mundo - This cozy fusion restaurant will feature a shrimp casserole tomorrow and serve their yummy sangria, priced as usual. 31-18 Broadway #E, Astoria. 718.777.2829
Enjoy celebrating!
