St. Patty's Day in Astoria - Drink Beer, Eat Cabbage!

Tomorrow's St. Patty's Day promises to be a fun celebration in the neighborhood, as many Irish and non-Irish bars/restaurants are having a multitude of specials. Check them out for both drinks and Irish-style grub.

Dillinger's Pub and Grill - Although their menu isn't final yet, they'll serve traditional dishes such as corned beef, shepherd's pie and even fish and chips. Drinks will be priced as usual. 46-19 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103. 718.267.0900

Il Bambino - Don't be fooled by its Italian-sounding name, the owners of this great paninoteca are actually Irish. They'll feature a special cabbage and corned beef soup to celebrate St. Patty's Day. 34-08 31st Avenue, Astoria, NY 11106. 718.626.0087

Blackbird's - The partying will start at noon and won't be over until late into the evening. They'll serve complimentary corned beef sandwiches from 1pm - 7pm and a plethora of drink specials such as $4 Guiness pints, $3 Bud Light and green beer pints as well as Irish whiskey shots for $4. 41-19 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103. 718.943.6899

The Quays Pub - A quaint Irish pub on 30th Avenue, they'll offer authentic Irish music, $2 pints of Coors Light and Irish food such as bacon, cabbage and potatoes. 45-02 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11102. 718.204.8864

Cronin and Phelan - Although the drinks will be priced regularly, they're featuring a special Celtic menu with all the irresistibles such as Irish lamb stew, corned beef on rye, shepherd's pie and much more. 38-14 Broadway, Astoria NY 11103. 718.545.8999

Sunswick - Lots of partying will be going on here til late evening hours with Irish dishes such as shepherd's pie, cabbage and cheap beers. 35-02 35th Street Astoria, NY 11106. 718.752.0620

Irish Rover - Who would've thought that with a name like that, there would be absolutely no specials going on here. They didn't seem happy to speak to me so I guess that it won't be a Happy St. Patty's Day for them. Try it if you're still so inclined. 37-18 28th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103. 718.278.9372

Stove - Known for delicious Irish grub, you could always hit this place up for killer fish and chips and shepherd's pie. Not sure yet if there will be drink specials but like any good Irish establishment, they serve Guiness. 45-17 28th Ave, Astoria, NY 11103. 718.956.0372

Beer Garden - Although far from Irish, the Beer Garden will be celebrating St. Patty's Day with $3 beers, shot specials and green beer. Nazdravie! 29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria NY 11102. 718.274.4925

Fatty's - Again, not an Irish establishment but they'll serve Jameson and Guiness at $5 a pop. Enjoy their yummy grub while there - it's not Irish but it's still delicious. 25-01 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105. 718.267.7071

Happy St. Patty's Day Astoria!

Astorian Father's Day

Father's Day (this Sunday) seemed to creep up on us this year. I reached out to local eateries to see if they've got something special cookin', but it looks like they've been caught by surprise too. No real specials to report and for the most part, restaurants are doing business as usual, which isn't a bad thing. Why fix it when it ain't broke, right?

Below are my suggestions for celebrating Father's Day the Astorian way.

Christos Steakhouse - Treat Dad to a great classic steak dinner or lunch. Their meat and seafood are top quality and I'd suggest trying the Clams Casino and the Steak au Poivre. They're opening shop three hours earlier on Sunday in honor of Father's Day. 41-08 23rd Avenue, Astoria, NY 11105. 718.777.8400

Piccola Venezia - This Northern Italian eatery will be serving their regular menu on Sunday. Expect a lot of homemade pasta and interesting combinations such as pumpkin in brandy cream sauce. It's on the expensive side so count on dishing out some bucks. 42-01 28th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11103. 718.721.8470

Locale - Again, serving their regular menu, they'll be open from 11a-4p for some fabulous brunch. Dinner service starts at 5p, and I'd recommend trying the Gnocchi Sorrentina. 33-02 34th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11106. 718.729.9080

Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden - The Euro Cup is on this weekend and you can catch coverage right here. Just a warning, it gets way crowded so get there early. And while you're at it, treat Dad to a yummy burger or a kielbasa from their outdoor grill. 29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11102. 718.274.4925

Zenon Taverna - This affordable and homey Greek spot doesn't disappoint. For Father's Day, they'll be serving specials such as spring lamb the old fashioned way, rabbit stew, Greek lasagna and fried meatballs. Stop in and see what the hoopla is about. 34-10 31st Avenue, Astoria, NY 11106. 718.956.0133

Taverna Kyklades - Although the menu is the same as usual, get here early to grab a spot--this place is notorious for lines so be prepared. The seafood is supposed to be out of this world and one of the best in Astoria. 33-07 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105. 718.545.8666

Elias Corner - Another rustic, Greek fish place, this one's definitely masculine and something that Dad would enjoy. Have him pick out a fresh fish for his entree, which he can enjoy on the outside terrace. 24-02 31st St, Astoria, NY 11102. 718.932.1510

Stove - A classic comfort food restaurant that serves Dad-friendly fare such as French Onion Soup (pictured above) and hearty fish and chips. Their outdoor garden is a perfect setting to enjoy a cold one with Dad. 45-17 28th Avenue, Astoria, NY, 11103. 718.956.0372

Happy Father's Day Astoria!