The first annual Astoria Restaurant Week just came to a close, and it was a huge success. More than 2,500 Astorians signed up for foodie passes and came out to try their favorites and sample new spots.

Nearly 50 restaurants participated, including locally loved places like MexiBBQ, Pachanga Patterson, Bear, The Sparrow Tavern and more.

David Paxton – the man behind Astoria Restauarant Week – excitedly shared his feelings about the event. “It’s the first time we did it, and all of us at Triangulum Services are beyond pleased with how everything turned out. When we realized there wasn’t a high quality restaurant week in a neighborhood with such a diverse collection of places to eat, we decided we had to do something.”

From the get go, Astorians were all for it. More than 400 residents came out to the sold out launch party at Alma Bank, and David tells us the best part of the entire event was when Chris from Astoria Distilling told him, “This event was worth my time.” David says, “I knew exactly what he meant. I’ve been to so many events that I just didn’t want to be at, and to be told the launch party was something that was truly being enjoyed was amazing.”

As for plans for the future, David tells us Astoria Restaurant Week 2015 is already in the works – with many restaurants that missed out the first time already on board for next year. Eat In NY, the group that encompasses the restaurant week, also have plans for different neighborhoods – so there’s a possibility of some other special weeks across Queens for us to enjoy!

If you didn’t get to make it out to Astoria Restaurant Week – we’re going to tease you with some amazing pictures of the food that residents got to enjoy: