Jason D Antos, Author at Give Me Astoria

Photo/Queens Historical Society The Queensboro Bridge photographed in 1912 from Queens Plaza looking west into Manhattan.

Where to begin? It’s known to many as the 59th Street Bridge and known to very few as the East River Bridge; almost no one refers to it as the Ed Koch Memorial Bridge and practically no one even remembers it as the Blackwell’s Island Bridge. Well, this year marks the 112th anniversary of a…

Enjoying the Flavors of Mexican Cuisine Since the late 1990s, the Mexican community has found a home in Astoria, joining the extended family of Greek, German, Italian and Middle Eastern cultures who also call the area “home.” The focus here is on sizzling pollo, spicy carne and plates filled with colorful vegetables, a splash of lime…

“See Queens and see the world!” No motto better describes the amazing diversity that we as a community get to enjoy, and which also makes us the envy of the other boroughs. Italian, Mexican, Greek, Chinese, the list goes on and on – whatever type of food you’re craving is just a brief walk or car ride away.

When one looks at the visual history of Queens, the changes that have occurred over the past 120 years can sometimes be absolutely striking. Where farmland and swamps once sat now stand heavily populated communities and multi-lane highways.

In walking through the streets of Astoria, one experiences far more than just a neighborhood; you walk through different cultures from around the globe and sometimes, you journey through time itself.

While we all figure out how to navigate this holiday in these unprecedented times, it may interest some to know that Astoria has already had its fair share of particularly memorable Valentine’s Days

It’s February, folks, and love is in the air! And, due to continued social distancing regulations, out in the open air is exactly where most people will be this Valentine’s Day. Lucky for you, Astoria is home to a multitude of great romantic locales for couples to enjoy. Here are a few of our favorite…

One of the neighborhood’s many highlights is its diverse selection of restaurants, all of which offer the best in alcoholic beverages. Ranging from imported beers to locally brewed, to old time favorites or the most exotic concoctions, you can find libations fit for every palate. But where did locals go to get their drink on more than 150 years ago? The options were not as plentiful as they are today, but the history of Astoria’s original local watering hole provides more colorful commentary.