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Best Brunch in Astoria, NY

Best Brunch in Astoria, NY

Brunch is popping in Astoria like never before!

It seems as though new restaurants and bars are opening every week or so, and they are trying to outdo each other with enticing bottomless brunch deals and creative spins on classic brunch favorites.

Within a short walk from their apartment, Astoria residents can find any type of brunch that they desire, from Italian-style baked eggs with tomato sauce and vegetarian dishes to an old-school, hearty Diner breakfast complete with eggs, toast, a mound of home fries and a never-ending cup of coffee.

With so many different options to choose from, there's no need to head over to Manhattan to do weekend brunch. Skip the train ride, (you already do enough commuting during the week), stay close to home, kick back and relax with your friends and neighbors.

Here are just a few of the many intriguing brunch options that our neighborhood has to offer.

Katch - Astoria

A unique blend of sports bar and gastropub, Katch has over 2,000 square feet of fun. It is, by far, one of the largest sports bars in all of Queens.

Located just steps from the 31st street and 30th avenue N and W station, Katch features a magnificent 40-foot bar with over 50 beers on tap and more HD-TV's than you can count!

Cheer on your favorite team from the bar area or one of their plush banquettes and high-top tables. The action never stops at Katch!

Tucked away in the back, there's also a newly renovated 2,500-foot outdoor beer garden that is used year-round for parties and special events. You can chill out here even during the coldest days because this premium space is enclosed and heated during the Winter.

But, aside from the spectacular ambiance, delicious food, beer and craft cocktails, perhaps the nicest thing about Katch are your hosts, the McSorley family.

William and Roseann McSorley, together with their daughter Catherine, are down to earth, very friendly and they genuinely care about their customers.

Hands-on owners, you will find at least one member of the family on the premises at all times, making sure that things are running smoothly. The staff reflects the McSorley's belief that the customer comes first.

 

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Katch is not just a business investment for the McSorleys. It is a labor of love.

Never content to rest on their laurels, the family is constantly working with their culinary team and mixologists to shake things up, both in the kitchen and behind the bar.

Katch's recently upgraded brunch menu now features a selection of cocktails that are more than reasonably priced at only eight dollars.

With the purchase of any brunch entree, you can also go bottomless for an additional $18. This option entitles you to ninety minutes of unlimited Mimosas, Proseccos, Bellinis, Red Sangria, Margaritas or the beer of the day.

Now, that is one cool way to spend some quality time putting the stress of your workweek way behind you.

Heading up the Katch brunch menu is their fabulous Brunch Burger. Served with herb-roasted home fries and baby farm greens this juicy burger is topped with cheddar cheese, an over-easy egg, applewood smoked bacon and a dollop of chorizo aioli.

The Steak and Eggs platter is a cut above what you'll find on the menu of most other establishments. Succulent, perfectly seared slices of NY Strip are dressed up in a lemon and herb butter sauce. The steak is paired with home fries and greens for a filling and well-balanced repast.

Chili-infused olive oil and house-made kale pesto lend a mild but zesty kick to the chef's Avocado Toast. Two poached eggs, alfalfa sprouts and slices of avocado complete the deal which is served atop a thick slice of 7-grain bread.

If you can't decide just when would be a good time to visit the McSorleys and Katch, the answer is simple; try them out for date night, after-work happy hour and, of course, weekend brunch!

Location and Hours

31-19 Newtown Avenue

Astoria N.Y. 11102

(718) 777-2230

www.katchastoria.com

Hours:

Monday to Thursday : 5 PM to 1 AM

Friday : 3 PM to 3 AM

Saturday: 11:30 AM to 3 AM

Sunday: 11:30 AM to 1 AM

Sugar Freak - Astoria

If you're so over the tried and true brunch fare like Eggs Benedict, plain pancakes and scrambled skillets, then you just might want to reserve a table at Sugar Freak.

When it comes to cuisine and ambiance, this proudly eccentric restaurant is as different as it gets!

Sugar Freak brings you authentic creole cooking in the heart of Astoria. But once you step through the doors here, you'll feel as though you've magically been transported to the Big Easy.

Intriguing eye candy can be found throughout the main dining room, from a stuffed alligator lurking near the bar and a vintage Coca-Cola refrigerator case to antique mirrors, caricatures of roosters decorating the walls and, well, you get the idea.

Oh yes, you won't want to miss the centerpiece; a striking chandelier that is in the shape of the Fleur-de-Lis, (Lily), which is the emblem of the city of New Orleans as well as French Royalty.

But, this isn't a home decor show on HGTV. You're here to indulge in brunch. And what a spectacular brunch menu they have waiting for you!

 

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One of the kitchen's most popular dishes is the Jambalaya and Eggs which consists of a trio of eggs, (any style), seasoned rice with chunks of chicken and Andouille sausage. The whole shebang is topped with a spicy tomato gravy that is unworldly.

Other must-try dishes include the Shrimp Creole and Cheesy grits and the Breakfast Muffuletta Sandwich which is stuffed with scrambled eggs and layer upon layer of Genoa salami, ham, mozzarella, provolone and Sugar Freak's signature olive spread.

If you simply can't stay away from eggs Benny; no worries, Sugar Freak has got you covered with several Creole versions of the timeless classic, the best of which is the Beignet Benedict. Your house-made Beignet is topped with praline bacon, Hollandaise sauce and a poached egg.

Another dish that you'll want to look into is the unbelievable Banana Cake Pancakes. It doesn't get any better than pancakes that are whipped up with banana pudding and Nilla Wafer frosting.

Be sure to take advantage of their $22.95 boozy brunch which entitles you to an hour and a half of unlimited Sparkling Hurricanes, (the signature drink of New Orleans), a Kir Royale, Sparkling Swamp Juice, Sugar-Honey Iced tea and, for the less adventurous, Mimosas and Bloody Marys.

No doubt, a good time will be had by all! That's the way they do things in Louisiana.

Location and Hours

37-11 30th Avenue

Astoria, N.Y.11103

(718) 606-1900

www.sugarfreak.com

Hours :

Monday to Thursday 5 PM to 10:30 PM

Friday : Brunch : 11 AM to 4 PM / Dinner : 4 PM to 11 PM

Saturday : Brunch: 11 AM to 4 PM / Dinner : 4 PM to 11 PM

Sunday : Brunch: 11 AM to 4 PM / Dinner : 4 PM to 10:30 PM

The Shady Lady - Astoria

Despite its name, there's really nothing all that mysterious about this restaurant that is located on Astoria's bustling 30th Avenue, our neighborhood's nod to Manhattan's legendary Restaurant Row.

Everything is rather straightforward and that's as it should be! The ambiance is cool, the portions generous and the drinks are just what you need for that weekend wake-up call! You won't find anything being watered-down at this establishment.

The vibe is hip but understated. You won't need a million bucks or a secret password to eat or drink here. The Shady Lady is the perfect place to let your hair down and enjoy some time with friends, especially over their fabulous brunch.

Perhaps, the only drawback is that this lovely restaurant is a wee bit on the small side. So, get there as early as possible if you're doing brunch. The good news is, though, that with the advent of Spring, you can look forward to some very nice outdoor seating.

The kitchen offers up a menu that is both unique and comforting. The culinary team here specializes in putting their own inventive twist on classic brunch staples such as pancakes, waffles and eggs.

For example, they serve pancakes in several different ways; all of them being perfectly delicious.

You can blend sweetly with savory when you order the chocolate chip, bacon and banana stack drizzled with caramel syrup.

The Banana Cream Pancakes are topped with Nutella, fresh strawberries and whipped cream.

 

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But, it IS the weekend, after all, so why not go all out and order The Boss? This monstrosity consists of a huge pancake waffle that's topped with American cheese-infused scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage gravy and maple syrup.

Aside from the flapjacks, there's a lot to like about the menu at the Shady Lady.

The Shady French Toast is like nothing you've ever eaten before. A richly battered croissant is covered with mixed berries, a delicate and tasty white zinfandel syrup and fresh whipped cream.

Heartier temptations include a delightfully filling smoked salmon Benedict and home-made corned beef hash on an English Muffin that is drenched in Hollandaise sauce.

The signature brunch dish, however, is Fried Chicken Gone Wild. And this dish certainly lives up to its' billing!

You'll enjoy a nice portion of boneless chicken together with bacon and cheddar cheese. If that wasn't enough, it's accompanied by white sausage gravy that fills every nook and cranny of a flaky made from scratch biscuit.

On Saturday and Sunday, The Shady Lady is offering a ninety-minute $30 bottomless Brunch. Toast the weekend and the love of your life with endless glasses of Mimosas, Bloody Marys, Bellinis or house-made sangria.

At the Shady Lady, you've got it made in the shade when it comes to the simple things in life, especially brunch.

Location and Hours

34-19 30th Avenue

Astoria N.Y. 11103

www.theshadylady30thave.com

Hours :

Monday to Thursday: 5 PM to 1 AM

Friday: 11 AM to 2 AM

Saturday: 10 AM to 2 AM

Sunday: 10 AM to 1 AM

Nino's AQ - Astoria

Having just celebrated their first anniversary, Nino's AQ has firmly established itself as the place to be for date night,after-work happy hour and Sunday dinner for the family.

In fact, owners Michael and Franco Vendome are proud to call Nino's AQ a family restaurant without any pretension.

The brothers Vendome brings a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry to their Ditmars Blvd. venture. The duo is also the team behind Nino's 46 in Mid-Town Manhattan, a restaurant that their mom and dad opened back in the eighties.

In Astoria, the Vendomes have neatly divided up their duties, with Michael handling the front of the house as well as curating a sensational cocktail and wine program, while chef Franco leads the kitchen brigade.

The decor is sophisticated yet cozy with photos of generations of the Vendome family lining the walls.

At Nino's AQ, your wish is their command. The menu features everything from artisanal pizza and old-school Italian favorites like pasta and veal parm to gluten-free options.

 

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Brunch, however, has been catching on big-time and with good reason. Chef Franco's kitchen provides dishes that reflect his creative personality; creations that you won't find anywhere else.

Take their personal brunch pizza, for example. The Everything Bagel Pizza is made with whipped chive Mascarpone cheese, everything bagel seasoning and smoked salmon. Warning; this pie is highly addictive. You'll want to order it every time you come here.

Nino's AQ brunch menu features a plate of lemon ricotta pancakes that are sure to hit your sweet spot, as well as Tuscan Baked Eggs and an Egg White Frittata that is packed with kale, smashed avocado, Eckerton Farms tomatoes and Ricotta Salata.

Just about every restaurant now has fried chicken on their menu. But how many brunch spots can boast that their Fried chicken and "grits" dish has stone-ground polenta and

pink peppercorn maple syrup? That's the Nino's AQ difference!

As we all know, the ultimate brunch experience includes an adult beverage or two. The bartenders at Nino's AQ shake and stir a great cocktail; one that will get your weekend off to a fantastic start.

And, get this, all brunch specialty cocktails come in at only ten dollars!

Light and thirst-quenching are the Alba, a libation that consists of two simple but delicious ingredients, Campari and frothy whipped orange juice.

Another libation that works wonders on your morning mood is the refreshing AQ Spritz, a sublime concoction that's conjured up with a blend of Tito's Vodka, Prosecco and house-made grapefruit syrup.

You'll also enjoy the Bergdorf Lunch, a crisp and fruit-forward cocktail that is made with fresh apples, Pisco and St. Germain.

Location and Hours

35-01 Ditmars Blvd.

Astoria N.Y. 11105

(718) 777-0010

www.ninosaq.com

Hours:

Monday and Tuesday: 4 PM to 10:30 PM

Wednesday and Thursday: 12 PM to 10:30 PM

Friday : 12 PM to 11:30 PM

Saturday: 11 AM to 11:30 PM

Sunday 11 AM to 10:30 PM

Sek'end Sun - Astoria

In a relatively short amount of time, Sek'end Sun has made a major impact on the Astoria bar scene.

From the friendly owners and staff to the amazing ambiance, this place has a ton of personality. Most pubs and bars like to say that they are "your home away from home", but in the case of Sek'end Sun, this tired old cliche' rings perfectly true.

As with any sports team or brand, success starts from the top. You have got to have a concept and philosophy that works for the customer.

Sek'end Sun's founders, Derrek Vernon and Jay Zimmerman, who just happen to be a pair of second sons, (hence the bar's name), have got that knack for making people happy. You could say that they are natural-born hosts.

It's not a stretch at all to view Sek'end Sun as an extension of their living room.

After launching Ba'sik in Brooklyn's Williamsburg neighborhood, Derrek and Jay decided to bring their own brand of bar keeping to the lively environs of Astoria.

The energy that Sek'end Sun generates is a great fit for the area. Locals have embraced the bar and there is always something interesting going on.

Monday features an all-night happy hour and on Tuesdays, from 5 PM to 11 PM you can enjoy a $10 burger and beer special. Wine Down Wednesdays offer glasses of red or white wine for a mere six bucks while Thursday is dedicated to the hard-working folks in the service industry. Service pros can get 20% off their tab after 8 PM.

There is a very nice $20 prix-fixe menu on offer every Friday and on Sundays, you'll be treated to live music. So, gather up your friends and family, get your respective schedules in sync and plan to come here as often as you can!

 

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The decor lends a touch of mystery and whimsy to the proceedings. The room is outfitted with exposed brick, reclaimed wood and all manner of art-deco fixtures and chimerical detailing. Guaranteed, you won't be bored. Just sit back in one of their comfy banquettes and soak it all in.

And, in the Summer, please don't forget to check out the secluded backyard, whose center of attraction is a neon sign that proudly spells out the borough we all love, QUEENS.

The personable owners and their team have got a brunch going on that is second to none. Take a break from your usual weekend brunch go-to and give Sek'end Sun a try. You won't regret it!

The good vibes start with, what else, but a cocktail. During weekend brunch you can add a Bloody Mary or Mimosa, plus coffee, to your entree selection for only $5! That is brunch the way it should be!

Served from 11 AM to 4 PM on weekends, Sek'end Sun's brunch menu contains a nice variety of dishes, ranging from Belgian Waffles and Biscuits with Gravy to their signature breakfast sandwich, eggs and cheddar cheese on a warm pretzel roll accompanied by home fried red potatoes and an arugula salad.

The kitchen turns out an absolutely superb Challah French Toast, which you may order several different ways.

Enjoy your fluffy toast with syrup and butter, topped with a pear and cinnamon compote or with eggs, bacon ham or sausage. It's your choice so live it up.

Should you not be feeling a Bloody Mary or Mimosa on that particular day, there's no need to fret. The bar has got you covered with an array of delectable a la carte cocktails including The Staycation, a mix of vodka, cucumber, lemon juice, fresh-squeezed pineapple juice and a dash of sugar.

The very romantic and refreshing My Cherie is a blend of rye, cherry juice, fernet, lemon juice and ginger.

The section of Broadway, from Steinway Street to Crescent, has become the home of an ever-growing community of uber-talented chefs and mixologists. But few stars shine quite as brightly, as Sek'end Sun.

Location and Hours

32-11 Broadway

Astoria N.Y. 11106

(917) 832-6414

www.sekendsun.com

Hours:

Monday to Thursday 5 PM to 2 AM

Friday 5 PM to 4 AM

Saturday 11 AM to 4 AM

Sunday 11 AM to 2 AM

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