This quiet place at the corner of Steinway and Ditmars is like visiting your old friends family. The place is quiet, clean and has not changed in quite a few years, and it does not need to.\r
\r
Peggy, our server, is a smart cookie, and damned funny. After three visits, she knew us by name and even remembered what we were going to order. Service is not slow, but relaxed, and makes the hours more enjoyable. Make a night of it.\r
\r
Order a carafe of the house white wine and settle in to comfy chairs in a dark well decorated room. Visit the upstairs rest room and, well, it's like visiting your old aunts house, you wonder about the stories and the past guests.\r
\r
The menu may look faded, but the food is not. Surprises wait at every turn, and you know each dish is made just for you.\r
\r
The food is neighborhood classic Italian, with many surprises tossed in. The tomato salad with mozzerella and pesto is divine. Try the escargot and snapper (warning the waiter specials are pricey).\r
\r
Dinner for four is less than $125.00 (with 2 carafes of wine)\r
\r
This is as old Astoria as you can get. Older diners are always seen here, cause they know a great value and great food, and know how to honor a local tradition.\r
\r
For a mothers birthday, a first date, or a quirky look to the past world of Astoria with friends, this is the place to go.\r
\r
Eurotrash alert. Many come here to dine and think it is OK to blab on their cell phones. Peggy puts a stop to that.\r
\r
Pros: Value, service
Cons: It's dark
more