Trattoria L’incontro

Astoria’s 5-star reviews: 1/12-1/19

Congrats to everyone who got Yelp’s highest honor this week!

In this edition: The Thirsty Koala continues to get some serious Yelp love, though they got only SIX 5-star reviews, down from 10 last week. Step it up, Australians!* … One of my favorite tweeps—Sac’s Place—gets kudos for their bacon and pepperoni cheese pizza … Jason T. from Berkeley offers a tip on how best to navigate the Museum of Moving Images … And check out the newest slew of “bests,” including: Best almond pound cake: Artopolis • Best Syrian bakery:  Al-Sham Sweets & Pastries • Best music you’ll get in NYC without a cover: Jimbo’s Bar • “Hands down the best restaurant in Astoria…” Read on for THAT!—and more. —Tracy Infield

* Just kidding, mates! Glad to see you’re still getting lots of good attention.

The Jumping Bulldog 28-10 23rd Ave “The Jumping Bulldog is the best place in Astoria to get your dogs groomed. Very nice staff and you do not need to leave your dogs there for too long to get the job done.”—Michael F., Astoria, NY

The Quays Pub 45-02 30^th Ave “This place has charm. The drinks are cheap, the bartender is super cute, it’s a cozy little pub full of local Astorians—I want to become a ‘regular.’”—Danielle P., Astoria, NY (1/13/13)

TWO 5-star reviews for Mezze Place 31-18 Broadway 32nd St, including this one: “We had the hummus, the babaghanoush and the labaneh dips, the red lentil kofte, the Cyprus halloumi salad, the octopus, the steak, and the Moroccan tagine. Each dish was more delicious than the next…”—jill f., Astoria, NY (1/12/13)

Sac’s Place 25-41 Broadway “Went to this place to get some pizza and it was REALLY good. Especially the bacon and pepperoni cheese pizza…”—Courtney G., Astoria, NY (1/16/13)

THREE 5-star reviews for Seva 30-07 34th St “Day after: the leftovers are extraordinarily good” … “This is by far the best Indian food I’ve eaten in New York” … “A bit better for delivery than take out, decent dining room but small.”

FOUR 5-star reviews for Trattoria L’incontro 21-76 31st St, including this one: “Trattoria L’incontro is definitely better than ‘yay, I’m a fan!’ but I’m not sure that it’s ‘as good as it gets.’ But I’ll round up purely because of the excellent service. And when I say excellent, I mean EXCELLENT…”—Lily C., Los Angeles, CA (1/15/13)

Savory Cafe 36-02 36th Ave “Everything is sinfully good. I guess I will forget about my diet … Welcome to queens.”—yuva t., Brooklyn, NY (1/12/13)

Agnanti 19-06 Ditmars “Service is excellent and prompt. 
The food is to die for!  … Decor is, well I don’t get it, but I’m working w/ a public school education…”—Gus P., Murray Hill, Manhattan, NY (1/14/13)

Brazilian Waxing Center 37-11 35th Ave “Yes it was painful as hell, I think more painful than actually giving birth to my 2nd son… but Corina was so professional and had a very calming effect so it was really a pleasant visit overall.”—Jenn S., Manhattan, NY (1/13/13)

THREE 5-star reviews for Museum of the Moving Image 36-01 35th Ave, including this one: “The third floor is where 90% of the interactive exhibits are. You can dub your voice over a movie character, create a stop motion video, and more… Rush through the second floor or skip to the third floor if you’re short on time.”—Jason T., Berkeley, CA (1/14/13)

Artopolis 23-18 31st St “Artopolis’s vasilopita (almond pound cake) was to die for! It was so delicious, soft and tender. It was the best almond pound cake I have ever eaten in my entire life.”—Sandra S., Brooklyn, NY (1/16/13)

TWO 5-star reviews for Al-Sham Sweets & Pastries 24-39 Steinway: “Great prices, friendly staff, and the best baklava I have ever had. Hands down. If you like pistachio flavored anything—go here.”—Hayley E., Astoria, NY (1/17/13) “The best Syrian bakery ever. O.M.G. Amazing baklava and pastries. This place rocks.”—Andrew G., Farmingdale, NY (1/16/14)

Jimbo’s Bar 30-05 Astoria Blvd “A little suspicious of non-Greek ‘skippies’ new to the neighborhood, but inside these doors there’s great music and nice vibe as bikinied women bartenders from S. America serve mostly men or couples, often from Greece or regions nearby. Lotta fun but don’t mess around. Some of the best music you’ll get in NYC without a cover!”—John C., Astoria, NY

Stove “45-17 28th Ave “With the unassuming vibe and friendly yet deeply professional stuff on top of the perfectly prepared dishes, this is hands down the best restaurant in Astoria.”—Kazuki K., Astoria, NY (1/19/13)

Via Trenta Osteria and Wine Bar 36-19 30th Ave “This venue is INCREDIBLE!…The atmosphere is great: romantic, cozy, exposed brick wall, candle lighting, perfect date spot.”—Dana V., Astoria, NY

SIX 5-star reviews for The Thirsty Koala. 35-12 Ditmars, including this one: “Went to the Thirsty Koala in Astoria tonight. Group of 25 for my fathers 80th birthday party… Here is the kicker. Dad craved penne with vodka sauce  for his birthday and staff ran out to get ingredients and walla’  he had his wish.  i still cant believe it. Service was wonderful and with a smile. I can’t wait to go back with friends.”—Vin R., Syosset, NY (1/16/13)

More 5-star reviews: TWO 5-star reviews for Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company 35-05 Broadway • Astoria Lily’s Nail 32-01 31^st Ave • Marthas Country Bakery 36-21 Ditmars • Sanfords 30-13 Broadway • Grace Hair & Nail Salon 40-14 Astoria Blvd Ste B • TWO 5-star reviews for Esthetic Appeal Skin Care 32-07 31st Ave • Golden Kitchen 29-21 Astoria Blvd • FOUR 5-star reviews: Il Bambino Panini  34-08 31st Ave • The Queens Kickshaw 40-17 Broadway

Astoria’s 5-star reviews: 12/8-12/15

Congratulations to the Astoria business that got Yelp’s highest honor this week. 

In this edition: Steve from Astoria recommends a pasta dish at Christos Steak House; Isabella says The Bagel House makes a mean Philly cheese steak; and Sara confirms that “the wait was worth it” at Taverna Kyclades.  Leli’s Bakery continues to be a big hit (5-star reviews every week since they made their debut); Bear continues to win over Queens-phobic food lovers; and David S. ditches the big chains in favor of a small pharmacy on 30th Ave. —Tracy Infield

Bear Restaurant & Bar 12-14 31st Ave “This is really a destination restaurant… very much worth the trip over the Queensboro 
Bridge. We have now been there 4 times and have forced Queens-phobic friends to join us. Everyone flips for Chef Natasha’s creative American cuisine with a Russian accent. Last night we shared a bowl of Ukrainian borscht served with brown bread, a garlic clove and a shot of vodka. We then shared veal dumplings and Russian schnitzel.”—Spence H., New York NY (12/8/12)

BZ Grill  27-02 Astoria Blvd “You have to try the pork gyro. I usually prefer chicken to pork, but the pork here is way better than the chicken. It is scraped fresh off the rotating thing and is juicy and amazing. There is a sign out front that says #1 gyro in NYC and it’s not a lie. I think it was rated #1 by the NY Times.”—Sara C., Astoria (12/8/12)

Basil Brick Oven Pizza 28-17 Astoria Blvd “The thing that stood out most to me was the exceptional service we recieved. The entire staff at the restaurant was friendly and welcoming and the servers were attentive.”—Lucia P., Peck Sllp NY (12/8/12)

Gym-Azing 27-14 23rd Ave “I hosted my son’s first birthday at Gym-Azing this past weekend and cannot recommend them enough!  Face painting, bounce house, freeze dance, limbo, basketball, sit and spin, balloon making, bubble machine…. Our little guests had a wonderful time.”—Diana E., Long Island City, NY (12/10/12)

Mezze Place 31-18 Broadway 32^nd St “I love that the owner described this place as ‘Mezzeterranean’ … Drawing from several cultures, the team has created an eclectic, thoughtful menu with some delicious twists on mezze favorites.”—Bradley H., Astoria (12/10/12) • “I frequent many Astoria restaurants and have not been drawn to review one until I ate at Mezze…
I liked Mundo, but I am happy that the replacement is even better.”—Jonathan L, Manhattan (12/10/12)

Sangria’s  36-05 30th Ave “I actually had a big group come in for a party recently and the manager and bartenders were so good to us. The space is perfect for a party and the atmosphere (especially during Christmas time) was great.”—Erika H., Astoria (12/10/12)

Taverna Kyclades  33-07 Ditmars “Oh man, the wait was worth it…” —Sara C., Manhattan (12/12/12)

The Coffee Pot 28-19 23rd Ave “The Coffee Pot provides great coffee, quick and friendly service and is a small family owned business that gets to know its regulars… I highly suggest trying a Cafe Mocha from there.  They steam your milk with hot chocolate powder, then use a bit of chocolate syrup for some extra mocha-y goodness.”—Michael W., Astoria (12/9/12)

El Rey Del Taco Truck #2  31st St and Ditmars “Great Sober. FANTASTIC when drunk.”—Madison B., Astoria (12/9/12)

Psari Seafood Restaurant & Bar  32-10 36th Ave “This spot used to be the Greek Captain which was a hole in the wall but always had amazing food. The owner renovated the place and gave it a nice intimate but casual ambiance with a full bar and TV screens. The service was great and the food was DELICIOUS for the price. I would def come here again and highly recommend this spot for some fresh tasty seafood. The greek potato chips were out of this world yummy.”—R.H., Astoria (12/11/12)

Butcher Bar 37-08 30th Ave “BBQ spots are hit or miss and this one is awesome… Pulled pork is incredible and so is their sweet tea. 
Give em a try.”—Lethal X., Flushing, NY

Leli’s Bakery 35-14 30th Ave “So happy to have a Maltese bakery in Astoria now. Me and my family came here 3 times already for some Maltese pastizzi. I also purchased a honey ring which was $6.00 but it was pretty big and went down nice with coffee. All they are missing now is some Kinnie and Twistees. You Maltese know what I am referring to…”—Natasha F., NY, NY

Christos Steak House 41-08 23rd Ave “Get the penne with vodka sauce side and thank me later!”—Steve C., New York, NY (12/12/12)

Grand Pharmacy Corp 35-06 30^th Ave “After using the big chains in the neighborhood and being constantly disappointed… I decided to try Grand. They were not only friendly, helpful and knowledgeable, but they always go the extra mile to find ways to work with my particularly difficult insurance drug plan. And the great thing is, they’re really nice to everyone who comes in. I can’t imagine why I waited so long to try them.”—David S., Astoria (12/13/12)

More 5-star reviews:

TWO 5-star reviews for Al-Sham Sweets & Pastries 24-39 Steinway • New York Pao de Queijo 31-90 30th St • FOUR 5-star reviews Trattoria L’incontro 21-76 31st St • Favela 33-18 28th Ave •Antika Pizzeria 36-08 30th Ave • Pollos a la Brasa Mario 40-19 Broadway • Wave Thai 21-37 31st St • La Bottega 40-17 30th Ave

Astoria’s 5-star reviews: 11/17-11/24

In this week’s edition: Leli’s Bakery makes its debut…. Café Boulis continues its 5-star streak… Il Bambino inspires someone’s first-ever Yelp review… And Veslo gets the thumbs-up from a new bride. —Tracy Infield

TWO 5-star reviews: 11/17 & 11/18/12 Astoria Auto Repair 40-17 28th Ave

THREE 5-star reviews: 11/17, 11/20 & 11/24/12 Bagels & Brew 43-05 Broadway

11/17/12 Café Boulis 31-15 31st Ave

FIVE 5 star reviews: 11/16, 11/20, 11/22, 11/24 (2) Il Bambino 34-08 31st Ave

“This place is making me write my first review on Yelp. Five stars period. 
Can’t wait to go back!!!” —yummy l., New York, NY ••• “I love my fiancee, but I would leave her for the peanut butter hot chocolate.  There.  I said it.”—Andrew M., Astoria, NY

11/16/12 Veslo 32-11 Broadway

“My husband and I had our wedding reception at Veslo and we were so pleased with the excellent food and service we received, and at a very reasonable price!”—Chloe G., Astoria, NY

11/17/12 Perfect Fantasy Hair & Nail Salon 34-09 30th Ave

“Went back to get my gel manicure [and] a pedicure, this all cost only $35 with a great massage. Meanwhile across the street I used to pay $30 alone for a gel manicure. Def don’t be fooled by the outside and language barrier, the staff is super friendly and know what they are doing.”—silvia m., Astoria, NY

11/17/12 Silver Age Comics 22-55 31^st St

“I have been a customer of Silver Age comic for over 20 years. TWENTY YEARS! The fact that this business has lasted over 20 years should give you a hint that they are doing something right…” Vov R., Little Neck, NY

11/21/12 GiGi Salon Styling Studio 34-17 30th Ave

11/19/12 Malagueta Restaurant 25-35 36th Ave

“The BEST beef stew I’ve ever had…”—Abbie T., Middle Village, NY

11/19/12 Namaste 31-15 30^th Ave

11/19/12 Rapture Lounge 37-27 28^th Ave

11/19/12 Steinway Family Dental Center 32-50 Steinway

THREE 5-star reviews: 11/17 & 11/19 (2) Trattoria L’incontro 21-76 31st St

11/20/12 Piccola Venezia Italian Restaurant 42-01 28th Ave

11/20/12 Marthas Country Bakery 36-21 Ditmars

11/20/12 Polito’s Pizz. 38-12 Broadway

11/20/12 MexiBBQ 37-11 30th Ave

“The wait sometimes can be a little nerve wracking but it’s def compensated with their incredible food.”—Lethal X., Flushing, NY

11/22/12 Aura Hookah Lounge 25-70 Steinway

“This place is HUGE, they have a full bar and their hookah was actually really smooth. The waitresses were very friendly on top of it all, and the music was bumping… I found my new spot.”—Tony W., New York, NY

11/21/12 Park Dental Care 29-14 Ditmars

“They could’ve really charged me more but they saw that i was a student and they were very reasonable.”—Brian F., Astoria, NY

11/22/12 Zante Restaurant 38-38 31^st St

“Small New York diner, good food, friendly people, fast service. Has everything from omelets to pizza to burgers to chicken parmigiana. Price is excellent, have yet to pay more than $10 for a meal…”—Nathan M., Cortland, IL

TWO 5-star reviews 11/21 & 11/22/12 CrossFit Queens 18-31 27th Ave

11/24/12 Gian Piero Bakery 44-17 30^th Ave

11/24/12 Int’l Meat Market 36-12 30th Ave

“High quality meat! service is excellent! THE PLACE to buy your meat and many other ethnic products.”—Dianna L., Astoria, NY

11/24/12 Leli’s Bakery & Cafe 35-14 30^th Ave

“Leli’s is owned by the family that used to own JMJ  bakery in LIC.  JMJ didn’t have a sit down cafe so many people maybe didn’t know about it but I was lucky enough to have a boyfriend (now husband) in the know who knew enough to buy my birthday cakes there (always amazing) and then we knew enough to have them create our wedding cupcakes.  I was pretty sad when they moved the production operation to The Bronx, but was happy for them that they were doing so well that they needed to expand…

I’m thrilled to find out that they’ve come back to Astoria, with a cafe/bakery.”—Jenifer F., Astoria, NY

Astoria businesses: If you get a 5-star Yelp review, let us know! Send notice to tinfield@hotmail.com or tweet me @TracyInfield. Hope to see you here soon!

Astoria’s 5-star reviews: 11/3-11/10

In this week’s edition: A Hurricane Sandy volunteer gives Astoria Laundry a shout-out for their helpfulness … Triboro Printing Corp. gets credit for being “wayyy better” than Staples or Kinkos … and one Yelper reveals her choice for “hands down the best Italian restaurant in all of New York City.” —Tracy Infield 

11/4/12 Sanfords  30-13 Broadway

“Best brunch in Astoria… 
Two free drinks (great Bloody Mary, if you like it spicy and thin), coffee, amazing selection of delicious brunch options, and surprisingly good toast (who knew that could be a bonus?) all for $14.”—Christopher W., Long Island City, NY

11/4/12 O’Dardeley’s 31-86 31st St

“Only the best trivia night ever!”—Jen M., Long Island City, NY

THREE 5-star reviews: 11/3, 11/5 & 11/6/12 Brazilian Waxing Center  37-11 35th Ave

11/3/12 Butcher Bar 37-08 30th Ave

11/3 HinoMaru Ramen 33-18 Ditmars

THREE 5-star reviews: 11/3 (2) & 11/4/12 Seoul Fusion Eatery 24-06 34th Ave

“YESSS, Korean food in Astoria!”—Janet B. “I’m glad someone finally opened a Korean joint in this neighborhood.”—Suzy K.  “I’m so excited to have good Korean food in Astoria and I will definitely be going back again soon.”—Kelli O.

TWO 5-star reviews: 11/4 & 11/5/12 Seva 30-07 34^th St

11/5/12 Sunswick 35-02 35th St

“I’ve never been to a bar such as this that served up such a delicious avocado salad on mixed greens, or makes their wing sauce from scratch, or has quinoa on the menu—yea, you heard me, vegetarians. Oh, and they have a gazillion craft brews on tap…”—Julia D., Long Island City, NY

11/7/12 Statcare Astoria 37-15 23rd Ave

“I paid 150$ for Immigration medical form oppose to 380$ two blocks down on Steinway… I needed some extra vaccinations and booster and they recommended me to go to free vaccination clinic instead of paying them nearly 500$ for shots I could get for free! … I highly recommend them especially if you’re not sure where to go and/or you’re new to the area.”—Veronika R., Astoria, NY

TWO 5-star reviews, both 11/4/12  Astoria Veterinary Group 23-54 Steinway

“The staff is very caring and gentle, the care we received in the midst of a hurricane was excellent, the charge was shockingly low… I was very pleased, and no matter where I live in the city from now on, this will be where my dogs go, even if I have to rent a car to drive them there. I cannot recommend them highly enough.”—Jamie C., New York, NY

11/8/12 Astoria Laundry 23-17 31 St

“We are working in the Battery Park area pumping water from Sandy’s leftovers…  Astoria Laundry has been picking up our laundry before noon every day now for the past week or so and delivering it back to us later the same day. I don’t know about these other folks here and frankly don’t care, the only thing I do know is that these people here helped out and have been doing so for days now without any issues. THANKS GUYS, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.”—Damien M., Brooklyn, NY

11/4/12 The Studio 21-78 21st St

“This the best curly hair cut I have had in NYC and it only cost $16! … It is no longer right next to the train but it is totally worth the extra trouble to get in Maura’s chair. Shoot, just grab a drink at Hell Gate Social or a bite at Bistro 33 afterwards.”—Michele L, Astoria, NY

11/5/12 On the Nile 33-09 36th Ave

THREE 5-star reviews: 11/4, 11/5 & 11/7/12 Trattoria L’incontro 21-76 31st St

“This is hands down the best Italian restaurant in all of New York City. I am dead serious. Yes, it’s expensive but as the saying goes ‘you get what you paid for’ … This was a class A dining experience that I will never forget and I cant wait to go back!”—Jennifer A. Brooklyn, NY

11/9/12 Value Movers 31-10 31st Ave

11/4/12 Zorba’s Souvlaki Plui 29-05 23rd Ave

“Living in Astoria requires one to eat a lot of Greek cuisine. Of all the locations, for price, quality, service, and taste, Zorba’s gets my vote for all around best.”—Ross N., Astoria, NY

TWO 5-star reviews: 11/6 & 11/8/12 Astoria Bier and Cheese 34-14 Broadway

“Great selection of beers on tap and in cans/bottles and for a decent price… Pick your cheeses or get a meat and cheese plate for $20 with 5 different cheeses and 4 different cuts of meat. Great place to kick back and relax after work with friends or go and do work there.”—Anh P., New York, NY

THREE 5-star reviews: 11/6 (2) & 11/9/12 Astoria Tango Club 41-01 Broadway

“From 6:00pm to 7:00pm they offer a class for beginners and then lots and lots of practice until late night. All for $10.00… So on Sundays, I am traveling from New Jersey all the way to Astoria. Wouldn’t go that far if it wasn’t worth it.”—Anna P., Hasbrouck Heights, NJ

11/6/12 Lite Bites & Grill 31-91 Steinway St

TWO 5-star reviews: 11/5 & 11/6/12 LOCALE 33-02 34th Ave

11/7/12 S & S Calabro Pizza 3065 14th St

11/7/12 Studio 31 32-07 31st Ave

“Definitely come here if you are picky about getting a good cut and style for an excellent price!”—Julie N., New York, NY

11/7/12 New Enrico’s Car Service 32-09 37th St

11/7/12 Piazza Pizza Astoria 31-06 42nd St

11/7/12 Triboro Printing Corporation  25-02 Steinway

“I’d much rather deal with these guys because of the personal attention they gave me, plus their prices and quality are wayyyy better than Staples, Kinkos, or any of the other manhattan printers I’ve worked with in the past… definitely recommend!”—Robin F., Long Island City, NY

THREE 5-star reviews: 11/4, 11/5 & 11/9/12 Antika Pizzeria 36-08 30th Ave

11/9/12 Blo It Out 23-21 Steinway

“Yesterday I found the deal $50 for $75 here on Yelp and I saw they had only 5 star reviews so I gave it a shot… and guess what?! I’m giving them 5 stars too because my hair never looked better!! … I will be back and I will recommend this salon to all my friends!”—Ste F., Astoria, NY

11/9/12 Crescent & Vine 25-01 Ditmars

“Crescent & Vine is absolutely worth the walk off the beaten path of Astoria. This is a crème de la crème wine and craft beer bar, with a wine expert managing the wine menu and a beer expert (who brews his own beer and was a contributor to the recipe for the Imperial Coconut Milk Stout) managing the beer menu.”—Julia D., Long Island City, NY

11/8/12 EZ Bins 34-13 38th St

11/9/12 Hunan 3 Chinese Restaurant 24-14 34th Ave

11/9/12 King of Falafel & Shawarma 30th St & Broadway

11/9/12 Newtown Farmers Market 21-30 Newtown Ave

11/9/12 Xtreme Fitness 2514 34th Ave

11/10/12 Sorriso Italian Pork Store 4416 30th Ave

“If you haven’t made a trip to Sorriso yet, I would highly recommend it. The service is amazing; the food is high quality. I would recommend the homemade Sopressata and the fresh mozzarella… Definitely a neighborhood charm.”—Christina Z., Manhattan, NY

Astoria businesses: If you get a 5-star Yelp review, let us know! Send notice to tinfield@hotmail.com or tweet me @TracyInfield. Hope to see you here soon!

Astoria’s 5-star reviews: 10/6-10/13

In this week’s edition: Astoria Bier and Cheese makes its Yelp debut with 5-star reviews, and The King of Falafel‘s six-bang review (!!!!!!) narrowly defeats Favela‘s (“Top rate caipirinhas!!!!!”) … You’ll get all kinds of tips on ordering wisely at Trattoria L’incontro, Jasmin Lounge and Villa Brazil Café Grill … And find out why the WiFi goes out at The Queens Kickshaw at 6pm. (I’m not sure it’s the official version, but if true it is an excellent reason.) —Tracy Infield

TWO 5-star reviews: 10/5 and 10/10/12 Astoria Bier and Cheese 34-14 Broadway

“I have already been there twice and absolutely love the place. It has a great vibe, great service and will make a ton of money because it is a cheap bar, essentially, that allows you to try their beer and take it home if you like it. Try this place out, I assure you, you won’t be disappointed!”—Clayton M., Astoria, NY

“My favorite thing about this place is that it is not a restaurant—you can grab a beer from out of the fridge and sit in peace with friends drinking it. No waitress service which some people might have to get used to – but it creates a more relaxed experience…
Or! You can head here before having your own party and stock up on an impressive variety of cheeses and unique beers. Excellent.”—Melanie E., Manhattan, NY

TWO 5-star reviews: 10/4 and 10/5/12 La Bottega 40-17 30th Ave

“After months of construction La Bottega opened in Astoria… I went in tonight for the first time and let me tell you TOTALLY worth the wait…  I could only finish half of the panini and half the salad—great because I have lunch for Friday.”—SL, Astoria, NY

10/5/12 Rotana Hookah Place 25-51 Steinway

10/7/12 Antika Pizzeria 36-08 30th Ave

TWO 5-star reviews: 10/7 and 10/11/12 King of Falafel 30th St & Broadway

“Some of the best Falafel around fresh and a Great price.
 I just love it!!!!!!”—paul t. Astoria, NY

10/7/12 Malagueta Restaurant 25-35 36^th Ave

10/6/12 Natura Spa 31-78 Steinway

10/8/12 Dillingers Pub & Grill 46-19 30th Ave

“It’s been over a year since I first went to Dillinger’s for brunch, and now I’ve been there about half a dozen times… 

I guess the first time I went to Dillinger’s it was kind of an off day, because every subsequent return has been pretty damned enjoyable.”—Paul D., Astoria, NY

TWO 5-star reviews: 10/8 and10/9/12 Ezbins 34-13 38th St

“The reusable box rental is a great idea—I’m actually surprised I hadn’t considered using a service like this before. I got enough boxes for a studio move and loved not having to deal with carrying huge cardboard boxes on the train, using tape, or getting rid of boxes after unpacking… I’m hoping not to move again for a while, but I’d definitely use EZbins again.”—Kate D., Brooklyn, NY

10/9/12 New York Bakery 32-06 30th Ave

10/13/12 Studio 31 32-07 31st Ave

TWO 5-star reviews: Trattoria L’incontro 10/8 and 10/9/12

“Don’t order anything off the regular menu, wait for the endless list of specials from your waiter.”—Dmitriy S., Long Island City, NY

10/9/12 Villa Brazil Café Grill 4316 34th Ave

“They charge by the weight of your platter so don’t fill yours up with the cheap stuff… Tip—According to my friend, don’t go on Wednesdays because the man behind the grill is off. Some other guy works that day and he doesn’t man the grill as well as the other dude.”—Gary L., Forest Hills, NY

TWO 5-star reviews: both on 10/8/12 Vitality & Health Natural Market 46-03 Broadway

“It’s truly wonderful to go here. Everything is delicious and the staff is super helpful and fast. I go here at least once a week. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.”—Roselyn G., Astoria, NY

10/9/12 The Queens Kickshaw 40-17 Broadway

“Good food, quality coffee, lovely ambiance, friendly service, fantastic prices, and WiFi—all in one happy, pristine little package! (Side note on the WiFi—it turns off at 6pm—’cuz no one should work past six. That’s drinkin’ and socializin’ time!)”—Katie R., Astoria, NY

10/10/12 Jasmin Lounge 25-50 Steinway

“Most people like to have green tea cuz it’s soothing which is fine but the best thing to have with hookah is by far cold juice… which gives a nice cooling effect down your throat.”—Neha M., Downtown Flushing, NY

10/10/12 Allure Skincare & Laser Center 33-04 31st Ave

“I went in for a photofacial today and left very happy. The treatment felt a little like rubber bands snapping against my skin but Valerie gave me such an amazing facial massage after that, that I almost fell asleep.”—Adrianna T., Brooklyn, NY

10/10/12 Via Trenta 36-19 30th Ave

10/11/12 Favela 33-18 28th Ave

“Top rate caipirinhas!!!!!”—Cee K., Long Beach, NY

10/10/12 Rosario’s Deli 2255 31st St

“Love this place! Their mozzarella cheese is the best I’ve ever had. Everything is very fresh and the people that work there are very friendly. If you are in the area and want a great sandwich, I highly recommend Rosario’s.”—Jessica M., East Elmhurst, NY

TWO 5-star reviews: 10/10 and 10/12/12 Il Bambino 34-08 31st Ave

“The food here makes me emotional it’s so delicious… Words are not enough for this place. I can’t wait to go back and try the breakfast panini which my friends rave about. Genius.”—Melanie E, Manhattan, NY

Astoria businesses: If you get a 5-star review, please share your good news. Send notice to tinfield@hotmail.com or tweet me @TracyInfield. Hope to see you here soon!