While perusing some city records, I came across an indication that something new was planned for the old Astoria Brewhouse space; after about a decade in business, this popular spot closed on February 5, 2017 (Super Bowl Sunday). In doing more research on it, I came to realize that the same people who run the popular Forest Hills Station House are behind this new tavern at 28-50 31st Street, called The Astorian. I contacted them to learn more and am sharing what I’ve learned with you.

Who’s Behind The Astoria + Drinks and Eats

Look for pub burgers and beer on The Astorian’s menu.

The Astorian will be run by Mike Elkins, Andrew Dvorkin, and Christopher Giudice. Steve Elkins is the operating partner along with General Manager Bobby Burns, who is also a Queens native. “My partners and I have always incorporated the names of the communities into our businesses (Forest Hills Station House, Kingsbridge Social Club),” explains Steve. “We do that to show respect for the historic role of taverns in our country. We’re seeking to maintain this idea of the tavern as a community center at the The Astorian, providing a comfortable space that people can call home, and share their love for craft beer, spirits, and cocktails. We also have a lot of pride in our borough of Queens, and feel that Astoria in particular is a neighborhood that highlights all the best qualities of our borough.”

I asked about the food and drink, of course. Regarding the menu, their focus is “creative and modern comfort food” and there will be brunch on weekends until 4pm. Steve adds, “Our beer program will focus on craft beer with local highlights. Our cocktail program will feature fresh juices and homemade ingredients using high quality spirits.”

Transforming Astoria Brewhouse into The Astorian

Steve talked a bit about the space, too. “On the main level we’ll have a few different seating areas, including a large patio with a retractable roof,” he explains. “There will be a few TVs, an extensive craft beer menu, a smaller cocktail menu, and the vibe will be focused on fun with a rustic and industrial décor, and encourage interaction between our guests…much like we do at Forest Hills Station House.”

Events and Live Music (TBD)

Once they are up and running they plan to have a happy hour, and hope to use their upstairs space to host industry nights and events. “Astoria has a fantastic bar community and we’d like to host special events that involve the whole community,” says Steve.

We also wondered if there will be live music and/or entertainment offered. “We’re not sure if we’ll have live music, but it is a possibility,” remarked Steve. “We’d really like to see what the community would like from us, and make accommodations where we can.”

Finding the Right Spot

Steve also mentioned that they had been looking for a spot in Astoria for quite some time. “We are extremely excited to be finally opening a business in Astoria!” he exclaims. “I’ve lived in Queens for the past 20 years and our General Manager was born and raised here. Hopefully, if we progress on schedule, we’ll be having our soft opening later this fall.”

We are grateful to Steve for sharing the details about the Astorian. As far as their hours of operation, they expect to be open noon until 2am Sunday through Thursday, and noon until 4am on Friday and Saturday. We know many Astorians have been yearning for a great modern drinking and gathering spot on that stretch of 31st Street, and we look forward to The Astorian filling that void.

We’ll pass on more information as we get it. We hope The Astorian will feel right at home in Astoria!

The Astorian (28-50 31st Street, Astoria). Website: theastoriannyc.com (currently parked)

Keep an eye on the Forest Hills Station House Instagram account for updates, and to get a better idea of what they’ll be serving.