Vegan in Astoria

Looking for an experience in New York City that doesn’t involve getting trampled by hordes of looky-loos in Manhattan or its trendy neighbor, Brooklyn? Head to Queens for a satisfying trip that won’t leave you withered.

Café Bar is where, among others, Astoria’s second-generation Greek population struts its stuff. Hip, trendy, chic—all the boilerplate adjectives apply. Make your way inside Café Bar and you’ll find big, comfy couches and a touch of European pretentiousness. Any place with something actually called a “vegan wrap” on their menu makes it simple to overlook the au courant overkill. Free internet access doesn’t hurt either.

Astoria has never lacked for health-food stores, but its newest addition has fast become its most popular. Organic produce, vegan sandwiches, smoothies, juices, supplements, cosmetics, fresh soup daily in the colder months … and that’s not even scratching the wholesome surface. Open and airy with a down-to-earth vibe, Sai Organics is a prime destination for Astorians of all stripes.

Just one bite of the mind-blowing, whole-wheat-everything bagel with vegetable-tofu cream cheese at Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company and your morning caffeine addiction will have stiff competition. There’s no scientific data to back this up—just the anecdotal, the empirical, and the incessant cravings. Why not try your own experiment? Take the N Train to Broadway, walk a few blocks, and introduce yourself to the friendly staff. They’ll feed your habit.

As Astoria becomes trendy, it becomes increasingly common to encounter poetry readings, film students and, yes, even sushi bars. But, faced with the prospect of raw, dead fish, what’s a post-modern vegan to do? Stop by J.J.’s Grand Tofu for gourmet vegetable sushi at non-gourmet prices. What was once a traditional Chinese take-out joint has been transformed into a gastronomic treat with vegetarian options galore and fish-free sushi fit for Jacques Cousteau.

Those yearning for a taste of the Middle East should not miss an Astoria institution: Kebab Café. Nearly 20 years ago, Ali opened the first Egyptian place in Astoria. Today, his legendary café stands amidst a strip of Egyptian and other North African eateries. Still, Kebab Café remains the best reason to dodge the hookah smoke on Steinway Street, and with a special vegetarian section on his menu, Ali will make any vegan feel at home. Ask for the falafel with spices.

Another unmistakable sign of gentrification is also a welcome addition: yoga. Sure, classes have been available at the local gyms and health clubs for a while, but it took The Yoga Room to put it all together for the people of this diverse neighborhood. Located on Astoria’s busiest thoroughfare, The Yoga Room offers massage, acupuncture, a variety of yoga classes for all levels, and a reprieve from the crazed consumers.

Looking for a spot of urban green with arty attitude? Try Socrates Sculpture Park. What was once an abandoned riverside landfill and illegal dumpsite has been transformed into an open studio and exhibition space for artists and a neighborhood park for local residents. The artwork here is of the enormous variety: massive installations—often interactive—stand on the grass alongside the East River with the skyscrapers of Manhattan looking on in envy.