The Bottom Line
Astor Bake Shop serves classic American cakes, cupcakes and tarts, as well as eclairs, croissants, and muffins. They make a number of excellent savory items, as well. Their iced coffee is a top pick. This is one of the best bakeries in Astoria, and although they are a bit on the outskirts of town, it is well worth your time to head west of 21st Street and pay them a visit.
Pros and Cons - Astor Bake Shop
Pros
- High quality baked goods made with real ingredients.
- Some of the best iced coffee in Astoria.
- A beautiful and comfortable space in which to enjoy your meal.
Cons
- A bit of a walk from the subway.
- Service can be a bit slower than some might like.
Details - Astor Bake Shop
- Astor Bake Shop's Address - 12-23 Astoria Blvd, Astoria, NY 11102
- Phone - 718-606-8439
- Website - http://www.astor-bakeshop.com
- Hours - Monday-Friday: 7 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday: 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday: 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
- Major credit cards accepted
- Public Transportation - N/Q to Astoria Boulevard and walk west on Astoria Boulevard. Alternatively, take the Q69 bus to Astoria Boulevard.
- Parking - Since the location is on the edge of town, parking is easier than in most parts of Astoria.
Review - Astor Bake Shop
When you walk into the light and airy space that is Astor Bake Shop, your eyes will likely be drawn to the beautiful and large display case containing some of the most delicious looking baked goods and desserts you've ever seen. You'll also spy cupcakes, brownies, and tarts. Cookies, biscotti, and croissants are available up near the register.
The tasty, buttery, maize almond cake is unique to the neighborhood, and its excellent panna cottas often takes on seasonal flavors. Custom cakes are also available by appointment; Astor Bake Shop is a terrific choice for a birthday cake or any kind of special occasion.
On the savory side of the menu, you'll find burgers and sandwiches. Particularly notable is the Astor Burger (meat sourced from Pat LaFrieda). Astora also serves a tasty vegetarian burger made with lentils. The baked chicken sandwich is also excellent, seasoned with Mediterranean spices. A side of crispy fries is recommended.
The iced coffee is some of the best around, and the sea salted lemonade is striking in taste, not to mention quite refreshing. A variety of espresso drinks are also available. Astor Bake Shop gets its organic, fair trade coffee from Brooklyn-based micro roaster Stone Street Coffee.
The space itself is nice and open, thanks to the the high ceilings, large windows, and cool tiled floor. Cafe tables sit throughout the room, and there is bench seating against the wall. Be sure to catch a glance at the beautiful buffed stainless ceiling fans whirring above, too.
Free wifi can be found at Astor Bake Shop! This is good news for Astoria's freelancers, or anyone who needs to get some computer work done. So head on over, have an iced coffee and something savory or sweet, and enjoy some extended time at one of Astoria's best eateries.