Astoria is fortunate to have a number of places where you can go and enjoy a great glass of wine in a place that is thoughtful about its wine selection. Plus, wine bars often have some great eats to go with the wine - small plates, panini, and more. Here are some of the wine bars in Astoria and Long Island City that are worth a visit.
DiWine
Diwine is a quaint and cozy wine bar/restaurant on 31st Avenue, just past Steinway Street, that serves wine, cheese, cocktails, and small plates. Its wines are available by the glass and bottle, and the menu divides the wines up primarily by region: France, Italy, and California, New Zealand, Argentina, Spain, South Africa, and Australia.
DiWine offers some organic wines as well. Be sure to ask for the sangria in the summer (it may not be on the menu). Happy hour specials are also very good. During brunch, you can add unlimited drinks to your meal for a nominal fee.
They also get props from many Astorians on the food. The pizza is is one of the best choices there.
DiWine, 41-15 31st Ave, Astoria, NY, 718-777-1355
Domaine Bar a Vins
Domaine, is dark, intimate space located right off the Vernon-Jackson stop. Run by neighboring Tournesol owner Pascal Ecriout, and Robert Gonçalves, Domaine offers wines by the glass, cheese pairing from Artisanal, as well as local oysters and charcuterie. Reds and whites are on the menu, along with sweet wines like port, and a few beers from France and Belgium.
Live jazz can be heard in the evenings, too, and there is no cover. Since Domaine is right on the last stop on the 7 before one enters Manhattan from Queens, this is a convenient spot for both Manattanites and Queens residents. It also isn't far from the Pulaski Bridge, making it convenient for Brooklynites, too.
Domaine Bar a Vins, 50-04 Vernon Blvd, NY, 718-784-2350
Winegasm
Winegasm, just off Broadway in Astoria, has one of the nicest spaces in town. There's room for small groups and couples, but the most impressive aspect of the room is the long communal wooden table running down the middle.
Wines are available by the glass or the bottle, and the offerings are an eclectic mix of French and Spanish wines, as well as wines from places such as Uruguay, Greece, and Croatia. Organic wines are also on the menu, as are some inventive yet classic cocktails.
The food menu is extensive for a wine bar, including small plates and main courses. Both cheese and charcuterie are offered. There is a small selection of panini, too.
Winegasm, 31-86 37 St, Astoria, NY, 718-932-3331
Crescent & Vine
Crescent & Vine, on Ditmars Blvd near Crescent Street, is a tiny little spot that is a great for small groups. Its dark bar and tin ceilings, along with dim lighting and chill music, make this a great date spot. It's also a very popular place after the Astoria Park Independence Day fireworks show.
As far as eats go, you'll find light food on a focused menu, perfect for a late-night snack. The panini and cheese plates are recommended.
The wine prices do seem high - in the $13-$15 per glass range. But you do get a full glass and an accompanying decanter with many of them. Reds and whites dominate, but there are a few reasonably prices sparkling wines. There are excellent beers available, too, both on tap and by the bottle. Live jazz makes an appearance on some weekends.
Crescent & Vine, 25-01 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY, 718-204-4774
Rèst-âü-Ránt
Tucked away on the corner of 35th Ave and 30th Street in southern Astoria, Rèst-âü-Ránt is a sophisticated food oasis in the area. It offers wine by the bottle and glass, and there's a number of beers on tap and by the bottle. Cheese and charcuterie plates are a perfect pairing with the wines.
The menu has expanded into panini and salads. The cooks strive to use local, organic ingredient when possible, too. The dessert menu is all encompassing, from what is considered actual dessert (truffles and cheescake), to dessert wines, cognacs, sherries, and other adult dessert beverages.
Rèst-âü-Ránt is open very late, until 1 a.m. Sunday-Thursday and until 4 a.m. Friday and Saturday - so it is a great place to stop after an evening out and about.
Rèst-âü-Ránt, 30-01 35th Ave, Astoria/Long Island City NY, 718-729-9009