ASTORIA — When it comes to dining outside, few places offer as many options as Astoria.
The Queens neighborhood is a popular destination for foodies and offers dozens of restaurants with sidewalk seating, where diners can indulge in some people-watching over a good meal.
"You just never get tired of it, because there are so many different places," said Astorian Christina Lam, as she enjoyed lunch outdoors with a friend at Bareburger on 31st Avenue and 34th Street.
"Getting some sun, and you feel like you're a part of the community," she said. "And it's quieter here than in Manhattan. Nobody hurries you."
In fact, there are so many street-side eateries in Astoria that they've drawn complaints from some residents who say there are too many tables and chairs clogging up the sidewalks.
But fans of al fresco eating say there's an obvious appeal to dining outdoors.
"It's nice to be able to sit outside," said Efrosine Kyriakides, a tourist visiting from Cyprus as she ate lunch outside Athens Cafe on 30th Avenue recently.
She said sidewalk cafes are reminiscent of eateries in the Mediterranean.
"In Cyprus, we always sit outside," she said. "Year-round we sit outside, and it's fantastic."
Here, DNAinfo New York has rounded up some of the best eateries with sidewalk seating in Astoria.
Ovelia, 34-01 30th Ave.
Located on bustling 30th Avenue, Ovelia offers outdoor seating that wraps around the corner onto 34th Street. The restaurant serves Greek food with a modern twist, like a sausage, halloumi, tomato and cucumber sandwich served on feta cheese bread.
On weekends, the eatery serves brunch until 5 p.m., with a deal that includes a complimentary Mimosa or Bloody Mary, plus orange juice, milk, tea or coffee with the purchase of a brunch entree.
Brick Cafe, 30-95 33rd St.
On a quaint corner off 31st Avenue, Brick Cafe has ample outdoor seating, meaning there's usually not much of a wait for a table, even on busy weekend days.
Meals start with a basket of fresh bread and a tasty olive tapenade, and the menu is a blend of European dishes like an escargot appetizer, steak frites with hand-cut fries, and plenty of hearty pasta options.
Weekend brunch includes a make-your-own omelet option and a crepe-of-the-day.
Watawa, 33-10 Ditmars Blvd.
Ditmars Boulevard is a traditionally Greek thoroughfare that's seen an influx of several Asian eateries in recent years, including Watawa, a sushi and Japanese restaurant with large doors that open up onto its sidewalk seating space.
The menu includes standard sushi and hand rolls, special rolls, plus entrees like a Chilean sea bass teriyaki. On hot summer days, cool off with green tea or red bean ice cream for dessert.
The Sparrow Tavern, 24-01 29th St.
This laid back bar and restaurant at the corner of 29th Street and 24th Avenue has a dimly-lit interior that fills up fast, plus a handful of outdoor tables that are a good place to people-watch the crowds coming in and out of the famous Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden across the street.
The menu offers upscale twists on many classic comfort foods, like lamb ribs slow-cooked in thyme and rosemary, or a fontina, manouri and truffle oil grilled cheese. They also have a good selection of draft and bottled beers.
Mezze Place, 31-18 Broadway
With its entrance on 32nd Street just off of bustling Broadway, Mezze Place has several outdoor tables and is known for its vegetarian-friendly Mediterranean menu.
You can snack on small plates, including an array of spreads — like homemade hummus, green tahini and spicy feta — zucchini croquettes, or chickpea stew. Heartier dishes include short ribs over Arabic whole wheat couscous or grilled dorade fish.
