This is just a quicky post. I’m afraid to tell too many people about this place.
I’ve mentioned before that I’m trying to expand my Queens section – specifically, the Forest Hills section. I grew up in Forest Hills and recently moved back to the area, and I find that Austin Street is in a sad state… but also it has a lot of hidden gems. I did my searching on the internet and found a few threads where this place was mentioned (I’d link them, but I’m not sure where they were…) for their mussels – which I don’t really eat – but that it was a cute place, and kind of “hidden”. So this totally fit the bill…
On a Sunday a couple weeks back, SpB went to check out some apartments in the area (I’m forever telling people to move to FH, not just so I’ll have more people to play with on weekends that I’m too lazy to go into the city, but because I genuinely believe in the awesome of this neighborhood!). After we’d wandered around for a few hours in the mild-cold, I mentioned this place to her and she was like oh hell yea! Though the real deal is supposedly on Tuesdays, when they do all you can eat mussels & fries, we were game to check out the offerings anyway.
When we got there, we discovered it was very much a sports bar environment, with everyone glued to the football game. This won many points with SpB, who loves the Mannings (Middle Manning more, but Baby Manning as well!) and loves football. We were quickly seated in the cozy dining area by our super friendly waitress.
Cheese fries – yum how can you go wrong?
Caesar salad – huge portion and not that expensive. Really yummy and clearly house-made dressing. Mmmm! The leftovers made it into my bento, even.
We also opted for the chorizo quesadilla which came with a slightly spicy dipping sauce – spiced sour cream, I think, which amused me since sour cream is meant to cool off the tongue!!! This was interesting and pretty darn good though!
Finally, baked clams. These were OK – not horrible but not really good, either. I wouldn’t order them again though. Not the right place for these.
SpB has been back a bunch of times since we first went – she likes the location (near her gym), the atmosphere (sports bar) and the food (reasonably priced munchies for during a football game). I’ve met up with her a few times there and I’ve found the same waitress with friendly service, the food consistently tasty, and the atmosphere totally conducive to lingering and hanging out while the game is on.
Yvo says: I like this place a lot, and can definitely see hanging out here during baseball season during away games (I try to be AT the games when they’re home!). I’m a fan of the casual food, atmosphere, and great service. I wish I’d found this place sooner – my understanding is that the chef passed away earlier this year, a fact which saddens me greatly as I never had a chance to sample his wonderful food. Hopefully, through continuing to patronize this place, his legacy will live on in his recipes as they are cooked by others.
recommended – casual bar setting
Lizz says
Oh! I might have to try your secret place one day – if I get off my lazy ass and go to Austin St.
Rochelle says
Really cute menu, too!
Elissa says
they also have the best burgers!
Heather Poole says
So glad I found your blog. I’m a flight attendant who stays (and eats) in Forest Hills between flights…
I’m looking for a place to take my in-laws and a very well behaved 2-year old – that’s how I found you!
Heather Poole
http://www.shouldbewriting.blogspot.com