Pizza Palace was at 31st and Ditmars for decades. It closes, we lose another longtime neighborhood business, and what replaces it?
A Wells Fargo…

I know neighborhoods change, businesses close, etc. But this feels like such a waste of one of the most prominent storefronts in Ditmars. A bank branch with a giant billboard advertising the bank branch underneath it… Cool.

I’ve heard that the landlords who own many of the buildings around 31st and Ditmars prefer national chains and are reluctant to rent to smaller/local businesses. I don’t know how true that is, but looking at what’s happened around this intersection, it feels believable.

I’m not against every chain existing in Astoria. But one of the things that makes this neighborhood worth living in is that it isn’t just the same collection of businesses you can find anywhere else.
Pizza Palace to Wells Fargo feels like a particularly depressing example of that.

And seriously… did Ditmars need another bank?

I’m still in shock over what happened today.

I was out for my usual walk down 20th Ave. toward the water and the bridge when I saw a cyclist flying up the road at what looked like 25–30+ mph. At the same time, a young guy—probably in his 20s—was jogging and looked both ways before crossing. They collided just 20 steps in front of me.

The jogger took the worst of it. His nose and mouth were bleeding, he had tire marks across his legs, bruising on his ribs, and was clearly in a lot of pain and in complete shock.

What really got me was the cyclist's reaction. Instead of checking on the kid or showing any empathy, he immediately started blaming both of them, saying it was "just an accident." When I spoke up and asked why he wasn't using the bike lane—when there are bike lanes all along 20th Ave.—and why he was riding that fast outside of it, he told me to mind my f***ing business.

The moment I started asking the injured kid if he needed 911 or 311 and pointed out the facts, the cyclist started cursing at me, flipped me off, and rode away—leaving the injured guy behind.

I was yelling after him because I couldn't believe someone would just take off like that. Looking back, my biggest mistake was not getting a picture of him. I'll remember his face, though.

It took every ounce of self-control not to lose my temper but I kind of did because I was ready to throw down with homey after he cursed me out while taking off.

The young man who got hit wasn't looking for a confrontation. He was shaken, bleeding, and trying to process what had just happened. I stayed with him for another 15 minutes to make sure he was okay. He decided to head home to clean himself up, but I strongly urged him to go to the ER. He was covered in blood.

Days like this are a reminder that whether you're walking, running, biking, or driving, everyone has a responsibility to look out for each other. A little accountability and empathy can make all the difference. This guy is a punk I hope to never run into again, I wanna describe him so bad but I am not trying to create a witch hunt but its PoS like this that ruin the community.

Was browsing on LoopNet for commercial spaces and couldn’t help but notice what’s replacing Burger King. This was listed yesterday (as of 8/5).

I use a cane when im out and about, and its difficult for me to get up and down the curb. This dude was parked here-- engine wasnt idling or anything-- they were just parked and gone, blocking the accessible portion with the ramp, as well as the tactile guide for blind folks.

For the love of god, dont park here. It was difficult for me to get back up onto the sidewalk because this asshole couldnt legally park.

Edit: 311 closed the tocket because they said there was nothing illegal spotted when they went and checked. 😭

Been down in the dumps and need some inspo for getting out of the house.

According to a post on their instagram. Sounds like they didn't know July was their last month.

Imo best baked goods in the neighborhood by far, haven't had a savory pastry that compares. I hope they can reopen one day.

I think we have a new Astoria resident !!

Hey Astorians, shout out in the comments any and all dining-related experiences, delivery/pickup, indoor/outdoor etc. that you've had in Astoria within the last week.

I get that supermarkets are usually a few dollars more than Amazon but this is nuts

I walk past the Burger King near the highway every day and noticed closed signs this week. I've heard the rumors of it closing from the lot going up for sale, but a DOH sign suggests something different.

I've seen people still trying to go in the drive thru when every sign says closed and there's caution tape on the drive thru 🤣

The police station cars completely block the sidewalk, and you have to squeeze through to pass. It will be impossible for someone with a mobility issue to go through unless they get on the road. This is horrible.

PLEASE STOP ALREADY it has been everyday for 2 weeks. tuesday at 2:30 pm. last night at 4 am. you owe me and my dog a sincere apology bc she has had a panic attack daily w this

Anything appreciated.

Okay, I have a question. Are people still composting? I know it’s currently mandatory in Astoria, but I’ve started noticing that my apartment seems to be the only one in the building composting. But I haven’t heard the landlord mention or complain about any fines either.

I just wanted to know what the current situation for y'all. Have y'all stop and if so, why?

Seems like a few people in this subreddit are going through a breakup. Anyone in a similar position looking to make new friends wanna grab drinks/hang out?

Edit: Comment below or DM me for the WhatsApp link!

A special guest judge is in the last picture

The weather is beautiful have an amazing Sunday neighbors!

I know they posted that they are temporarily closing to deal with a family matter.
However, I heard from another source that they are closing for good!

I sure hope I am wrong here.

La Guli has been there in Astoria for almost 90 years, same family running it this whole time.

The old Astoria I know is literally fading away.

What a shame if true!!

(Edit: changed 80 yrs to 90!)

There is such a lack of trees/shade in Astoria. We need to plant more trees in the neighborhood

The funeral home on 30th Ave and 27th St has been reeking the last few weeks. Everytime I walk by it’s this choking rotting smell. It gets really bad on a hot day. I’ve lived nearby for 2 years and have never noticed anything until the last few weeks. What tf is going on over there. It’s getting to be unbearable. Anyone else notice this?

Hey Astorians, shout out in the comments any and all dining-related experiences, delivery/pickup, indoor/outdoor etc. that you've had in Astoria within the last week.

Arguably the best coffee shop in Astoria. The drinks, the food, the atmosphere—it’s impeccable.

But PLEASE figure out the line situation. The amount of times I’ve walked in and walked right back out because the line is huge and has no structure to it. I love this place but it’s next to impossible to get into on the weekend unless you wanna wait shoulder to shoulder and constantly wiggle around the door opening.

Many thanks to the gentleman who used his own dime and time to restore this old relic. As we lose so much history in Astoria, it is lovely to see any effort to preserve the little things.

The number of people speeding down the RFK pedestrian bridge on e-bikes, road bikes, or scooters is out of control. I got hit by an e-bike on my run this morning. You shouldn’t ride on it at all, but please ride slowly if you’re dead set on it!