GRUB & BEER: Studio Square, the new Astoria Beer Gardens

Y’all know I live in Astoria (which I lovingly refer to as “A-Town”, a la Usher’s “Yeah” song).

In my heart, of COURSE I’d love to live in Manhattan, but the bottom line is: I love Eating too much.  If I spend my entire salary on my rent, how am I supposed to spend money on yummy food?

Astoria is also famous for its Bohemian Beer Garden.  Apparently once an old town hall for Eastern Europeans, it has a very laid-back, picnic table feel, with juicy authentic kielbasa, sauerkraut and other fried knoshes.

This year, everyone was a-buzz about the NEW Beer Garden: STUDIO SQUARE, in the heart of Long Island City.  Being a lover of beer, I had to check it out.

Some things to note:

• Located right next to the Astoria Kaufman Studios.

• This isn’t JUST a beer garden, it’s a beer facility:  in addition to outdoor beer gardens, Studio Square also boasts an indoor event space.

• Unlike the Bohemian Beer Garden, there is no table service.  If you want food or beer, you gotta get it yourself at the counters.

• Everything is shiny & new.  In the garden area, the floors are cobblestone, so it appears neat.

• CASH ONLY operation.

• Staff is young and friendly.

The beers & pricing:

Some of the food on the Grill Menu:

They also have a Sushi Menu…don’t know how “beer garden-esque” that is, but hey, I guess they aim to please:

Thoughts:  Bohemian Beer Garden vs. Studio Square

• Beer:  Studio Square Love the variety of beer offered at Studio Square.  As much as I liked the “authentic” feel of the old Bohemian Gardens, their beer offering was quite limited.  I love that Studio Square offers Hoegarden and Sam Adams by the pitcher!

• Food:  Bohemian Beer Garden I’ve tried the Kielbasa & Sauerkraut at both locations.  You can’t really mess up Sauerkraut.  But the Studio Square “Kolbase” left much to be desired.  It was essentially a glorified hot dog.  The Bohemian Beer Garden had a more authentic Kielbasa: well-grilled, plump and flavorful!

• Ambience:  ??? This is hard.  For me, personally, I prefer a more grimy, un-pretentious atmosphere.  Studio Square, because it’s shiny & new, attracts a more younger, “beautiful people” crowd.  Bohemian Beer Garden has more of a laid-back, easy, “I don’t care, I’m just here because I like beer & bratwurst” feel.  Just depends on your preference.

Overall, it’s a nice new haunt.  Anywhere you can drink a cold beer and have grilled meats outside in the sunshine is OK by me.

Check it out and let me know what you think!