Following decades of success in Manhattan with four locations, the Moonstruck Diner has reached Astoria to the delight of this vibrant community. Opened just four weeks ago, this ultra-modern

eatery is decorated in slate gray with smoked glass

and steel tables with white chairs and retro wallpaper. The sleek interior lets you know this is not your mom and pop diner, and so fits in well with Astoria’s hipsters who crave its eclectic, open-air digs on the corner of Broadway and 33rd St. The adjoining dining room features an inviting bar and arched, brick ceiling with warm banquettes that invite intimate dining and conversation. Best of all, the food and prices are approachable to all.

What remains traditional is the wide offering of classic fare you’d expect from a neighborhood diner: fabulous breakfasts, hot and cold sandwiches, salads, homemade soups and dinner entrees made from scratch. I visited one evening and shared a chicken quesadilla as an appetizer. Tender grilled chicken was grilled between crisp flour tortillas with jack cheese and jalapeno peppers. Moonstruck nachos are also ideal for sharing or can accompany a cocktail at the bar. Buffalo wings, mozzarella sticks and a hearty grilled Portobello mushroom on a bed of greens are some of the other appetizers on this bountiful menu. The bar offers a wide variety of cocktails, aperitifs, beer and wine to complement your meal.

You’ll appreciate the array of dinner entrees at Moonstruck, including fish and seafood, meat, chicken, pasta, Greek specialties and oh yes, juicy burgers. All dishes are made to order, so enjoy a cup of one of their house made soups while you wait. Hearty lentil or chicken rice are some of the soups made from scratch each day. Next came a crunchy house salad or Caesar salad with croutons and a basket of irresistible rolls, served warm. I enjoyed an impressive dish called chicken Florentine. Incredibly, the dish was composed of three tender chicken breasts gently sautéed with white wine sauce, fresh spinach and bits of savory feta cheese ($15.50). Accompanied by a generous side dish of pasta, this delicious meal left plenty for lunch the next day, when it tasted just as good. Chicken cordon bleu is layered with Swiss cheese and prosciutto in a savory mushroom sauce. Fillet of sole piccata is sautéed with white wine, capers and mushrooms and is served with roasted potatoes and fresh vegetables ($17.75). A combination of scallops and plump, juicy shrimp are prepared Francese style with lemon, butter and white wine, over pasta, if you like.

With so many pasta dishes to choose among, at just $11.95, you’ll find your favorite. Try the bow tie pasta tossed with eggplant, ricotta, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, basil and Romano cheese in zesty marinara sauce. Angel hair pasta are tossed with freshly sautéed vegetables for a light, meatless option. Tender shell pasta combine with broccoli, garlic and oil for a tasty, home style dish.

At a table nearby, the neatly dressed waiter brought a platter of baby lamb chops that made my mouth water. Broiled loin pork chops or juicy T-bone steak will make any meat eater smile, served with soup, salad, potato and vegetables.

At lunchtime or anytime, you can’t beat the Moonstruck burgers. Nine ounces of juicy charcoal-broiled beef burgers can be topped with cheese, bacon, mushrooms and more. Moonstruck French fries are extra crunchy, light and perfectly seasoned. Other hot sandwiches include grilled flank steak with mushrooms piled high on Italian bread with fries, coleslaw and pickle. Next time I’ll try a classic Reuben sandwich or the Moonstruck sandwich with juicy roast beef and melted mozzarella.

Breakfast offers all your favorite eggs and omelets, French toast, pancakes, oatmeal, muffins, bagels and more, all available to go with you, as Moonstruck is located very close to the Broadway train station. Take your time on the weekends when Moonstruck serves a fabulous brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Enjoy the cool breezes while you dine on Belgian waffles, eggs Benedict or banana nut pancakes with robust coffee and your newspaper.

Moonstruck Diner is open seven days a week, from 6am to 1am during the week, and 24 hours on Fridays and Saturdays. The service is polite and efficient and there’s a children’s menu too. Fast, free delivery is available and groups can be accommodated to celebrate life’s special occasions. You can place your order online or just call. You’ll be Moonstruck with the beautiful décor and great food at the Moonstruck Diner!
 

MOONSTRUCK DINER
33-02 Broadway • Astoria
718.204.4770
Order online: www.seamlessweb.com