ASTORIA — It may be the best time to visit your favorite bars and restaurants along 30th Avenue, which has become one of the most popular destinations for foodies in the borough.
Starting this Friday, more than two dozen local eateries will be participating in the first annual 30th Avenue Restaurant Week, offering many specials and discounts, including complimentary items with a meal.
The event, organized by the 30th Avenue Business Association, aims to promote restaurants along the popular stretch, which has a variety of Greek, Italian, Japanese, Mexican and Thai eateries from 21st to 49th streets.
“We decided to promote restaurants because they bring the most people to the street,” said Frank Arcabascio, president of the 30th Avenue Business Association and the owner of Redken Saloon Salon, also located on 30th Avenue.
“People get a haircut once a month, visit their bank once a week. But bars and restaurants bring people six or seven times a day for different reasons — for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, coffee and drinks.”
Arcabascio said he hopes that other businesses in the area will also profit from the initiative. “We are a business community,” he said.
Many eateries will offer free treats with a meal. For example Ovelia Psistaria Bar will offer a complimentary appetizer, Your Healthy Kitchen will give customers a free oblea (wafer with caramel or mango) and patrons at Max Bratwurst Und Bier will get a draft beer.
Restaurants will also offer special deals. MexiBBQ will have food and drinks combos for $15 and Crave Astoria will give a free bottle of house wine with any purchase of $25 or more.
“It’s nice to give back to the community,” said Ted Passelis, manager at Grand Café where customers will get a free glass of Napa Valley wine with any entrée.
At least 25 food venues confirmed their participation, but Arcabascio says the list is still growing.
30th Avenue Restaurant Week starts on Oct. 12 and runs through Oct. 20.
