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On a sunny Saturday afternoon, the streets of Astoria are bustling with people. In the northwestern corner of Queens, Astoria is becoming a popular attraction to new crowds. Originally the area was known for its large population of Greek immigrants who started moving to the neighborhood in the 1960s.
“There used to be mostly Greek, Thai, Italian, and German people living here,” says John Koumpouras, who has lived in Astoria for 40 years. “That’s all changed now. You see a lot more Arabs. And a lot more young professionals that commute to work in the city.”
Within the last decade, the number of residents in Astoria has been rapidly increasing. New businesses including hip cafes, bars, and clubs have attracted a younger audience and brought large crowds to the area. A trendy shop called Astoria Bier and Cheese recently opened up at 34-14 Broadway. It offers a wide selection of cheeses and beers imported from all over the world. More “organic” or “natural” grocery stores have opened up that target a metropolitan audience. About 30 of the “mom-and-pop stores” in Astoria have gone out of business in a two-year period, according to a New York Times article published in 2010.
However, Astoria still holds many authentic Greek restaurants, such as Bahari Estiatorio on 31-14 Broadway. According to Bahari’s website, their restaurant aims to recreate the “cozy and inviting family gatherings reminiscent of Greek hospitality.” With restaurants like Bahari’s, Astoria still manages to maintain its traditional vibes.