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Image source: Village Voice

We’ve been keeping an eye on the continuing story of (to some) controversial The Strand Smokehouse, a new barbecue and liquor spot on Broadway in Astoria. We haven’t gotten to try much the food, as we’ve heard mixed reviews about it, but are looking forward to checking it out once they iron out the natural kinks that are present in so many new spots these days.

Reports on the meats range from glowing (“tender and juicy” regarding the roast beef, and “some of the most delicious in the city” regarding the biscuits as part of brunch) to more critical (“coagulated fat and tough skin” and “pulled pork and ribs — both were dry and not much flavor,” two reviews on Yelp). We’ve heard terrific things about the booze, and that’s understandable, as Dan Bronson has been consulted on what to stock and serve – Dan is part of genius behind the drinks menu at the cozy Crescent & Vine on Ditmars (GMAP) and he really knows his stuff when it comes to beer and liquor especially (we saw him at The Strand on their very first day they were open, too).

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The space itself is massive – apparently they can seat over 200 people in there; it was, after all, formerly a Blockbuster video spot (rumor has it that there used to be a bowling alley underground there, too). It’s described as “rustic,” too – lots of wood, communal tables, and a sort of lived-in feel. Recent reports are that the place has been packed in the evenings and the customers run the gamut from groups of singles, to families, and larger. There’s nothing like piles of meat to attract a crowd, though another criticism is that the meat does run out at certain points of the day. Guess at that point it’s time to focus on drinks.

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The Liars Club cocktail at The Strand 

Along with the flurry of critiques and reviews in the media about the food and drink at The Strand, there has been some criticism about the way the owners are conducting business there. The NY Daily News touched on the controversy in a recent article, too. Folks from neighboring apartment buildings are dismayed by the noise level and smoking (cigarettes). Members of the Crescent Tenants Association, representing about 110 co-op apartments most affected by the activity at the Strand (their building borders the restaurant), have been the most vocal in their protest of the place. You can read more about this aspect of the situation here.

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Image source: Dead Amble on Facebook – they held their CD release party there

In the Daily News article, Executive Chef Eric Milley states that they have heard the complaints and made some effort to accommodate the neighbors by closing at 11pm every night. They’ve also decreased the volume of the live bands – music is an important aspect of the place, and no doubt they’d like to keep it going.

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Image source: NYDN – The Strand’s backyard patio

The backyard, which isn’t really used much right now because it’s cold and winter, may become a source of a heightened decibel environment once winter becomes a memory, what with patrons enjoying the warm night air, chatting with each other with a beer in hand during summers. Such is the nature of outdoor patios/gardens/backyards attached to restaurants and drinking holes. City Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. (D-Astoria) weighed in (he has also heard the complaints from neighbors) and says, “Even if the bar owner does everything he… can to obey the laws, there will be people outside talking, laughing and smoking and that’s a nuisance.” In other words, the bar owner can only do so much.

Such a place as The Strand, with its emphasis on barbecue, good liquor and live music, is a big draw for people both inside and outside the borough, thus contributing positively to the economy and boosting Astoria’s reputation as a food and entertainment destination in NYC. It will be interesting to see what happens.

How about you – have you been to The Strand? How did you like your experience? We’d love to know – leave us a comment here or via twitter at @queensnycity.

The Strand Smokehouse, 25-27 Broadway, Astoria, NY 11106 (GMAP)

The Strand, a new Astoria smokehouse and beer hall, draws critical praise but also neighbors’ ire [NYDN]
Queue and ‘Cue at Strand Smokehouse in Queens [VV]
The Strand Smokehouse Throws it Down [Fooditka]
Biscuits, gravy, and honky-tonk at The Strand Smokehouse [Amuse Bouche]


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  1. Why should the people around the backyard be make to suffer while the strand lines its pockets with $$$$? How inconsiderate the people at strand for opening a backyard beergarden directly below this people….can’t they keep it indoors? Also, how inconsiderate are the customers that go out in the backyard to smoke and drink directly under peoples’ windows.

  2. Went to dinner here this past Sunday, I live around the block from it and it was a cold sunday night, good time to get some BBQ. Ordered about $40 worth of food for my boyfriend and I, and a jug of Singlecut beer (the booze is a little pricy, but whatever) this included about a 1/2lb of pulled pork, a half rack of ribs, and a few pieces of pork belly. The big open space really does feel open and airy but still warm and comfortable, and I would love to hang out with people there in the future. The staff was also very friendly and were seemed pretty enthusiastic about the food they were serving.

    It’s clear that its sort of a dry style BBQ place, and thats fine, if you’re into pulled pork sopping with BBQ sauce, they provide a ton of that stuff in big bottles on each table for you to dress your meat how you see fit. On its own, the pulled pork was delicious, fatty enough, definitely NOT greasy, which is nice. The biscuits tasty as well. The ribs are also dry rub style, were cooked to perfection, the meat fell with ease, right off the bone. Barely any gristle, excess fat, or any other annoying bullshit you can get when you order ribs – just tasty meat. So yea, the pork stuff is on the dry side, but thats how its meant to be served. People on Yelp are idiots. The Wild Willy hot sauce was great. The mashed potatoes were GLORIOUS. They had some other delicious looking items, including a leg of lamb and some fantastic looking cut of beef, which I would like to try another time. Hoping next time I visit I can try the brisket.

    I can understand the concern from the people in the buildings behind in regards to the potential noise levels from the backyard, but as its a restaurant, I don’t think the’ll be having people raging into the small hours of the night, and will likely be a more popular afternoon early evening spot, during civilized loud-outside hours.

    Bonus fact – I discovered as I was leaving and chatting with the hostess that they have a cheese and charcuterie menu to enjoy in the event that you want to enjoy a nice beer, whisky cocktail, or mulled wine and just a savory snack while seeing the music. Very excited to check that out soon.