Island Cafe

In Short – An elegant island theme plays out in the restaurant's breezy, open two-story layout, faux-cabana seating areas and chic tropical green-and-white cloth decor. The menu, a head-spinning mix of small plates and entrees, goes global with everything from ribeye steak and chorizo pizza to lobster orzotto and tuna sashimi.

Editor's Tips

Know Before You Go:: Cocktails on the pricey, tropically inclined drink list start at $10, and a glass of sangria will set you back $11.
Where to Sit:: The corner lounge seating upstairs offers more intimate eating options.

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User Reviews (23)

ambiance	87.5% positive	“The food was outstanding, the service excellent, and it has a lovely ambiance.” “The restaurant/lounge is beautiful, the waiters are polite and helpful, not to mention, a lot of them are real eye-candy:) well dressed crowd, pretty people, food is great; atmosphere is romantic, sensual with the cozy pillows all around.” “Amazing atmosphere, gorgeous people, good drinks.” “The ambiance was nice but the meat that I ordered was dry & not cooked the way that I ordered it.” “just love it, the people, the staff,the music, it is the most prestine and beautiful place in Queens, the decoration is fabulous,and is full with beatiful people.” “Really exotic atmosphere with awesome food!” “Great atmosphere in Astoria with NYC nightlife presence.” “The atmosphere is amazing, and the crowd was beautiful!”
drinks	75.0% positive	“was told about the tacky, low class crowd, small portions of "not much to talk about" food, expensive and watered down drinks and was specifically warned about the rude staff in particular about the morons at the door so despite all this decided to go f” “Amazing atmosphere, gorgeous people, good drinks.” “If your just going for a few drinks i DON'T RECOMMEND vip, single drinks are strong and very affordable.” “The bar is nice --like anyother bar.”
food quality	79.16999816894531% positive	“Also shared the meze platter; olives, incredibly creamy hummus, eggplant caviar, feta cheese, etc., accompanied by warm, grilled, perfectly salted triangles of pita bread with garlicky olive oil for dipping.” “Fantastic food” “The restaurant/lounge is beautiful, the waiters are polite and helpful, not to mention, a lot of them are real eye-candy:) well dressed crowd, pretty people, food is great; atmosphere is romantic, sensual with the cozy pillows all around.” “definitely check out the cucumber Mojito, speckled with fresh mint).” “The ambiance was nice but the meat that I ordered was dry & not cooked the way that I ordered it.” “The food was outstanding, the service excellent, and it has a lovely ambiance.” “Really exotic atmosphere with awesome food!” “Example: great place for good bread” “was told about the tacky, low class crowd, small portions of "not much to talk about" food, expensive and watered down drinks and was specifically warned about the rude staff in particular about the morons at the door so despite all this decided to go f” “The food it's average not to expensive, I highly recommend this place if you want to have the best weekend ever.” “The food is delicious- though the portions are small.” “Ok place, food is pricey and not worth it.”
overall	100.0% positive	“Example: great place for good bread” “Discovered a great place last week - "Island", at 35-15 36th Street.”
return potential	0.0% positive	“guess the only negative thing i have to say about the place is the expensive bottle service which is almost as pricey as Pacha And Mansion, otherwise i would definitely go back again!”
service	60.52999973297119% positive	“The restaurant/lounge is beautiful, the waiters are polite and helpful, not to mention, a lot of them are real eye-candy:) well dressed crowd, pretty people, food is great; atmosphere is romantic, sensual with the cozy pillows all around.” “guess the only negative thing i have to say about the place is the expensive bottle service which is almost as pricey as Pacha And Mansion, otherwise i would definitely go back again!” “was told about the tacky, low class crowd, small portions of "not much to talk about" food, expensive and watered down drinks and was specifically warned about the rude staff in particular about the morons at the door so despite all this decided to go f” “we had excellent service.” “No drama, not too expensive, Great music, gorgeous people, just an overall great lounge/club on a Sat night.” “Great music and great people.” “The people are pretentious and overboard.” “will also make sure every where I sit I will tell people about my experience and I will make sure they understand what a horrible place this is.” “Bottle service was good restaurant was horrible, would never reccomend” “just love it, the people, the staff,the music, it is the most prestine and beautiful place in Queens, the decoration is fabulous,and is full with beatiful people.” “Good nightlife is you dont want to travel to city, pricey bottle service!” “The wonderful (sarcasm) door staff will not let you in unless some dead presidents are involved.” “Amazing atmosphere, gorgeous people, good drinks.” “If you need to party in Astoria, try CAVO, where the door staff is professional and much more reasonable.” “The food was outstanding, the service excellent, and it has a lovely ambiance.” “excellent service!” “Only to then be told by this rude and obnoxious monkey that everybody had to get off the line and to make it even worse, if possible at this point , also said very sarcastically to try back next week!” “Heather (our cocktail waitress) took such great care of us all night.” “Beware however, vip service is a little pricey, 1 liter greygoose $350 ($275+ included gratuity and tax $75).”
value	37.5% positive	“The owners are complete a-holes who still think they are still in the city as everything is wayyy overpriced and they are not at all accommodating.” “Good nightlife is you dont want to travel to city, pricey bottle service!” “guess the only negative thing i have to say about the place is the expensive bottle service which is almost as pricey as Pacha And Mansion, otherwise i would definitely go back again!” “The food is delicious- though the portions are small.” “was told about the tacky, low class crowd, small portions of "not much to talk about" food, expensive and watered down drinks and was specifically warned about the rude staff in particular about the morons at the door so despite all this decided to go f” “Beware however, vip service is a little pricey, 1 liter greygoose $350 ($275+ included gratuity and tax $75).” “The tapas are awful and the portions small.” “Drinks are expensive.” “Ok place, food is pricey and not worth it.” “No drama, not too expensive, Great music, gorgeous people, just an overall great lounge/club on a Sat night.” “The food it's average not to expensive, I highly recommend this place if you want to have the best weekend ever.” “If your just going for a few drinks i DON'T RECOMMEND vip, single drinks are strong and very affordable.”

04/05/09

Example: great place for good bread

by bebkata

I just want to let you know that I opened a city search account just to tell people about my experience tonight.

My friend suggested we go to "Island" tonight. It just re-opened and it's under a new management Ha.ha couldn't tell.. just as bad as the original owner .

When we got there about 50 guys where waiting at the door. Us - 2 guys and 2 girls walked right in no drama. The coat check girl asked for $2 per coat, I gave her a $20 she never returned change ( I don't think she did it purposely since she later returned all of it ). The place was packed at 11.30pm ( good sign ). We went upstairs and straight to the bar for our first round of drinks. It took 10 min to get the bartenders attention. When he made the drinks he took my credit card, ID and never came back. FYI: $13 for Vodka- Redbull.

We went out for a cigarette, the minute we lit up the security was screaming for everyone to go inside becouse Kim Kardashian was in her limo waiting to join the party. Cool .. I can imagine how much they paid her to show up.

So far we are having a good time. The music is great, the crowd is mixed. It was over all fine. Then boomm..

2 glasses dropped from the balcony on my friends had I'm serious... this was purposely done I don't think 2 people can drop their glasses at the same time.

The worst is that the security didnt even bother to come check on my friend who is not only covered in Vodka/cranberry but also hurt. When I tried to say something to one of the guards outside he smiled and looked away. Are you f...k kidding me ? we just spent over $300 ( 2 more people join us) for drinks and he can't even say sorry... the managment should take a good look at their employs.

Good luck ! I don't think me or my friends are ever coming back.

Pros: good music , nice interior
Cons: to many ...

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03/23/09

"Island" - fabulous Astoria find

by chubsyubsy

Discovered a great place last week - "Island", at 35-15 36th Street. Really exotic atmosphere with awesome food! Started with the grilled calamari with spicy avocado sauce (really fresh and tender) and the tuna tartare (delicious). Also shared the meze platter; olives, incredibly creamy hummus, eggplant caviar, feta cheese, etc., accompanied by warm, grilled, perfectly salted triangles of pita bread with garlicky olive oil for dipping. (Great coupled with their gorgeous cocktails.... definitely check out the cucumber Mojito, speckled with fresh mint). Followed up with the lamb with mushroom risotto and a fish dish with roasted vegetables and couscous. Everything was beautifully presented, too.

I would absolutely recommend "Island" for a chic date restaurant. It's also a perfect choice if you're planning to throw a party (It's enormous......check out the upstairs, with it's harem-style bed!). The owners and servers are very sweet and accommodating; evidently it's under new management.

Overall, a fantastic experience. I loved it.

Pros: fresh food, beautiful presentation, exotic atmosphere

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02/09/09

Good nightlife is you dont want to travel to city, pricey bottle service!

by JoeFromNYC

First time there, nice place altogether. Great atmosphere in Astoria with NYC nightlife presence. Upstairs they have VIP and main bar and dance floor. Music was good, around 2am they played some Greek music but i didn't mind wasn't bad at all! Beware however, vip service is a little pricey, 1 liter greygoose $350 ($275+ included gratuity and tax $75). If your just going for a few drinks i DON'T RECOMMEND vip, single drinks are strong and very affordable. I guess the only negative thing i have to say about the place is the expensive bottle service which is almost as pricey as Pacha And Mansion, otherwise i would definitely go back again!!

Pros: 2 levels, 2 bars, good music
Cons: Pricey bottle service

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08/10/08

My favorite Spot...

by QueensGirl84

No drama, not too expensive, Great music, gorgeous people, just an overall great lounge/club on a Sat night. My favorite spot by far and I've been to them all in NYC. If you wanna be comfortable at a club scene then this is where to go...plenty of space to sit down even when it is packed. I absolutely love this place and I miss it terribly since it has been closed I hope to be there when they open again in Sept....and 'm not even Greek :)

Pros: music, decor
Cons: not open for summer 08

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05/02/08

Gorgeous Place

by tartar2020

Love the ambiance and the music, really unexpected...feels like stepping into Greece! Really fun late at night.

Island Cafe

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What People Are Saying About Island Cafe

Justin Hartung

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Editor's Tips

04/05/09

Example: great place for good bread

by bebkata

03/23/09

"Island" - fabulous Astoria find

by chubsyubsy

02/09/09

Good nightlife is you dont want to travel to city, pricey bottle service!

by JoeFromNYC

08/10/08

My favorite Spot...

by QueensGirl84

05/02/08

Gorgeous Place

by tartar2020

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