Bel Aire Diner

"The Bel Aire — with its 1960s muscle car theme — endeared itself to the local population during the pandemic by showing drive-in movies in its parking lot. The place is gigantic, all shiny metal and Formica, and the menu is as big as the premises, with Mexican, Thai, Greek, and Italian specialties added to the regular menu, along with playfully named dishes like “cheese destruction fries.” It claims to serve the biggest burrito in the city." - Melissa McCart, Robert Sietsema

"This Astoria diner has been around for more than 50 years, serving up buttermilk chicken fingers and tuna melts alongside Greek mainstays including spinach pies and souvlaki platters. The restaurant is open every day of the year and (almost) around the clock, from 5 to 2:30 a.m." - Eater Staff

"Founded in 1965, Bel Aire Diner extends around the corner of Broadway and 21st Street in Astoria. Named after a Chevrolet model, it features pictures of convertibles on the outside. It claims to have been open 24-hours daily since its founding, and showed drive-in movies during the pandemic." - Robert Sietsema

"Bel Aire Diner, at 31-91 21st Street in Astoria, features a massive chrome design with a 1950s hot rod theme. Its Mexican menu includes chimichangas, a chorizo torta, shrimp fajitas, and a carnitas bowl. The double stuffed giant burrito, priced at $30, consists of two giant flour tortillas filled with steak, chicken, rice, and more. It's served with bottled chile sauce, crema, and Peruvian green hot sauce on the side." - Robert Sietsema

"Astoria’s Bel Aire Diner is hosting a live concert on Saturday night in a bid to add more outdoor entertainment for customers following the sell-out success of its summer drive-in movie theater." - Erika Adams