Cronin & Phelan's

Great bar with great prices. Might be my favorite bar in Astoria. If only it were a little closer...

By the by, if you've never seen the bartender putting on a magic show - it's awesome.

It's nice in here!  You wouldn't guess it until you walk in.  There's seating for diners, and a nice long bar for the folks who just want a drink and TV / conversation.  We just came in for dinner.  We ordered the fish and chips.  The moment it came, I was disappointed.  

OILY, unseasoned, undrained fish.  Burnt, undrained fries.  There was burnt oil on our plates underneath the food.  I tried a piece and shook my head.  So we asked to get the Shepherd's Pie instead.  Now that's a dish!  Good, not overly salty on the first bite, but it builds pretty well.  I think it'd go well with a side salad, something crunchy and fresh to balance out the rich flavors.  But it's definitely worth coming back for.  

The homemade scones they give at the beginning are great.

Service was so-so, only one or two other tables in the joint and I had to get up to ask for water.  But the girl was nice and didn't give us any problems (besides implying we weren't used to beer-battered fish) during our visit.  I should've left a smaller tip now that I think about it.  Oh well...

This is my PLACE! Love love LOVE Cronins. The owner is the best! He always walks around and visits with the customers to make sure they are having a good time. The food is so good, great flavors and HUGE portions. And the variety behind the bar is fantastic. As a whiskey drinker, I like to see some good choices back there and Cronins delivers on that end. They also have a magician/karaoke show every Saturday night (free).