ZipPicks Awards
Best Pet Friendly Restaurants in Astoria
Master Critic Review
La Vecina
7.7
A Latin-leaning spot that works best as cocktails plus a tight set of snackable plates on the patio. Build the meal around one starchy anchor and one fried/crispy lane, then stop before the menu sprawl takes over.
Must-Try Dishes:
Arepa Paisa con queso, Croquetas de Yuca, Crispy calamari
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: A patio-ready cocktails-and-bites plan with Latin comfort lanes.
Who should go: Friends doing drinks with a dog
When to visit: Happy hour into early night
What to order: Arepa paisa, yuca croquetas, crispy calamari
Insider tip: Order two snacks plus one share plate—then let cocktails carry.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered and competitive along Steinway, easier earlier in the evening.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual—jeans and a nice top work, especially for patio cocktails.
Noise level: Moderate outdoors—lively but still workable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—arepas, yuca-based dishes, and a few vegetable-forward small plates.
Vegan options: Limited—some items can be adapted, but options are not clearly marked.
Gluten-free options: Partial—naturally gluten-free items like arepas are available; cross-contact possible.
Best For
Better for: Patio cocktails, snackable Latin comfort plates, and casual hangs with friends (and dogs).
Skip if: You want a full, composed dinner or a quiet, intimate setting—choose a more food-driven restaurant instead.