<div class="tldr">Astoria's restaurants extended their hours past midnight starting June 19, 2024, following the lifting of citywide curfew restrictions. Business owners report increased late-night traffic since the announcement.</div>

<ul class="key-facts">

<li>New York City lifted pandemic-era curfew rules on June 19.</li>

<li>Several Astoria restaurants restored service until 2 a.m. or later.</li>

<li>Owners say late-night business has returned to pre-pandemic levels.</li>

</ul>

Many Astoria restaurants began serving customers past midnight again this week after the city removed its mandatory closing times. The curfew, in place since 2020, had forced dining rooms and bars to close by midnight for more than three years.

Business owners in Astoria, including those at Taverna Kyclades and The Highwater, said late-night operations resumed as soon as the restrictions ended. Staff at several 30th Avenue establishments confirmed they now serve until at least 2 a.m. on weekends.

Astoria was known for its late-night scene before the pandemic, particularly along Steinway Street and Ditmars Boulevard. Restaurant managers said the return of late hours has brought both neighborhood regulars and industry workers back to their preferred late spots.

New York City’s Department of Health confirmed the end of the citywide restaurant curfew in a statement on June 19. Officials said ongoing monitoring would continue but cited high vaccination and low transmission rates as reasons for the change.

<h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2>

<h2>Which restaurants in Astoria have extended their hours?</h2>

<p>Several Astoria establishments, including Taverna Kyclades, The Highwater, and multiple venues along 30th Avenue, have extended their closing times to 2 a.m. or later. Hours may vary between weekdays and weekends. Interested diners are encouraged to check directly with individual businesses for specific hours.</p>

<h2>What were the previous curfew rules for restaurants?</h2>

<p>Since 2020, New York City enforced a midnight closing time on restaurants and bars to reduce COVID-19 transmission. The curfew applied citywide and was gradually relaxed in some sectors but remained in place for most dining establishments in Astoria until June 19, 2024.</p>

<h2>Are there any ongoing restrictions for late-night dining?</h2>

<p>As of June 19, 2024, the city has lifted mandatory closing times for restaurants and bars. However, standard health and safety regulations remain in effect, and some venues may still operate with voluntary hour limitations based on staffing or business needs.</p>