<div class="tldr">Astoria restaurants including Taverna Kyclades and Sweet Afton are staying open later this July. Owners say the ongoing heat wave has driven more customers to dine after midnight.</div>\n\n<ul class="key-facts">\n <li>At least five Astoria restaurants extended service past 2 a.m. in July 2024.</li>\n <li>Daytime highs reached 97°F in Queens on July 8, according to the National Weather Service.</li>\n <li>Restaurants cite increased demand for air-conditioned spaces during the heat wave.</li>\n</ul>\n\nSeveral Astoria restaurant owners have lengthened their late-night hours starting July 5, 2024. The move comes in response to rising nighttime foot traffic as a prolonged heat wave pushes New Yorkers to seek cooler environments. Taverna Kyclades reported kitchen operations extended until 2:30 a.m. on weekends, compared to their usual 1 a.m. closing time.\n\nOperators point to both weather and customer requests as factors in the decision. "People want to eat later when it’s this hot," said Stavros Papadopoulos, owner of Ovelia on 30th Avenue. Sweet Afton, a neighborhood bar, also confirmed that patrons are increasingly arriving after midnight, prompting extended last calls.\n\nThe National Weather Service recorded seven consecutive nights above 80°F in Queens between July 1 and July 8. Local business groups, including the Astoria Restaurant Collective, say that extended hours may continue as long as the high temperatures persist. Some residents said they are adjusting their routines, opting to dine out rather than cook in overheated apartments.\n\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2>\n<h2>Which restaurants in Astoria have extended late-night hours?</h2>\n<p>At least five restaurants, including Taverna Kyclades, Sweet Afton, Ovelia, The Highwater, and Queens Comfort, have confirmed extended late-night service. Most are remaining open past 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays during the July 2024 heat wave.</p>\n<h2>Why are restaurants staying open later during the heat wave?</h2>\n<p>Restaurant owners cited increased customer demand for air-conditioned dining spaces and a general shift toward later evening outings due to the high nighttime temperatures. Many residents are choosing to eat later and seek cooler spaces outside their homes.</p>\n<h2>How long will the extended hours last?</h2>\n<p>Most owners said extended late-night service will continue through the duration of the heat wave. Some indicated they would reassess weekly based on temperatures and customer patterns, but expect hours to remain later as long as the hot weather persists.</p>