Built back in 1902, no historical record of Queens would be complete without mentioning Cronin and Phelan on Broadway in Astoria, near Steinway Street. Not only does it preserve part of Queens’ history, but also the Irish traditions that it was founded upon. Astoria’s longest standing traditional Irish Pub, Cronin & Phelan welcomes friends, families, and kids to enjoy hearty meals served with pride.
Owner Michael Peacock took over this landmark building in 1991 and lovingly restored it to a classic Irish pub complete with a tin ceiling, handsome bar, and burgundy leather banquettes separated by etched glass panels below a stained glass skylight. Dave, the amiable bartender, pours a perfect pint with an easy smile while listening to the regular crowd recount the tales of their days. Back at the booths and in the rear dining room, the lovely Antonia recites the specials of the day, which might include Hennessy habanero wings, tender, juicy lamb chops, corned beef and cabbage, and walnut crusted salmon.
Cronin & Phelan selection of beers on tap includes Guinness, Goose Island IPA, Stella Artois, Lagunitas, Blue Moon, Modelo and more. Dave mixed up the perfect Cosmopolitan for me and Antonia brought a basket of soft, warm rolls.
Appetizers are meant for sharing and served hot from the kitchen such as their fantastic oven-baked wings with Buffalo, Thai sweet chili, or honey Jameson sauce ($12.95) Kids and adults alike will love the creamy mac and cheese and the chicken tenders, hand cut and served with honey mustard, BBQ, or Buffalo sauce. Quesadillas are ideal for sharing at the bar or at your table, oozing with cheddar jack cheese, mushrooms, onions, peppers, salsa, and sour cream for a non-meat option, and you can add blackened chicken if you like.
The chef prepares traditional Irish fare including Shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, Jameson grilled chicken, and bangers and mash with baked beans. The Dubliner is a 10-ounce burger topped with Irish cheddar cheese, Irish bacon, and onion rings.
There are so many outstanding entrees at Cronin & Phelan on the standard menu, and a host of daily specials that make deciding tough. Some of the house favorites from the menu are the classic roast beef platter with brown gravy and a choice of baked, mashed, fries and vegetable for just $21.95. I could eat the classic turkey dinner with all the trimmings any night of the week, and it’s too hot to cook anyway. This generous portion of tender, juicy turkey left plenty for lunch the next day. The chef’s Special tarragon pork chops with cream sauce and the walnut-crusted salmon were featured this night, along with classic corned beef and cabbage for $22.95.
Lunch is a great time for a Buffalo chicken wrap, turkey club sandwich, roast beef garlic melt, chicken parm, or an Irish toasty with melted cheese, Irish bacon, tomato, and red onion.
Cronin and Phelan serves breakfast every day, and there’s a special Brunch menu on Saturday and Sunday with traditional Irish breakfast, French toast, steak and eggs, eggs Benedict, omelets, avocado crostini, and a complimentary brunch cocktail.
Cronin and Phelan is open seven days a week from 8am to 4am for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 4pm, followed by dinner service. Enjoy a slice of history, a hearty meal, warm, friendly vibes, the best beers on tap, cocktails, and lots of smiles and great service at Cronin & Phelan. Cheers and Slainte!
www.croninandphelan.com