Casa Galicia

- 37-09 31st Ave, Astoria, NY 11103

### **Introduction / Overview: A Taste of Galicia in the Heart of Queens**

For New Yorkers seeking a truly authentic and immersive Spanish dining experience, **Casa Galicia** in Astoria, Queens, offers a unique destination. More than just a Galician restaurant, this establishment functions as the **Unity Gallega of the U.S.**, a private Spanish cultural club dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Galician culture, folklore, and traditions since the 1940s. While this detail is crucial—the restaurant primarily operates on a **membership basis**—it underscores the deeply authentic and familial atmosphere that patrons experience.

Casa Galicia is renowned for bringing the rich culinary heritage of the Galicia region of Spain directly to New York City. The menu is a comprehensive celebration of Spaniard cuisine, featuring a huge array of traditional dishes, from classic tapas to large seafood and meat entrees. This focus on regional authenticity is complemented by a **casual, cozy, and family ambiance**, making it a great spot for **groups** and a popular choice for both **Lunch and Dinner**.

Diners are greeted by an atmosphere enriched with Galician culture—with Spanish paint on the walls, and often, fútbol playing on the TVs, creating a vibrant and genuine setting. The waiters, who are proficient in both **Spanish and English**, further enhance the cultural experience while providing warm and efficient service. Casa Galicia successfully operates as a culinary and cultural beacon, providing a genuine sense of community and the best in Galician gastronomy right here in Astoria.

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### **Location and Accessibility in Astoria, NY**

Casa Galicia is strategically located in the heart of Astoria, a neighborhood in Queens, New York, known for its rich European heritage and diverse culinary scene. The address is **37-09 31st Ave, Astoria, NY 11103, USA**. This prime spot on 31st Avenue places it in a highly accessible area, convenient for members and their guests traveling from various parts of the city.

For New Yorkers utilizing public transit, Astoria is well-served by subway lines, making the trip from Manhattan, Brooklyn, or other parts of Queens relatively straightforward. The restaurant's location is situated in an area with a historically significant Galician presence, adding a layer of cultural relevance to the venue.

In terms of physical accessibility, Casa Galicia is committed to accommodating all guests. The premises feature **wheelchair-accessible seating and a wheelchair-accessible restroom**, ensuring comfort and ease of access for individuals with mobility needs.

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### **Services Offered**

As a Galician cultural club with a public-facing restaurant component (primarily for members and their guests), Casa Galicia offers a focused yet comprehensive set of services:

• **Dining Options**: Provides service for **Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert**, with comfortable **seating and table service**.
• **Food Service**: Options include **Dine-in and Takeout**, allowing patrons to enjoy the authentic Galician cuisine on-site or at home.
• **Reservations**: **Accepts reservations**, which is highly advisable, particularly for groups and to manage the flow of members and their guests. Group reservations (typically for 8 or more people) should be booked in advance.
• **Event Hosting**: The cultural club facility includes event spaces like the **Salón Rosalía**, which can be reserved for fiestas, social activity, and banquets, reflecting the club's role as a community gathering place.
• **Payments**: Accommodates modern payment methods, accepting **Credit cards, Debit cards**, and **NFC mobile payments**.
• **Child-Friendly**: The venue is **good for kids** and is equipped with **high chairs** and offers a dedicated **Kids' menu**, reinforcing the family-friendly ambiance. A designated playroom is often available for children.

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### **Features / Highlights**

Casa Galicia distinguishes itself within the New York dining landscape through a unique combination of culinary excellence and cultural commitment:

• **Authentic Galician Cuisine**: The core highlight is the highly authentic and extensive menu of Spanish and specifically Galician dishes. Key offerings include classic tapas like **Jamon Serrano, Pulpo a la Brasa (Grilled octopus), Tortilla Española**, and various casseroles (**Vieiras a la Cazuela**).
• **Paella Specialties**: The restaurant is a must-visit for **Paella**, offering the traditional **Paella Marinera (Seafood Paella)** and **Paella Valenciana (seafood and meat)**, often requiring a 40-minute prep time, a sign of fresh, dedicated cooking.
• **Cultural Immersion**: The atmosphere is rich with Galician heritage, featuring Spanish decor and often showing **fútbol on the TVs**. This, combined with bilingual staff, creates a genuine cultural enclave in Queens.
• **Membership Model**: A defining feature is its operation as a **private Galician cultural club**, the Unity Gallega of the U.S. While dining is primarily for members and their guests, this structure ensures a strong, authentic community vibe and high quality standards.
• **Diverse Offerings**: The establishment features a full **Bar onsite** and offers a complete selection of **Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Hard liquor, and Wine** to complement the meals. The menu also includes **Healthy options**, **Comfort food**, **Small plates**, and a range of beef, pork, and chicken main dishes like **Churrasco (Skirt steak)** and **Pollo a la Galicia**.
• **Atmosphere**: The atmosphere is consistently described as **Casual and Cozy**, fostering a welcoming environment perfect for **groups** and **solo dining** alike.
• **Service Efficiency**: Despite the complexity of the menu, the venue is noted for its **Fast service**, a highly appreciated amenity in NYC.

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### **Contact Information**

For those in the New York region interested in learning more about Casa Galicia, the club, or its restaurant services, here is the essential contact information:

• **Address**: 37-09 31st Ave, Astoria, NY 11103, USA
• **Phone Number**: (718) 932-1114

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### **What is Worth Choosing at Casa Galicia**

For New Yorkers, Casa Galicia represents an authentic culinary journey to the region of Galicia that is rare to find outside of Spain. The single most compelling reason to seek out this establishment is the **uncompromising authenticity and quality of the Galician cuisine**. The dedication to traditional recipes, as evidenced by the menu featuring true Galician specialties like **Pulpo a la Gallega (octopus)**, various seafood and meat casseroles, and the preparation-intensive **Paellas**, is a major draw.

While access requires membership or being a guest of a member, this restriction is precisely what maintains the establishment's unique **familial and deeply cultural ambiance**. It’s not just a restaurant; it’s a living piece of Galician heritage in Queens. You are choosing an experience where the wait staff speak Spanish, the decor is steeped in tradition, and the food is prepared with generations of cultural knowledge. The **tapas and small plates**—like the signature **Gambas al Ajillo** (Prawns in a garlic and white wine sauce) and the satisfying **Tabla de la Casa** (house spread of Serrano ham, Manchego cheese, and more)—are perfect for sharing and sampling the wide range of Spanish flavors.

In a city full of dining options, Casa Galicia offers not just a meal, but a genuine cultural connection, making it an essential visit for those who can access it and are looking for the best, most authentic Galician food outside of Spain.

Casa Galicia

37-09 31st Ave, Astoria, NY 11103, USA