Sweet Afton had only been open one week when I went, but I wouldn't have known: great food, great service, no sign of new-bar foibles afoot. What gives? Turns out this new addition to the Astoria scene was manufactured by the Manhattanites responsible for
Bua and Wilfie & Nell, and follows a similar formula: exposed brick and salvaged materials make up the interior, while "locally sourced" food and antique-modern cocktails fill the menu. Though common in other parts of the city, these rote restaurant trends are still hard to come by in Astoria. Hence the crowds even on weeknights as locals enjoy brews from Kelso, pickles from McClure's (deep-fried, consumed voraciously by yours truly), and comfort-culinary delights like Gruyere mac n' cheese and luscious-looking burgers. The vibe is more Fort Greene than Queens, as are the prices, but the super-enthusiastic waitstaff and tasty food-and-bev will make Sweet Afton a hang-out for many Astorians. Sweet.
