Part of what makes New York City so special is how its very culture has been completely created by proud and ambitious immigrants. None more proud are the Greeks, whose roots are weaved throughout the city from Greek corner diners to the iconic Anthora Greek coffee cups found daily in commuters’ hands.Greek immigrants first began migrating to America in the 1890s, but the first large wave of immigrants arrived after the Balkan Wars and World War I. Greeks have continued to migrate back and forth between the US and Greece and they currently make up about 1.0% of the population of New York City.Greek immigrants have developed a home away from home in Astoria, Queens, which is often referred to as “the second largest Greek city after Athens” or “Little Athens,” for being the most popular area for Greeks and Cypriots living in NYC. Many Greek Americans remember a time when they lived in a truly Greek community in NYC, where blue and white shop signs stating “Omiloume ellenika,” or “Greek spoken here,” were abundant and their native language could be heard on a stroll of the blocks. However, like all of New York City, even this neighborhood is becoming a blend of cultures as Greeks find homes in Long Island and new immigrants arrive. Now amongst the Greeks in Astoriacan be heard the voices of Brazilians, Croatians, Mexicans, Koreans, and many others.
Greek Living in NYC
Greek life is embedded in every nook and cranny of Astoria. Touches of the homeland history, art, and culture can be found in the simplest of moments. Heavy uses of blue and white, sounds of Greek music from the NY’s Hellas FM, murals depicting heroes and sites of Ancient Greece, and columned architecture help meld both worlds together. Even business names such as “Acropolis Apartments” or “Odyssey Optical” explain to visitors that this area is not strictly American. Even the Socrates Sculpture Park, an outdoor museum and public park, echoes the neighborhood’s Greek heritage.
Greek Independence Day ParadeThe largest Greek parade outside of Greece, the parade is held every year in April to celebrate nearly two centuries of Hellenic Independence. The Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York, the oldest cultural federation in the US is involved in the production of the 5th Avenue parade. Beginning in 1938, the parade now attracts 150,000 spectators with 25,000 participants.Greek Film FestivalThis year, the 8th Annual Greek Film Festival will be held in October. The festival aims to establish a presence for Greek films in NYC and help filmmakers gain exposure during a time of economic crisis in Greece. The success of Academy Award nominated “Dogtooth” in 2011 has helped encourage an interest in Greek film. The festival features a variety of the latest Greek films and offers lectures as well.Greek Cultural Center26-80 30th Street B2, AstoriaSince 1974, the Greek Cultural Center in Astoria has been involved with the local Greek-American community. The center provides opportunities for people to express themselves through theater, music and folk dance performances, and provides workshops for all ages.
Greek Learning
The Greeks are particularly proud of their language and feel that it is necessary for keeping their culture alive in NYC. Their pride has led to the establishment of many schools and Orthodox churches preserving the language and making sure future generations feel devoted to the culture of both lands.Saint Demetrios School3003 30th Drive,AstoriaSaint Demetrios is the largest Greek-American School outside of Greece with over 600 students from elementaryto high school. The school teaches all subjects, but with a heavy emphasis on Greek language. Afternoon classes are also offered completely in Greek from 3:30-5:30. The Saint Demetrios Orthodox Church also offers services in both English and Greek and hosts many services and festivals for the community.Greek School of Plato479 81st Street, BrooklynIn 1977, 63 Hellenes came together to form an afternoon Greek school to help preserve their culture. Today, the school maintains traditions by educating young generations through Greek language, history and dance. There is afternoon and weekend schooling available. Recently, the school has moved locations so contact the school by telephone for more information.
Greek Meetup Groups
For adults, there are several Greek Meetup groups, each with several hundred members. Greek Language and Culture Meetup has regular gatherings involving history, music, language, travel, politics, and picnics. Hellenic Young Professionals of NYC aims to bring together young professionals of all walks of life during a gathering once a month. New York Greeks is part of the largest Hellenic organization in America. Along with discussing Greek culture, history, and language, they are also involved in the organization of the Greek Independence Day Parade in New York.
Greek Eating
The flavors of Greek cuisine go far beyond feta cheese and gyros. Flavorful seafood, spanakopita, grape leaves, and a plethora of olives and sauces help define the best of Greek cooking. Now, Greek wine is also defining itself as world class through exportation and has sparked the interest of some of New York’s finest restaurants. Now, more internationals than Greeks are drinking Greek wine. When a Greek restaurant is good, it is hugely popular and New York is home to some of the best outside of the mainland. Here are a few options worth sampling.Taverna Kyclades33-07 Ditmars Boulevard, AstoriaA favorite in Astoria, Taverna Kyclades is known for serving up great seafood. The tables pour outside onto the sidewalk for seating under blue and white umbrellas. No matter what time of the day you visit, you can expect a wait. The staff is Greek and offers huge portions, making it a great place for sharing dinner. So even if you’re not Greek, pretend you are for a night and join the family at Taverna Kyclades.MP Taverna31-29 Ditmars Boulevard, AstoriaExecutive Chef Michael Psilakis is making his mark of Greek food in America. Named Chef of the year by both Bon Appetit and Esquire magazines, he is also the owner of several restaurants including our favorite, MP Taverna. He opened the Astoria location just around the corner from Taverna Kyclades, a bold move considering its reputation. Spicy lamb dumplings, octopus on a Mediterranean chickpea salad, and Greek paella land on almost every table. Everything is cooked to perfection and the extensive wine and beer list can match any plate. This restaurant is one of the newest in Astoria but is here to stay.Estiatorio Milos125 West 55th Street, New YorkOutside of the Greek mecca of Astoria, great Greek food can still be found. Estiatorio Milos is found in the center of Midtown and offers small plates to promote a sharing culture and sampling of their menu. Milos works to find the best suppliers in the world for their food and has sister restaurants in Montreal, Las Vegas, Miami, and of course, Athens. With a slogan of “Why interfere with what nature has already mastered?” you can be sure to find the freshest ingredients. They also offer a special 3-course lunch menu for $25.Poseidon Bakery629 9th Avenue, New YorkGoing to a Greek restaurant is an occasion, but for something small, quick and deliciously Greek, a local bakery is just the thing to cure a craving. The distinctive and proud blue and white paint make this cute, family-owned bakery easy to find. Many New Yorkers come for the hand rolled phyllo dough in pastries such as baklava and spanakopita, but they keep coming back because of the welcoming customer service and family experience.
Chobani Soho150 Prince Street, New YorkThe popular Greek yogurt brand, Chobani, began in New York in 2005 and swiftly rose to become America’s #1 yogurt brand. Greek yogurt’s health benefits, along with its great taste, helped fuel the craze. Now, Chobani has their first shop in Soho. For $4, the yogurt masters mix together 8 specially concocted creations in a glass Chobani cup that you can take home with you. Supporting New York business and eating something healthy and delicious, you win in every way at Chobani Soho.