Casa Galicia
“As some reviewers have pointed out, Casa Galicia has become strong-handed with enforcement of their "members only" policy.”
“The building is actually a govt building owned by Spain and functions as a community center for the Spanish ex-pats.”
“Being Spaniard, it's hard to judge spanish food, because no one taste as good as mom's:-) but this place makes me feel like home.”
Casa Galicia
Take-out: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Has TV: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Caters: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
1 review
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A true hidden gem as I have lived in Astoria for over three years, walked past this establishment on 31st Ave countless times without ever suspecting that a restaurant was ensconced within the impenetrable stone walls. Indeed I, along with other Astorians, had assumed that this was some sort of government building. I mean, Casa Galicia has been here for years and as of now (3/26/12), it still has fewer 10 reviews. Unheard of in a neighborhood full of yuppie foodies and Yelpers!
A friend from Spain who happens to be from the Galicia area took me here. I felt a bit sheepish as he had only recently arrived from Spain a few months ago knew about this. When I met up with him, I wondered why we were meeting at JJ's (in Astoria, everyone knows JJ's Sushi — it's like our Cheers) when he had clearly stated that we were going for tapas. He motioned me up the stairs of Casa Galicia (and at this point I thought he clearly lost it because it looked like we going into a govt building), when through the doors, I hear a flood of Spanish and swarthy dark-haired people mingling, laughing, and eating in a large and overly bright room.
I had entered the inner sanctums of the Galician community.
The building is actually a govt building owned by Spain and functions as a community center for the Spanish ex-pats. Casa Galicia is not technically a restaurant; it's a social club. While the looks of the place would not impress, nonetheless, the jovial nature, good fresh seafood that exceptionally well-priced, and the authentic nature of Casa Galicia makes this a rare and wonderful find in Astoria.
The restaurant looks like a large community hall that you would find in a church and similarly decorated with harsh white lighting, haphazard white linen tablecloths, and tables and chairs dotting the room. It's very much a family friendly place as evidenced by the traces of crayon on the tablecloths and walls. While this is not a place for romance, it is a great place for casual dining with friends.
We ordered Spanish tortilla (omelet with potatoes), fried fish (They were like large sardines, except not sardines. Very traditional from the Galicia region), Pulpo a la Gallego (octopus! My favorite), a bottle of Galician white wine Ribiero, and finished off with tarta de Santiago, a traditional Galician almond cake. The portions are large, filling, and very cheap. Our bill with tax and tip came around $60 for all this.
I very much recommend the pulpo if you love octopus. It was cooked perfectly (for I hate rubbery octopus). If you have a sweet tooth, the almond cake is a real treat. Light and sweet, it was a great ending to the meal.