The Thirsty Koala

Name: The Thirsty Koala
Address: 3512 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY, United States, 11105
Telephone: (718) 626-5430
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.7

4.7

310 Reviews

$31 to $50

Australian

Top Tags:

The Thirsty Koala's seasonal menus incorporate robust, and indigenous Australian ingredients that transport you to Oz just a few steps from the N train in Astoria. The friendly, relaxed dining room vibe has seaside paintings of Australian artist Jennifer Baird on display. Chef Katherine Fuchs creates menus that accommodate celiac guests and include Australian bush tucker like her award winning Wattle Seed and Herb Crusted Lamb Lollies and Marrow Bone with Australian Muntries. Our seafood, beef, pork, lamb and organic poultry are sourced from sustainable, certified humane producers like Jail Island Salmon, supporting the Bay of Fundy Salmon Recovery, Silver Fern Farms Net Zero Carbon Grass Fed Beef and Shenandoah Valley Farms. Brunch is fantastic. Try the Creme Brûlée Soufflé Pancakes or Jalapeño Fritters Benedict and don't forget Sunday Roast with Yorkshire pudding. From casual bites, organic wines, to curated beers and cocktails, vegan to carnivore, this is the place to gather.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 31, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 4 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(718) 626-5430

Other options

Order online

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Australian, Gastro Pub, English
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:30 pm Fri 5:00 pm–10:30 pm Sat 3:30 pm–10:30 pm Sun 3:30 pm–9:30 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–2:45 pm Happy Hour Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri 5:00 pm–7:00 pm Sat 3:30 pm–7:00 pm Sun 3:30 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(718) 626-5430
Website
http://www.thethirstykoala.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Owned/operated by
Women
Executive chef
Katherine Fuchs
Catering
We do catering for corporate lunches, private events
Private party contact
Kristen: (718) 626-5430

Location
3512 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105
Neighborhood
Astoria
Cross street
between 35th & 36th Sts
Parking details
There is a large municipal parking available 33rd St and Ditmars Blvd 2 blocks away<br />
Public transit
N & W trains Go to the last stop Ditmars Blvd Astoria - Turn right at TD Bank located on the corner of 31st & Ditmars Blvd walk 3 blocks down. Restaurant is located on Ditmars between 35th & 36th St - 3 minute walk from the train station.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Women-Owned and -Operated Restaurants to Support in NYC

New England Clam Chowder$13.00
Little neck clams, onion, garlic, celery, potato, cream, herbs, croutons. Allergens Info: gluten free, made with dairy
Crispy Fried Calamari$21.00
Sweet chili sauce, Thai basil yoghurt, lemon. Allergen Info: gluten free
Halloumi Fries$15.00
Flash fried strips of Cypriot halloumi cheese, lemon, honey, mint, sesame. Allergen Info: gluten free
Roasted Marrow Bone$18.00
Bordelaise, Australian muntries, grilled crouton. Allergens Info: gluten free prep available
Corn And Jalapeno Fritters$15.00
Corn, jalapeno, red onion, Manchego cheese. Allergens Info: gluten free, contains egg and dairy
Thea's Meatballs$18.00
Pastured beef with garlic, onions, tomato, herbs, Thai basil yoghurt on the side. Allergen Info: gluten free
Organic Chicken Wings$18.00
Ten organic wings, Aussie BBQ sauce or yuzu kosho sauce (spicy). Allergen Info: gluten free
Hand Cut Truffle Fries$12.00
Parmesan. Allergens Info: gluten free, dairy free without parmesan
Wattle Seed and Herb Grilled NZ Pastured Lamb Lollies$22.50
Two pastured lamb chops seasoned with Australian wattle seed and herbs, pumpkin puree, chimichurri, organic beet root powder, pomegranate (Gluten Free)

Tacos

Fish Tacos$20.00
Wild caught cod tacos, fresh cabbage, pico de Gallo, watermelon radish, coriander aioli, charred salsa verde, fresh cilantro, corn tortilla. Allergen Info: gluten free
NZ Pastured Beef Short Rib Barbacoa Tacos$20.00
Four pastured beef short rib tacos, cooked low and slow barbacoa style, on soft corn tortillas, fresh cabbage, pico, guacamole, radish, cippolini, chipotle aioli, fresh cilantro, corn tortilla. Allergen Info: gluten free

Entrees - Seafood

Barramundi Amandine (Australian Sea Bass)*$34.00
Pan baked filet, with almonds, citrus beurre blanc, capers, samphire. Choose a side. Allergens Info: gluten free, nuts/seeds, contains dairy
Wild Caught Beer Battered Cod$28.00
Fried, choose a side. Allergens Info: gluten free, dairy free, contains egg
Sesame Salmon$29.00
Jail Island Salmon, skin on filet, tamari, clover honey, garlic, ginger, fresh lemon juice baby bok choy, choose a side. Allergens Info: gluten free, dairy free, contains soy

Entrees - From the Pasture

10 Oz Grilled NZ Pastured Strip Steak$39.00
Miso glazed cippolini, bordelaise, choose a side. Allergen Info: gluten free
Organic Shepherd's Pie$25.00
Warm spiced organic Australian lamb ragu, parmesan, baked with garlic mashed potatoes, topped with fresh mozzarella; choose a side. Allergen Info: gluten free, Contains Dairy
Organic Buttermilk Fried Half Chicken$29.00
Thigh, drumstick, wing and breast, choose a side. Allergens Info: gluten free, contains dairy
Organic Chicken Marsala$24.00
Chicken breasts, portobello, marsala beurre rouge, herbs, choose a side. Allergens Info: gluten free, contains dairy

Entrees - From the Earth

Eggplant Parma$21.00
Choose a side. Allergens Info: gluten free, contains dairy and egg

Sangas & Burgers

All sangas and burgers can be prepped gluten free, gluten free bread +$3

10th Anniversary Ned Kelly Sandwich$20.00
pastured NZ tri-tip steak, sautéed Portobello, red bell pepper, miso glazed cippolini, shoe string fries, Dodoni feta cheese, Australian bush tucker seasoning, grilled ciabatta, choose a side
Wagyu Bonzer Burger$22.00
Ground Wagyu beef, cheddar, miso glazed cipollini onions, Duroc organic bacon, Bloody Mary pickles, kewpie mayo, ketchup, brioche, choose a side. (Halal without bacon)
The Todman Avenue$17.50
grilled organic, pastured chicken asada marinated, cheddar, avocado, romaine, tomato, red onion, Bloody Mary pickles, kewpie mayo, grilled ciabatta, choose a side
Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich$17.50
pastured fried organic chicken cutlet, kimchi, yuzu kosho aioli, Bloody Mary pickles, choose a side
Beyond Burger$20.00
with grilled portobello, lettuce, tomato, red onion, miso glazed cippolini onion, vegan yuzu kosho aioli (spicy), seeded vegan bun, choose a side

Pasta, Salads and Bowls

All salads and pastas are gluten free. Additional Salad / Bowl / Pasta Add-Ons: With prawns ($10); With grilled beef tri-tip, salmon ($9.50 each); With grilled chicken, grilled beef patty Or grilled beyond meat patty ($8.50 each)

Organic Penne a La Vodka$19.00
Allergens Info: gluten free, a vegan option can be prepared upon request
Organic Spaghetti White Truffle Cream Sauce with Portobello and Spinach$19.00
Cream, garlic, shallots, parmesan and fresh herbs. Allergens Info: gluten free, a vegan option can be prepared upon request
Golden$15.00
Kale, julienned beets, red onions, granny smith apple, house goat cheese, pepitas, champagne vinaigrette. Allergen Info: seeds
Heaps Good$15.00
organic quinoa, mesclun, charred kale, avocado, peaches, grilled halloumi, kimchi, fresh herbs, extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice

Sides

All sides are gluten free

Hand Cut Fries$8.00
Truffle fries as an entree side. Allergens Info: contains dairy), add $4 to entree price
Lemon Myrtle Rice$8.00
Garlic Mashed Potatoes$8.00
Allergen Info: dairy
Charred Kale Dodoni Feta$8.00
Grilled Vegetables$8.00

What 310 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.4Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Queens
Healthy

Sort by

MM
MissMaus
New York Area
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Only complaint is the chairs are a little small. I love this place, nearly entire menu is GF, food is delicious, staff are great.
SB
SofiaB
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 6, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
Service great! Mimosas were not cold 😞 Eggs delicious!
d
danielag
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It would be much better if kitchen continues open after 2:45 on weekends
SM
StephanyM
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on April 16, 2023
overall2food3service1ambience2
The food was ok nothing special , the place was fine , the service was really bad only 2 guys playing as hostess, waitress, bartending, buss boy etc so they were rushing , forgetting the order , bringing the cocktails after the food, and of course stressed . I would never go back to this place. Even if it’s not their fault there is really bad organization with their staff that makes ur experience very unpleasant
N
Nope
New York Area
4 reviews
vip
2.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 16, 2023
overall2food3service1ambience2
They forgot about our drinks so we didn’t get them until apps and entrees were done and charged us for an extra drink that we never got and weren’t nice about it at all.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
26 reviews
vip
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on April 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
Great service. Attentive, friendly staff. Soooo many delicious gluten-free options. Only one needed GF options, but we were all satisfied. A bit noisy, but we’ll be back.
G
Gena
New York Area
24 reviews
vip
4.0
24 reviews
Dined on March 22, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
Overall great dining experience. Great food. Great service.
ZP
ZarP
New York Area
8 reviews
vip
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on March 19, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience3
I know cost has gone up for everyone and everything but I’m not motivated to keep eating out when restaurants are nicking and dimming you. Cost has increased while quality is decreasing. You can’t even get a refill on your coffee anymore and its $5 for a cup. Plus it a guaranteed 18% tip even if service is not good I got my latte after my meal and it’s because of the machine but said anything or mention I should get another beverage
j
jane348
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
everything was just great...the staff is accommodating, friendly, & attentive... food was delicious & i'm looking forward to returning there asap so i can try a different dish.... i had the chicken marsala with incredible sauteed mushrooms & grilled veggies..my friend had a fish dish which looked great...i want to try a fish dish next time...the portions are quite generous, so go prepared to eat ...there were a lot of regulars coming in, pick-ups, etc...and the owner, kathy, seemd to know them all by name...the thirsty koala is like the "cheers" of restaurants....you really will feel welcome...
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Almost the entire menu is gluten free, even the fried foods! Everything was delicious and we will definitely be back.
MT
MarilynT
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent, friendly service. Food was very good and abundant.
AM
AMNY
New York Area
36 reviews
vip
4.0
36 reviews
Dined on March 5, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience3
Great food and service. Always enjoyable here. Love that they have halloumi on the menu!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 26, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience4
Gluten free menu, food was delicious, service fantastic and cute fun atmosphere
JM
JonM
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
If you need gluten free options it doesn’t get much better but even if u don’t, the food is great
SG
SamanG
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a great experience when visiting Thirsty Koala. The best options for those on a gluten free diet!
JR
JohnR
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and fun atmosphere. We enjoyed the live music on Saturday night. Definitely worth a visit.
L
Luna
New York Area
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 26, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Been coming to this thirsty koala and never disappoint, good drinks and good food.
RR
RnRollGirl
New York Area
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 24, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
everything was VERY good. super enjoyable. my only "negative" is that it's a little on the pricey side. we went for an early thanksgiving dinner. for a holiday or event, it's fine...but probably wouldn't go for a casual saturday night meal. would fully recommend overall though and more than likely will go back for another holiday or birthday meal.
LT
LTLT
New York Area
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on November 5, 2022
overall1food2service1ambience3
Extremely slow. Waited 45+ minutes. Food is mediocre. Not worth the price and time.
FM
FranM
Atlanta Metro
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 24, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience4
Wonderful surprise. Fresh, delicious food and good service. Worth a visit or 2 or 3 or .....
RC
RyanC
New York Area
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on March 13, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Thirsty Koala is an amazing restaurant, great food and fun times. The food names are fun and the portion sizes are more than reasonable. I will be coming back!
CM
ConnieM
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 7, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time eating here. Food was good but I was a bit disappointed that the Kangaroo burger was only available on the dinner menu. Had I known this I would have made my reservation for dinner rather than brunch since this was what I was mostly interested in. Other than that, no complaints
S
Sandy
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 4, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent food and service in a lovely setting. Would definitely recommend and will be back!
NY
NYCinVegas
New York Area
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on March 3, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a great experience. Great quality food and a great time.
m
merry
New York Area
107 reviews
vip
5.0
107 reviews
Dined on March 2, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
An absolute yes for everything! What a fun place! Great food, friendly service too! We were there for trivia night - great fun everyone - should go!!
EY
ElizabethY
New York Area
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 1, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
My favorite brunch in NYC! The service is friendly and accommodating. The food is delicious and the coffee is fantastic. I haven't ordered anything that wasn't amazing. Bonus points for our server's extra care to accommodate my gluten sensitivity.
B
Barbara
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 26, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
If you are looking for amazingly good food without gluten then this is the place to eat. Food was delicious, service fantastic and reasonably priced, well worth the travelling from Manhattan and will definitely be on our list of restaurants to revisit when we visit BY again!
C
Charlie
New England
20 reviews
4.0
20 reviews
Dined on February 16, 2020
overall4food4service4ambience4
Enjoyed meal and service. Staff was considerate.
LS
LouisS
New York Area
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on February 16, 2020
overall5food4service5ambience5
Nice local place. The staff are nice and they have some vegetarian dishes.
EE
EmmaE
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
A nice and cozy restaurant with great food. Staff is very personable and accommodating. I totally recommend the Thirsty Koala if you want to have a good time!
IC
IamCat
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
If you're looking for fresh and delicious food, this is the place to go to.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 9, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Thirsty Koala never disappoints. The food and service is spectacular and makes you keep coming back!
P
Pokey292
New York Area
37 reviews
vip
5.0
37 reviews
Dined on February 8, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience3
I love Thirsty Koala simply because of the excellent quality angus beef they use for their burgers. Australian beef is quite amazing if done right and it sits in a very trendy part of Astoria.
MN
MichaelN
Miami
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 8, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
great atmosphere, servers were great and food was really good.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 2, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food and excellent service! Would recommend in a heartbeat
KM
KristinM
New York Area
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on February 1, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
The fried chicken is awesome! The staff was friendly and attentive. I'll definitely go back.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 26, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Aussie Day celebration
M
Marcus
New York Area
22 reviews
vip
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on January 26, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Nice crowded place with excellent food. Service was a bit slow but they were busy and very pleasant.Only the B rating.
k
kwcbus
Columbus
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 18, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything from the moment we walked in until we left was divine! The host greeted us, know about our reservation, took us to a table that had a note with my name on it! The server was very nice, and so was the owner who came out to check on our experience after we finished eating. The music was nice and not distracting. The food was simply amazing! My friends and I will definitely return next time we visit New York.
m
marions
New York Area
32 reviews
vip
5.0
32 reviews
Dined on January 18, 2020
overall5food5service4ambience4
The food was delicious and specialty cocktails were on point!! Great place!!

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from The Thirsty Koala using the Order Online button. The Thirsty Koala also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (718) 626-5430.

The Thirsty Koala is rated 4.7 stars by 310 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 31, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 4 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(718) 626-5430

Other options

Order online

3512 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
between 35th & 36th Sts
Neighborhood
Astoria
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:30 pm Fri 5:00 pm–10:30 pm Sat 3:30 pm–10:30 pm Sun 3:30 pm–9:30 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–2:45 pm Happy Hour Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri 5:00 pm–7:00 pm Sat 3:30 pm–7:00 pm Sun 3:30 pm–10:00 pm
Cuisines
Australian, Gastro Pub, English
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
There is a large municipal parking available 33rd St and Ditmars Blvd 2 blocks away<br />
Public transit
N & W trains Go to the last stop Ditmars Blvd Astoria - Turn right at TD Bank located on the corner of 31st & Ditmars Blvd walk 3 blocks down. Restaurant is located on Ditmars between 35th & 36th St - 3 minute walk from the train station.
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Owned/operated by
Women
Executive chef
Katherine Fuchs
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.thethirstykoala.com/
Phone number
(718) 626-5430
Catering
We do catering for corporate lunches, private events
Private party contact
Kristen: (718) 626-5430

Featured in

Women-Owned and -Operated Restaurants to Support in NYC

The Thirsty Koala

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Dining areas

Additional information

Women-Owned and -Operated Restaurants to Support in NYC

Appetizers

New England Clam Chowder$13.00

Crispy Fried Calamari$21.00

Halloumi Fries$15.00

Roasted Marrow Bone$18.00

Corn And Jalapeno Fritters$15.00

Thea's Meatballs$18.00

Organic Chicken Wings$18.00

Hand Cut Truffle Fries$12.00

Wattle Seed and Herb Grilled NZ Pastured Lamb Lollies$22.50

Tacos

Fish Tacos$20.00

NZ Pastured Beef Short Rib Barbacoa Tacos$20.00

Entrees - Seafood

Barramundi Amandine (Australian Sea Bass)*$34.00

Wild Caught Beer Battered Cod$28.00

Sesame Salmon$29.00

Entrees - From the Pasture

10 Oz Grilled NZ Pastured Strip Steak$39.00

Organic Shepherd's Pie$25.00

Organic Buttermilk Fried Half Chicken$29.00

Organic Chicken Marsala$24.00

Entrees - From the Earth

Eggplant Parma$21.00

Sangas & Burgers

10th Anniversary Ned Kelly Sandwich$20.00

Wagyu Bonzer Burger$22.00

The Todman Avenue$17.50

Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich$17.50

Beyond Burger$20.00

Pasta, Salads and Bowls

Organic Penne a La Vodka$19.00

Organic Spaghetti White Truffle Cream Sauce with Portobello and Spinach$19.00

Golden$15.00

Heaps Good$15.00

Sides

Hand Cut Fries$8.00

Lemon Myrtle Rice$8.00

Garlic Mashed Potatoes$8.00

Charred Kale Dodoni Feta$8.00

Grilled Vegetables$8.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

FAQs

Does The Thirsty Koala offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is The Thirsty Koala restaurant rated?

Is The Thirsty Koala currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Dining areas

Additional information

Featured in

Women-Owned and -Operated Restaurants to Support in NYC