Sunday Brunch: Kickshaw

Commit storefront to memory, otherwise you'll pass it by.

There are lots of restaurants that specialize in one type of food dish in New York City. There's restaurants just for peanut butter sandwiches, dumplings, mac and cheese, and grilled cheese.

The Queens Kickshaw is no different.

Located in the heart of Astoria, Kickshaw has become a fast go-to place for a hip coffee shop that happens to serve one of the ultimate comfort foods, grilled cheese, with adult tastes. 

Gritty ceilings and construction-style lights.

Just to warn you it can be a bit difficult to find. Of course then once you're inside you get the impression that you're in Brooklyn and not Queens.

Really admired the lighting.

New York humor.

Remember you are in Queens.

The decor is very simple and rustic, complete with long community-style tables. Kickshaw is laptop friendly and provides wifi. And if you need a fix they also provide take out coffee growlers. But onto the most important part of the tour: the food!

A plain Gruyere and Brioche with tomato soup. Just like mom use to make.

The menu is simple -- it is grilled cheese after all.  Each grilled cheese sandwich is paired with a soup or salad that compliments each grilled cheese flavor.  Isn't grilled cheese just cheese and bread? How can there be more than one flavor of cheese?

This is not your ordinary grilled cheese with American Kraft.

You have your choice of Gruyere, Manchego, Mozzerella, Gouda, Feta, or Blue Cheese. And instead of white Wonder Bread, you've got brioche (fiance is a big fan of this), foccacia, cranberry-walnut, and multigrain for the boring types.

For more mouth-watering photos check out their website.  I thought I had some more photos of food, but apparently I decided it was better to keep this place a secret and not photograph the evidence.

Prices are pretty cheap for New York City ($8-$10), but remember to bring cash as Kickshaw doesn't take plastic.  Big groups are fine, but the service will be a bit slower.  And if you are strictly a Manhattan person, Queens Kickshaw might convince you to venture out into the boroughs.

The Queens Kickshaw
40-17 Broadway
Astoria, NY 11103
718-777-0913