I’m a Starbucks junkie. As an ardent recycler, long-time vegetarian and former Americorp volunteer, I know I should shun the coffee conglomerate and support “the little guy.” But I’m always bummed when my grande-extra-hot-extra-shot soy latte doesn’t meet my expectations elsewhere. Now I’ve found a place more in tune with my bohemian bent.
Freeze Peach has been in Astoria, blocks from my home and the N/W Ditmars Blvd. train stop, for two years. That I’ve just discovered it is typical of its grassroots style. A retreat for outer-borough occupants, it’s basically a living room with a barista. Hanging there until midnight’s acceptable, and my friends and I joke that it’s a sanctuary for people with bad living situations.
A cozy (ahem, tiny) space with a couch and recliners around a coffee table, the café houses a hodge-podge collection of thrift store fare. Just like the eclectic furniture mix, anyone who walks through the door belongs. An eccentric cast of regulars is accommodating about sharing sofa space or outlets for laptops. One half-hour of Internet comes with a purchase and it’s $2 for each half-hour following.
After ordering my steamer, but before tasting it, I was giddy. It was free because the previous patron paid for two drinks in addition to his own as a random act of kindness. I wondered what portal I’d passed through to be in a place where I was enjoying a drink on a complete stranger’s dime. My soy latte ($3.75) and my friend’s apple cider ($3.50) arrived in mason jars, contributing to the folksy feel. Although I missed “The Way I See It” on the side of my cup, I was happy with the creamier consistency than my Starbucks’ standard.
As a coffeehouse with character, Freeze Peach exceeds, but it’s a standout because of the communities it’s creating. The joint’s calendar brims with kooky events. I stopped by an ACK (Astoria Crafty Knitters) meeting, but not gifted with yarn, hid behind my computer. Happily stitching and storytelling, one woman remarked how pleased she was that the owner Michael, affectionately called “Meesh,” was wearing a hat she’d made. Aww!
Their “homeroom” is also helpful for my procrastinating self. Meesh opens the shop early once per week for writers to work quietly. It’s touted as a “no-impact” event, so BYOC: bring your own coffee.
On “Read Aloud Night” participants bring classics or their own works for fun or feedback. At FAGOUSI (Friends of Acoustic Guitar and Other Unamplified Stringed Instruments) four men were chanting and banging on bongos. Diana said they reminded her of the Birkenstock-clad crowd from Ithaca, her college town. VEG (Vinyl Enthusiasts Group) is a musical potluck. An old-school record player is set out and anyone (who still has records) can bring them to play. Other events include “guest baristas” who brew for charity, a monthly book swap and rotating photography exhibits.
In terms of food, the beanery does best with beverages—including a vast tea selection with over 55 varieties. While I debated the options, Meesh opened canisters for me to smell and offered suggestions. I chose the April Spice herbal tea ($2.25). Jitter-inducing specials like “WMD” ($4.25)—four espresso shots on ice with half-and-half—or the “anti-procrastination latte” ($4)—a mix of South American tea steeped in milk with an espresso shot—are particularly potent.
The only aspect that’s lacking is the snack selection. Maybe that’s why no one seemed surprised when a Chinese food delivery guy actually dropped off take-out to a student in an armchair one night.
Coffee shop staples like cheesecake ($3.50) and biscotti ($.75) will hit the spot if you want something sweet, but they aren’t that exceptional. Their transcendent treat is rueglach (3 for $2), Jewish cookies made with cream cheese dough, raspberry preserves and walnuts. Peanut butter and honey ($2.50) and an assortment of vegan pre-made sandwiches ($3.75) are also available. We tried the spicy tofu, which was like a mock egg salad sandwich. It was tasty, but the fact that it came wrapped up made it a bit reminiscent of an airplane meal. The zesty snack would be fine washed down with a diet coke, but with a chai latte ($3.75), not so much. Forgoing the food, and instead sticking with the drinks and funky activities, this neighborhood beacon converts first-timers into faithful followers.
Freeze Peach
22-00 29th St. (at Ditmars Blvd.), Queens
No phone; freezepeach.org
