We went to Thirsty Koala when they first opened and recently! It is so much better than it used to be! Best fried chicken in the 5 boros IMO and wonderful sides!
Friendly service and wonderful food with reasonable prices!
We went during the heat wave and didn't remember to take pictures but we will go again soon and I will post pictures then!
I need to add that it is truly gluten free also! That is what drew us there!
They have a dedicated fryer for those of us with illnesses that can not have gluten.
Gluten is a cheap filler and it is a credit to them that they do not use it!
Came here to try their famous Kangaroo burgers. The burgers were delicious but nothing spectacular. Love their Friday brunches as I love free drinks with anything! Good service and great location.
Since I moved to Astoria I have been told countless times people have told me to check out The Thirsty Koala and I am so glad I finally did! Now I had never tried Australian cuisine before but let me tell you - kangaroo burgers are pretty delicious! I got mine with and added some bacon and cheddar for good measure. I got the lunch special where you get a burger with fries and your choice of one of their selected drinks. The fries alone could feed a small country and the house beer was light and refreshing! If you're in the mood for something new the Thirsty Koala might just be the stop for you! BONUS: Brunch isn't just on Saturday and Sunday here, they start brunching Fridays as well!
...and we tried the kangaroo sliders. They came on brioche buns with chipotle aioli and in-house made goat cheese. The kangaroo meat had the same gamy-type flavor as lamb. It was very lean, and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The goat cheese was creamy and tangy, adding the right balance to the meat. The sliders came with a gigantic pile of french fries. I like crispier fries than these, but we did not order this dish for the fries.
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This place is fantastic. A.... This place is fantastic.
Authentically Australian, with a vast menu. The staff are knowledgable and so attentive. The chef even came out to ask everyone how the meal was.
I ordered the calamari, it was delicious.
The burger with fried egg and pineapple was also a hit. And you can't go passed their pav for dessert.
The food and staff made me feel like I was home.
A+. Will definitely go back.
Food with an Australian touch. I had dinner there yesterday. The airconditioning hadn't been on long so I sat outside. The wait staff was Australian and very helpful in explaining the nuances of the menu. I had the John Dory, a fish which is found off the coast of Australia, New Zealand, southeast asia, and England. It is not found in US waters so it is unusual to find it on the menu. The fish was broiled perfectly so it was still moist and flaky. The rice pilaf was a good combination with the herb seasoning of the fish. The salad was a combination of a dozen ingredients and a light dressing so it didn't overpower the rest of the plate. There was a large enough portion of everything that I could take the leftovers home for today's lunch.
Vibrant Australian-themed Eatery. I must preface that I am smitten by the Aussie Burger. The textures take a few bites to be agreeable feel-wise, but the flavors are mesmerizing from the initial chew. Pressed sandwiches are especially interesting due to appealing ingredients. The whole menu appears to offer winning selections.
The Thirsty Koala has not obtained it's liquor license as of this writing, which lends some irony. Any restaurant and bar with thirsty as part of it's moniker would seem to be in trouble without an alcohol license.
On this Thursday evening, The Thirsty Koala was quite busy, thank you. I can just imagine this space when the permit finally arrives. Sarsaparilla soda is nice, but wine and cocktails are better.
Adorned with boomerangs and didgeridoo amongst vibrantly lit blonde onyx and pinewood-planked walls, the new eatery is the collaboration of three Astoria mates, Katherine Fuchs (former FDNY Chief turned Executive Chef), Alex Styponias (Astoria-born mixologist, raised in Greece), and Christine Chellos (Aussie native, and financial advisor).
For someone who has a gluten intolerance this place is worth a visit. The majority of the menu is gluten free or can be prepared gluten free and you would never know based on the options and flavors. Great happy hour with some creative cocktails. The service was friendly, including the owner Katherine who checked in on our table and all the others. Enjoyed all the dishes, but the crab cake bites and the haloumi & melon were standouts.
I really loved dining here. As an Australian it felt like a restaurant from home. As a gluten intolerant I could eat almost everything on the menu. The food actually exceeded my expectations. The fish and chips was easily the best I’ve had in the USA. The staff were all super friendly and service was quick.
10’s across the board! Will be back again!
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My boyfriend and I wanted to try this place because they have mostly seed oil free options. Additionally, I recently went plant based while my bf still eats meat, so it’s not been easy for us to eat out together (especially considering almost every restaurant ever has seed oils!) The Thirsty Koala absolutely exceeded our expectations!! I got the vegan option for the gnocchi with truffle cream sauce. Out of this world!!!!! One of my favorite dishes I’ve ever ordered from a restaurant. My bf got the mango chicken with rice. I tried the rice and was stunned at how delicious and unique the flavor was. He really enjoyed his meal also. (It’s so rare we’re BOTH satisfied eating out!) Our server was so kind and attentive. I told her I wanted a drink besides water, but nothing with alcohol. She made me a delicious mocktail with basil, cucumber & ginger beer. Overall it was such a pleasant experience for 2 people that barely eat out because of the stress & obstacles involved. I felt happy, relaxed & satisfied, which is honestly what going out should always feel like (or like, what would the point be?!) I would go back in a heartbeat & recommend 1000 times over.
This place was beyond amazing, I honestly considered gatekeeping it. But the staff were so friendly, welcoming, fun and accommodating that they really deserve all the praise they can get. The brunch here is amazing. I got the Wagyu beef burger and gingeroo bottomless cocktail option. I told 3 people about it before we even paid the bill, and later posted about it on IG. This is not a paid advertisement. The Thirsty Koala is without a doubt my new favorite brunch spot. Thank you guys!
Came early before the live band but stayed for happy hour. Enjoyed our app of jalapeno corn fritter. Shepards pie was made with lamb and the cod was well seasoned and fried.
Amazing gluten free restaurant. My girlfriend has celiac and it's rare that we find a restaurant that not only she can have a large selection from the menu, but also with a staff that actually understands and cares about this specific dietary restriction.
From the moment we walked in to when we left, everyone we were in contact with were exceptionally kind and welcoming.
I can't recommend this place enough. The food was absolutely delicious. Next time we are in New York we will definitely stop back in.
Had a girls brunch here and absolutely loved every minute of it. The food is amazing, delicious and perfectly prepared. Two top favorites were the French toast and pancake choices on the menu. Trust me, you would not be disappointed. The brunch drink options are great, the gingeroo was our favorite. I can’t begin to describe the quality and attention to detail on the food so hopefully my pictures can do some justice. Our waiter was so pleasant and inviting. Made us felt so happy and comfortable. Definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for quality, delicious food.
We started with coffees which were both huge and great. The halloumi fries were next they were pretty safe and are like a fancy cheese stick lightly fried. My wife’s main was the poached eggs with salmon. The eggs and salmon were perfect on a jalapeño fritter and the extra rye let you scoop up all the runny yoke. I had the tritip steak sandwich which was very good and safe an option with peppers, mushrooms and onions. What I really enjoyed which is one of my least favorite foods is kale. Chard kale on a grill with some of the best feta cheese I’ve had on top made kale into a food I will be eating now at bbqs at home. For the record I am not picky and will eat anything including kale it’s just not a fan of it usually. The service was fast and great. The interior is nice for dates. My wife and I will be returning for dinner soon.
Food was great! The lamb lollies were really nicely done, cooked to perfection and nicely plated. The Bonzer Burger was also great. My friend got the Australian sea bass and that was also great! We went on a Tuesday and it was happy hour all night, to our surprise, so we definitely took advantage. The house cocktails were unique and delicious!
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Delving into our dining experience at Thirsty Koala, the culinary offerings proved to be truly amazing. The chicken wings, a standout among our selections, were expertly seasoned and flawlessly prepared. The lamb lollies, too, showcased a thoughtful approach to flavors and cooking techniques, contributing to the overall satisfaction of our meal.
The chicken marsala, a nuanced and well-balanced dish, revealed a keen understanding of culinary intricacies. Its combination of flavors was both comforting and sophisticated, adding another layer to the diverse array of options on the menu.
Complementing the delectable cuisine was the attentive service, which enhanced our overall dining experience. The staff demonstrated a genuine interest in ensuring our satisfaction, making the evening not just about the food but also about the quality of service.
The well-crafted drinks further contributed to the establishment's allure, providing a thoughtful accompaniment to the flavorful dishes. The drink menu, like the food selection, seemed carefully curated, adding an extra dimension to the overall dining ambiance.
In conclusion, Thirsty Koala offers more than just a meal; it provides a culinary journey with well-executed dishes, attentive service, and thoughtfully crafted drinks. If you're seeking a satisfying and enjoyable dining experience in Astoria, this establishment certainly merits consideration.
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