The Thirsty Koala

4.6

338 Reviews

$31 to $50

Australian

Gluten-free-friendly
Neighbourhood gem
Innovative

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.

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Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Australian, Gastro Pub, English
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu 12:00 pm–9:30 pm Fri 12:00 pm–10:30 pm Sat 10:00 am–10:30 pm Sun 11:00 am–9:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:15 pm Happy Hour Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–7:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(718) 626-5430
Website
http://www.thethirstykoala.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
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
Area
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
Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Grilled Australian Wattle Seed and Herb Pastured Lamb LolliesUS$24.00
Australian wattleseed and herb crusted lamb lollies moro, English peas, chimichurri, organic beet root dust (GF, Halal)
Thea's MeatballsUS$18.00
Pastured beef with garlic, onions, tomato, herbs, Thai basil yoghurt on the side. Allergen Info: gluten free
Organic Chicken WingsUS$18.00
Ten organic wings, Aussie BBQ sauce or yuzu kosho sauce (spicy). Allergen Info: gluten free
Grilled Spanish OctopusUS$22.00
Grilled Spanish octopus housemade hummus, shirazi, z'atar (GF)
Crispy CalamariUS$22.00
Calamari fennel, moro, Thai basil yoghurt, lemon (GF, seed oil)
Crab Cake BitesUS$22.00
Blue crab, organic corn salsa, lemon garlic aioli (GF)
Hand Cut Truffle FriesUS$12.00
Parmesan. Allergens Info: gluten free, dairy free without parmesan
Wild Cod TacosUS$14.00
Two wild cod, soft corn tortillas, pico de Gallo, chipotle aioli, salsa verde, watermelon radish, cilantro (GF, seed oil)
Halloumi FriesUS$16.00
Halloumi,lemon, honey, mint, sesame (GF, dairy, seed oil)
Corn and Jalapeño FrittersUS$15.00
Corn, jalapeño, red onion, Manchego cheese (GF, contains egg and dairy, seed oil) 15
Aussie Beef Short Rib PiesUS$18.00
Three Australian beef short rib pies in our tender shortcrust, topped with flaky puff pastry. (Halal)
Barbacoa Beef TacosUS$14.00
Two, soft corn tortillas, pico de Gallo, chipotle aioli, salsa verde, watermelon radish, cilantro (GF)
Roasted Marrow BoneUS$15.00
pastured, bordelaise, Australian muntries, grilled crosti

Entrees - Seafood

Wild Caught Beer Battered CodUS$28.00
Fried, choose a side. Allergens Info: gluten free, dairy free, contains egg
Sesame SalmonUS$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
Barramundi Filet AmandineUS$35.00
Barramundi filet, almonds, bergamot beurre blanc, capers, herbs, choose a side (GF)

Entrees - From the Pasture

10 Oz Grilled NZ Pastured Strip SteakUS$39.00
Miso glazed cippolini, chimichurri, choose a side. Allergen Info: gluten free
Organic Chicken MarsalaUS$25.00
Organic chicken breast, cremini mushrooms, garlic, shallots, herbs, choose a side (GF, Halal)
Shepherds PieUS$25.00
spiced pastured lamb ragu, with English peas, carrots, mashed potato and mozzarella (GF)

Entrees - From the Earth

Eggplant ParmaUS$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 SandwichUS$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 BurgerUS$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)
Spicy Organic Katsu Chicken SandoUS$18.50
pastured fried organic chicken cutlet, kimchi, yuzu kosho aioli, Bloody Mary pickles, slaw, choose a side
Beyond BurgerUS$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. -With (4) prawns add 15 -With pastured beef tri-tip, ground steak patty, grilled salmon add 10.5 each -With organic chicken, or beyond burger 9.5

Organic Penne a La VodkaUS$19.50
Allergens Info: gluten free, a vegan option can be prepared upon request
Organic Gnocchi White Truffle Sauce with Portobello and SpinachUS$20.00
Cream, garlic, shallots, parmesan and fresh herbs. Allergens Info: gluten free, a vegan option can be prepared upon request
GoldenUS$15.00
Kale, julienned beets, red onions, granny smith apple, house goat cheese, pepitas, champagne vinaigrette. Allergen Info: seeds
The Great Barrier Greek SaladUS$15.00
organic mesclun, heirloom cherry tomato, red onion, Persian cucumber, Dodoni feta, Kalamata olives, anchovies, EVOO, lemon, oregano (vegetarian, GF)
Heaps GoodUS$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 FriesUS$8.00
Truffle fries as an entree side. Allergens Info: contains dairy), add $4 to entree price
Australian Lemon Myrtle RiceUS$10.00
Australian lemon myrtle, rice, currants, pine nuts. Allergens: nuts, gluten free, vegan
Garlic Mashed PotatoesUS$10.00
Allergen Info: contains dairy, gluten free
Charred Kale Dodoni FetaUS$9.00
Allergen info: gluten free
Grilled VegetablesUS$9.00

What 338 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.6

4.6 based on all time ratings

4.6Food
4.5Service
4.4Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

338 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
VIP
Raleigh
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on 13 April 2024
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
We showed up at the restaurant and it was closed and seized
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on 6 April 2024
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
The restaurant is closed. It has been seized for non payment of taxes.
Is this helpful?
R
vinR21
New York City
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 24 February 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Loved the food and entertainment here. The waiter could have been a little more attentive but overall a good experience.
Is this helpful?
DB
DougB
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 21 February 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
I met up with some friends for dinner at The Thirsty Koala. It is a great place on the Ditmars Boulevard strip of restaurants. Great food. Great service. Friendly vibe.
Is this helpful?
EM
EllenM
VIP
Washington DC
29 reviews
5.0
29 reviews
Dined on 10 February 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Delicious. I had the pancakes which were outstanding. I would go back next time I am in NY and have the opportunity!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York City
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 3 February 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
So many GF options. Knowledgeable server. Felt very safe and so happy to be able to eat EVERYTHING from the menu. Great food.
Is this helpful?
PQ
PamelaQ
VIP
New York City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 18 January 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Delicious! Helpful and courteous service. Looking forward to returning soon.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on 1 January 2024
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
We had a 2:15 reservation for brunch on new year’s day. We were seated and waiting for our server for 25 minutes and eventually we had to leave because we were starving and no one had even come by to take our drink order. Then it seemed like the Owner/Manager was yelling at one of the servers which was just uncomfortable.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York City
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 28 December 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food and customer service. The kiddo also ate well from the kids menu and the gluten free choices were superb.
Is this helpful?
JB
JenniferB
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 16 December 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food and service were amazing. I had the best pancakes from their brunch menu. Decent portions and reasonable prices. Would definitely go back.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Thirsty Koala offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (718) 626-5430.

The Thirsty Koala is rated 4.6 stars by 338 OpenTable diners.

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

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Order delivery or takeout

3512 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross Street
between 35th & 36th Sts
Area
Astoria
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu 12:00 pm–9:30 pm Fri 12:00 pm–10:30 pm Sat 10:00 am–10:30 pm Sun 11:00 am–9:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:15 pm Happy Hour Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–7:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
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
Executive Chef
Katherine Fuchs
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining

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

The Thirsty Koala

Permanently Closed

Order delivery or takeout

There’s more to explore

Dining areas

Additional information

Nibbles

Grilled Australian Wattle Seed and Herb Pastured Lamb LolliesUS$24.00

Thea's MeatballsUS$18.00

Organic Chicken WingsUS$18.00

Grilled Spanish OctopusUS$22.00

Crispy CalamariUS$22.00

Crab Cake BitesUS$22.00

Hand Cut Truffle FriesUS$12.00

Wild Cod TacosUS$14.00

Halloumi FriesUS$16.00

Corn and Jalapeño FrittersUS$15.00

Aussie Beef Short Rib PiesUS$18.00

Barbacoa Beef TacosUS$14.00

Roasted Marrow BoneUS$15.00

Entrees - Seafood

Wild Caught Beer Battered CodUS$28.00

Sesame SalmonUS$29.00

Barramundi Filet AmandineUS$35.00

Entrees - From the Pasture

10 Oz Grilled NZ Pastured Strip SteakUS$39.00

Organic Chicken MarsalaUS$25.00

Shepherds PieUS$25.00

Entrees - From the Earth

Eggplant ParmaUS$21.00

Sangas & Burgers

10th Anniversary Ned Kelly SandwichUS$20.00

Wagyu Bonzer BurgerUS$22.00

Spicy Organic Katsu Chicken SandoUS$18.50

Beyond BurgerUS$20.00

Pasta, Salads and Bowls

Organic Penne a La VodkaUS$19.50

Organic Gnocchi White Truffle Sauce with Portobello and SpinachUS$20.00

GoldenUS$15.00

The Great Barrier Greek SaladUS$15.00

Heaps GoodUS$15.00

Sides

Hand Cut FriesUS$8.00

Australian Lemon Myrtle RiceUS$10.00

Garlic Mashed PotatoesUS$10.00

Charred Kale Dodoni FetaUS$9.00

Grilled VegetablesUS$9.00

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

Does The Thirsty Koala offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is The Thirsty Koala restaurant rated?

Is The Thirsty Koala currently accepting bookings?

Permanently Closed

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information