The Thirsty Koala

4.6

338 Reviews

$31 to $50

Australian

Gluten-free-friendly
Neighborhood 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

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

Grilled Australian Wattle Seed and Herb Pastured Lamb Lollies$24.00
Australian wattleseed and herb crusted lamb lollies moro, English peas, chimichurri, organic beet root dust (GF, Halal)
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
Grilled Spanish Octopus$22.00
Grilled Spanish octopus housemade hummus, shirazi, z'atar (GF)
Crispy Calamari$22.00
Calamari fennel, moro, Thai basil yoghurt, lemon (GF, seed oil)
Crab Cake Bites$22.00
Blue crab, organic corn salsa, lemon garlic aioli (GF)
Hand Cut Truffle Fries$12.00
Parmesan. Allergens Info: gluten free, dairy free without parmesan
Wild Cod Tacos$14.00
Two wild cod, soft corn tortillas, pico de Gallo, chipotle aioli, salsa verde, watermelon radish, cilantro (GF, seed oil)
Halloumi Fries$16.00
Halloumi,lemon, honey, mint, sesame (GF, dairy, seed oil)
Corn and Jalapeño Fritters$15.00
Corn, jalapeño, red onion, Manchego cheese (GF, contains egg and dairy, seed oil) 15
Aussie Beef Short Rib Pies$18.00
Three Australian beef short rib pies in our tender shortcrust, topped with flaky puff pastry. (Halal)
Barbacoa Beef Tacos$14.00
Two, soft corn tortillas, pico de Gallo, chipotle aioli, salsa verde, watermelon radish, cilantro (GF)
Roasted Marrow Bone$15.00
pastured, bordelaise, Australian muntries, grilled crosti

Entrees - Seafood

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
Barramundi Filet Amandine$35.00
Barramundi filet, almonds, bergamot beurre blanc, capers, herbs, choose a side (GF)

Entrees - From the Pasture

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

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)
Spicy Organic Katsu Chicken Sando$18.50
pastured fried organic chicken cutlet, kimchi, yuzu kosho aioli, Bloody Mary pickles, slaw, 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. -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 Vodka$19.50
Allergens Info: gluten free, a vegan option can be prepared upon request
Organic Gnocchi White Truffle Sauce with Portobello and Spinach$20.00
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
The Great Barrier Greek Salad$15.00
organic mesclun, heirloom cherry tomato, red onion, Persian cucumber, Dodoni feta, Kalamata olives, anchovies, EVOO, lemon, oregano (vegetarian, GF)
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
Australian Lemon Myrtle Rice$10.00
Australian lemon myrtle, rice, currants, pine nuts. Allergens: nuts, gluten free, vegan
Garlic Mashed Potatoes$10.00
Allergen Info: contains dairy, gluten free
Charred Kale Dodoni Feta$9.00
Allergen info: gluten free
Grilled Vegetables$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

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Thirsty Koala is a beloved spot with "great food and service," widely praised for its extensive gluten-free menu. Diners enjoy the "delicious" brunch options, friendly atmosphere, and attentive staff. Despite occasional service hiccups, the welcoming vibe and "outstanding" food make it a favorite for locals and visitors alike.

338 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner VIP
Raleigh2 reviews
1.0
Dined on April 13, 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 Angeles1 review
1.0
Dined on April 6, 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 City2 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 24, 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 Francisco1 review
5.0
Dined on February 21, 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.
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EM
EllenM VIP
Washington DC29 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 10, 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 City3 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 3, 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 City1 review
5.0
Dined on January 18, 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 Boston1 review
1.0
Dined on January 1, 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 City3 reviews
5.0
Dined on December 28, 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 DC1 review
5.0
Dined on December 16, 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.
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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
Neighborhood
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
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

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 Lollies$24.00

Thea's Meatballs$18.00

Organic Chicken Wings$18.00

Grilled Spanish Octopus$22.00

Crispy Calamari$22.00

Crab Cake Bites$22.00

Hand Cut Truffle Fries$12.00

Wild Cod Tacos$14.00

Halloumi Fries$16.00

Corn and Jalapeño Fritters$15.00

Aussie Beef Short Rib Pies$18.00

Barbacoa Beef Tacos$14.00

Roasted Marrow Bone$15.00

Entrees - Seafood

Wild Caught Beer Battered Cod$28.00

Sesame Salmon$29.00

Barramundi Filet Amandine$35.00

Entrees - From the Pasture

10 Oz Grilled NZ Pastured Strip Steak$39.00

Organic Chicken Marsala$25.00

Shepherds Pie$25.00

Entrees - From the Earth

Eggplant Parma$21.00

Sangas & Burgers

10th Anniversary Ned Kelly Sandwich$20.00

Wagyu Bonzer Burger$22.00

Spicy Organic Katsu Chicken Sando$18.50

Beyond Burger$20.00

Pasta, Salads and Bowls

Organic Penne a La Vodka$19.50

Organic Gnocchi White Truffle Sauce with Portobello and Spinach$20.00

Golden$15.00

The Great Barrier Greek Salad$15.00

Heaps Good$15.00

Sides

Hand Cut Fries$8.00

Australian Lemon Myrtle Rice$10.00

Garlic Mashed Potatoes$10.00

Charred Kale Dodoni Feta$9.00

Grilled Vegetables$9.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

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?

Permanently Closed

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information