projectneon:

Astoria
(Jolsen’s Liquor, Broadway Wines & Liquors, Rizzo’s Fine Pizza, Lefkos Pyrgos, Quays, Balkh Sish Kebab House)

Continuing the four-borough catch-up (sorry Staten Island — I’ll see you soon, I promise!), here are a few of the highlights from Astoria (those of you who follow along on Flickr or Twitter have probably seen these). Astoria has a lot of great neon signs, including a couple in Greek. My collection of New York neon languages is growing!

Jolson’s Liquors up top with the neon red LIQUOR is probably my favorite. I’ve never seen this particular lettering before, and it glows beautifully underneath the elevated subway tracks. I really like the small flourishes for serifs. And is there a name for that kind of L with the loop up top? Like Greek Es, I’m fond of alternate letter forms.

Sorry Quays may be a bit cut off depending on how you’re looking at this; the full photo is here.

One additional note: New York Diner on Northern Boulevard seems to have lost its little neon sign. I could see no hint of it. Jackson Diner I decided to save for another visit.

OK, I’ll leave you to admire the glow of northern Queens (here are all the Astoria photos) , and I’ll be back with the next installment of the Four-Borough Catch-Up tomorrow!