Bel Aire Diner (Google)
May 12, 2020 By Allie Griffin
An Astoria diner is bringing back the nostalgic drive-in movie for residents looking for some socially distant entertainment amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Bel Aire Diner, located at 31-91 21st St., is hosting its second drive-in movie Wednesday in the parking lot adjacent to the restaurant.
The diner will screen Dirty Dancing at 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. — and both showings of the ’80s flick have already sold out.
Bel Aire Diner hosted its first drive-in movie on May 7 with a screening of Grease.
Attendees are required to stay inside their cars and can order food, drinks and popcorn from the diner, which is delivered right to their car window.
Tomorrow’s movie-goers purchased their tickets through Instagram. To secure a parking spot, they paid $20 — half going toward a food and drink credit at the diner, with the remainder going toward an upcoming luncheon for the local 114th Precinct.
The event has become so popular that the Bel Aire Diner staff has asked residents to stop messaging them for tickets.
The son of the diner’s longtime owner, Kal Dellaportas, said they are overwhelmed with messages from people trying to secure a spot at tomorrow’s screening.
“It’s been amazing, it’s been overwhelming,” Dellaportas told the New York Post.
7 Comments
This is New York City where most people don’t have cars so a drive-in seems rather unfair?
I grew up in Astoria! I love Bellaire diner. You guys are doing a wonderful thing! Where can I find out what movie will be playing next? And how do I get tickets?
Almost as good as the illegal poker games that ran in the front dining area a few years back. A bunch of disgusting, Texas Hold ‘Em blowhards playing nickel pots. Watch a movie at home and eat your own cooking instead
During this epedemic and they are charging you 20 bucks to watch a old movie
What a great idea!
Why wouldanyone want to get infected by going to watch a movie in public when you can just watch it at home ..on ur own confort..?..thats crazy..to me..
Kudos to the Bel Aire diner for doing this. Great for the neighborhood.