Restaurants & Bars
Astoria's Viva Viva Taqueria To Close Amid Pandemic Struggles
The well-liked taqueria survived for two years on a busy stretch of 30th Avenue, but said the pandemic has taken "a financial toll."
ASTORIA, QUEENS — After more than two years in business, a well-liked Astoria Mexican restaurant announced it will close for good.
Viva Viva Taqueria and Cantina, at 34-10 30th Ave., will serve its final enchiladas and quesadillas on Sunday, the restaurant announced on Instagram.
"To all our dear and loyal customers... with great sadness we must 'close,' the message reads. "COVID took a financial toll, and we simply cannot afford to keep operating."
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The restaurant first opened in November 2019 on a busy stretch of 30th Avenue. Its owner, Josafad Morales, had worked for the previous occupant of the storefront — Bonjour Crepes and Wine — and told Give Me Astoria that he had dreamed for years about opening his own business.
"There are a lot of places to hang out and try different kinds of cuisines, and that’s the main reason I didn’t want to leave Astoria," he told the publication in 2020.
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Viva Viva won strong reviews during its two years in business, with praise for its tacos, margaritas and festive vibe.
Still, it was no match for the pandemic, which has claimed other popular Astoria venues like Zenon Taverna, Queens Comfort, Riccardo's By The Bridge and Maizal.
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