COVID-19 Surge Shutters Beloved Forest Hills Gastro Pub

FOREST HILLS, QUEENS — After serving craft beers and steak sandwiches for a decade, a beloved Forest Hills gastropub announced its closure last weekend.

Austin Public, located in the heart of Forest Hills on 70-28 Austin Street, announced on Sunday that it is permanently closing due to the pandemic's ongoing toll on business. The restaurant did not list a definitive closing date, but its phone has been disconnected as of Wednesday.

"With our lease coming to an end, and COVID-19 showing no signs of letting up, we have made the hard decision to not renew our lease," wrote co-owners Declan Morrison and John Maloney, alluding to the recent omicron-induced COVID wave that's prompted city agencies and businesses to close as cases skyrocket.

Originally an Irish pub by the name of The Flying Pig, the gastropub underwent renovations in 2014 and reopened as Austin Public, complete with new TV's and booths.

The pub quickly became a neighborhood happy hour favorite and community spot; in their closing announcement the co-owners thanked neighbors for their ongoing support. "We have made some great friendships and memories," they write.

Austin Public has also made efforts to support the local community, partnering with nonprofits serving homeless people in Forest Hills and delivering food to healthcare workers at LIJ Forest Hills Hospital during the pandemic's onset.

Morrison and Maloney, though, will still be around after Austin Public's closure: Morrison said neighbors can "catch me" at his other local venture, Stacked Sandwich Shop at 68-60 Austin Street, and Maloney reportedly runs The Junction, a sports bar near Grand Central Terminal.