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Astoria Diner Hosting Popular Drive-In Movies During Pandemic

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.

email the author: news@queenspost.com

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