Where was A Bronx Tale filmed?
1993
City Locations
Bronx (USA), New York City (USA), Queens (USA), Astoria (USA), Brooklyn (USA)
Location Types
House, School, Church, Bar, Apartment
Location Styles
60's, Retro, Classic Car, School
About A Bronx Tale
A Bronx Tale is an engrossing trip through the coming-of-age story of a young Italian-American kid set against the vivid yet turbulent background of the 1960s Bronx. This film is Robert De Niro's outstanding directorial debut, and it revolves around Calogero Anello, a young lad divided between his father's hard-earned principles and the allure of organized crime, as exemplified by the local Mafia boss Sonny. The story begins with Calogero seeing Sonny's murder right outside his door. When Calogero decides to follow the community code over speaking out against Sonny, he receives the gangster's favor. This silence initiates Calogero's complex connection with Sonny, who takes him under his wing. Calogero is dragged deeper into the mob life as he grows older, entranced by the power, respect, and fortune it provides. However, his father's unshakable convictions and honest living provide a stark contrast, sparking an internal conflict for Calogero. The film expertly navigates issues of racial tension, love, and moral conflict as Calogero falls for a black girl from another side of town, confronting his community's stereotypes. His trip is a moving analysis of the decisions we make and how they affect our lives.
A Bronx Tale Locations
A Bronx Tale, a cinematic masterpiece directed by Robert De Niro, captures the gritty charm of New York City through its use of filming locations. Set in the bustling neighborhood of Belmont in the West Bronx, the film depicts Italian-American life in the 1960s. While the film is set in the Bronx, much of it was shot in numerous places throughout New York, highlighting the city's diverse urban setting. Most of the sequences were shot in Astoria, Queens, along 30th Avenue between 43rd and 44th Streets, just in front of St. Joseph's Church. With its characteristic New York flavor, this neighborhood appears frequently throughout the film, providing a glimpse of city life amidst the bustling streets and old structures. Other significant locations include Gravesend Neck Road and East 15th Street in Brooklyn, contributing to the film's authentic New York setting. Fans of A Bronx Tale or those interested in New York's cinematic heritage will find these spots worthwhile. Visitors can immerse themselves in the film's setting by walking the same streets as Calogero and Sonny and discovering New York City's rich cultural tapestry. Whether it's the lovely streets of Astoria or the iconic sites of Bronx Little Italy, these locales provide a real connection to the film, creating an unforgettable experience.
Fun Fact
A fun fact about A Bronx Tale is that it began as a one-man play written and performed by Chazz Palminteri, who plays Sonny in the film. Robert De Niro was so taken with the play that he opted not only to direct but also to star in it, portraying Calogero's father. This constituted a watershed moment in Palminteri's career, propelling him from a struggling actor to Hollywood fame. Palminteri's realism and enthusiasm for the play and the screenplay contribute to the film's enduring popularity and standing as a beloved classic.
The church scene in A Bronx Tale
St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 4319 30th Ave., Astoria, NY
As Calogero (Francis Capra) enters the church's dimly lit, solemn sanctuary, he carries a heavy secret: he witnesses a murder committed by Sonny (Chazz Palminteri), the local mob boss who has taken a liking to him. The scenario is packed with tangible tension between the sacredness of the church setting and Calogero's worldly problem. Astoria, New York's St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church is a lively place of worship led by Rev. Vincent, who speaks English and Italian very well. The Rev. Vincent makes everyone feel welcome by reading, praying, and going for walks with his dog Harry. The church holds masses every week, including a famous noon Sunday Mass. It also interacts with the community through events and bulletins, which helps its members grow spiritually. It's easy to get to 4319 30th Ave., Astoria, NY, whether you take the bus or your car. To get to the 30th Avenue stop on the subway, take the N or W line. As soon as you get off, walk west toward 44th Street; the church is close to the crossing. Take the Grand Central Parkway, get off at 45th Street, and go south to 30th Avenue. There is parking on the streets next to it.
Browse Astoria Filming Locations
Calogero working at Sonny's bar scene in A Bronx Tale
44-02 30th Ave., Astoria, NY
Calogero (Francis Capra) works in Sonny's (Chazz Palminteri) bar and assists with dice games, accumulating tips, which causes Lorenzo's (Robert De Niro) disapproval when he discovers the money. Lorenzo returns the cash to Sonny, warning him to avoid Calogero and emphasizing that he does not approve of his son's engagement in such activities. In Astoria, Queens, 30th Avenue is a busy urban street full of cultural activities and delicious food. This busy street is known for having a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and bakeries serving everything from traditional Greek food to modern cooking. Unique shops, lively bars, and green parks line the road, making it a favorite among locals and tourists. Its lively atmosphere is a great example of Astoria's multicultural beauty. Astoria, NY 44-02 30th Ave. can be reached by subway. Take the N or W line to the 30th Avenue stop. Take the exit and walk west toward 44th Street. The place you want to go will be on your left. This lively spot is easy to get to and right in the middle of Astoria's busy center.
Calogero coming to Jane's neighborhood scene in A Bronx Tale
Gravesend Neck Rd & E 15th St, Brooklyn, NY
Jane (Taral Hicks), an African American girl whom Calogero (Lillo Brancato Jr.) has developed feelings for, lives in a predominantly African American neighborhood, contrasting sharply with Calogero's Italian-American community in the Bronx. The moment Calogero steps into Jane's neighborhood, the film showcases the palpable tension and the barriers that racial divisions have built within society. The area around Gravesend Neck Road and East 15th Street in Brooklyn, New York, is a great example of city life. It is in the middle of one of the city's most varied boroughs. This intersection is a place where culture and community meet. It has a mix of home charm and local business. The area symbolizes Brooklyn's rich history and gives locals and tourists a taste of the borough's lively, always-changing personality. New York City's Gravesend Neck Rd & E 15th St can be reached from Manhattan by taking the Q train line to Coney Island. Get off at the Sheepshead Bay Station and walk northwest on E 15th St. to get to Avenue Z. It will only take 10 minutes to walk straight until you reach the important intersection of Gravesend Neck Rd and E 15th St in A Bronx Tale.
Anello's apartment scene in A Bronx Tale
4408 30th Ave., Astoria, NY
Lorenzo Anello (Robert De Niro) is shown taking shopping bags from the trunk of the family car, a simple but meaningful scene that emphasizes his job as a provider and his commitment to his family's well-being. His actions outside their apartment building on an otherwise typical day highlight the film's focus on the daily hardships of working-class families in the Bronx. His wife, Rosina (Kathrine Narducci), exited the automobile, confirming the family's sense of cooperation and shared life. Astoria, Queens' 30th Avenue is a busy street that beats to the beat of New York City's many cultures. Famous for having a wide range of restaurants, bars, and shops, this busy street gives you a taste of food from around the world and offers one-of-a-kind shops. 30th Avenue is a real mix of countries and shows how lively Astoria's community spirit is. It's a must-see for locals and tourists looking for real city experiences. The train is the best way to get from Manhattan to 4408 30th Avenue, Astoria. You can take the N or W train to the 30th Avenue stop. Walk west on 30th Avenue for about two blocks after leaving the stop.
Calogero meets Jane at the school scene in A Bronx Tale
William Cullen Bryant High School, 48-10 31st Ave, Queens, NY
When C (Lillo Brancato Jr.) notices Jane (Taral Hicks) in their high school's hallway, the mood changes dramatically. The bustling corridor, full of students transitioning between classes, appears to settle down, focusing the audience's attention on the developing relationship between these two characters from different backgrounds. Their eye contact, filled with inquiry and budding affection, says volumes, transcending the words they have yet to say. It's a moment of silent acceptance, recognizing their shared interest despite the social boundaries that separate them. The Queens, New York, William Cullen Bryant High School is a busy school with many students. The school helps many new immigrants meet their full potential and is known for its strong honors program and wide range of electives, sports, and extracurricular activities. It became even more well-known when used as a setting for the hit movie A Bronx Tale. To reach 48-10 31st Ave, Queens, from Manhattan, take the N or W subway line towards Astoria/Ditmars Blvd to the 30th Avenue station. Walk northeast on 30th Ave towards 48th Street, then turn left onto 31st Ave. You'll find the destination on your right, a short walk away. This route provides a straightforward path to the iconic location.
Access Queens Film Shoot Locations
Conclusion
A Bronx Tale is a moving story that beautifully captures what it's like to grow up in a tough neighborhood with lots of different influences. The movie is set in many famous places in New York City. From the lively Bronx streets that show how cities looked in the 1960s to the Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, which represents the high stakes of life choices, these places bring the story to life. Scenes that take place in small, local places like Sonny's bar and large, public places like Astoria and South Ozone Park, Queens, show how Calogero grows as a person and how busy the city is. Each setting is a blank painting for the movie's themes of duty, honor, and how complicated father-son relationships can be. A Bronx Tale is a memorable movie gem because it not only tells the story of a young man's coming of age, but also shows how diverse and rich New York City is.