It’s me again, back with another restaurant guide. Raise those hands to the sky, because you’re about to be immersed in the amazing culinary culture of… drum roll… Queens. Alright, hipsters, I know it’s not as trendy as Brooklyn (peep that restaurant guide here), but I’m here to say that Queens has, hands down, the best food.
My brother recently moved there, and I hate to say it, but I was skeptical at first. Queens felt foreign to me. Did they have brunch there? Was happy hour a thing in this distant land? Was the food as instagrammable as the other boroughs? The answers to all of these questions was a big, fat yes. Peep my favorite picks in Queens for the best brunch, lunch, dinner, happy hour and dessert spots in this underrated neighborhood.
Best Brunch Spots
The Queens Kickshaw
Located in hip Astoria, The Queens Kickshaw is the brunch food of your dreams. Their quiche is quite quiche, if I do say so myself, and they also have awesome lunch-y options (like their famous grilled cheese) if you’re one of those weirdos who doesn’t like breakfast (even though you should be eating breakfast all day long).
Sugar Freak
#brunch at Sugar Freak in #astoria. Breakfast Po Boy!! Lots more pics to come! #foodporn A photo posted by The Brunch Boys (@brunchboys) on Apr 26, 2014 at 12:23pm PDT
The name is enough of a reason to go here. Sugar Freak has next-level Southern brunch. Start your meal off with a lil Ambrosia and finish up with Eggs in Purgatory which is three poached eggs that are smothered in a spicy creole tomato gravy topped with parmesan cheese. Gimme.
Gastroteca
No matter the camera angle Brunch at #GastrotecaAstoria always looks good! (And wait till you taste it!) #Brunch //// pic repost from @lilmunchkin411 A photo posted by Gastroteca Astoria (@gastrotecaastoria) on Jul 19, 2015 at 9:41am PDT
YAS. Gastroteca rocks because they serve weekday brunch, a novelty in NYC. The California Benedict which rocks out with avocado, basil, and roasted tomato is dank. Pair it with a Mango Mimosa and you’re well on your way to having a blissed out morning.
Best Lunch Spots
Untamed Sandwiches
It’s no secret that farm-to-table eating is the best kind of eating. Not only does Untamed Sandwiches boast crazy unique sandwiches, but their sides are what really shines. House Made Grass-Fed Beef Jerky, Sweet & Sour Cabbage, and Pickled Beets with Cumin Yogurt are only a couple on their extensive list.
Yum Yum Queens
A photo posted by Andrew (@empireexpeditions) on Apr 1, 2015 at 6:27pm PDT
Doesn’t the name just make you feel happy? Yum Yum has mix-and-match curry which is definitely worth the trip out to Queens, not too mention that this place is affordable AF.
Queen’s Comfort
If Disco Tots and Fried White Truffle Three Cheese Ravioli (omggg) weren’t enough to sell you on this place, then the cozy atmosphere and unique vegetarian options will. Queen’s Comfort is cash only and BYOB, so keep that in mind.
Best Dinner Spots
Taverna Kyclades
A photo posted by tavernakyclades (@tavernakyclades) on Aug 5, 2015 at 9:02am PDT
Queens has a huge Greek community, so take advantage and make sure to hit up a local Taverna. Taverna Kyclades is Zagat-rated as one of the best restaurants in Queens. Make sure to nibble on some delish spanakopita. Still craving Greek? Try this homemade Greek salad toast.
The Arepa Lady
The Arepa Lady is literally an adorable Colombian woman who makes arepas for the world to enjoy. Arepas are corn pancakes that can be made sweet or savory. Grab a couple Arepas and have dinner in the park or grab one of these late night.
Bun-ker Vietnamese
A photo posted by Bunker Vietnamese (@bunkervietnamese) on Jun 16, 2014 at 12:29pm PDT
This place has a definite Brooklyn vibe but it’s in Queens, which is even cooler. Thai-born siblings, Jimmy and Jacky Tu are pros in the kitchen, serving up the best Banh Mi sandwiches in existence. Get there nowww.
Best Happy Hour Spots
S Prime Steakhouse
Happy hour lovers, rejoice, for S Prime serves up half-priced drinks from 5-8 pm, Mon-Fri. They also have special pricing on their delish bar bites. I’m talkin’ buffalo chicken lollipops and mini fish tacos. Eat, drink, and be merry.
MexiBBQ
Michelada #ForTheSoul #NYC #manhattan ?
A photo posted by Stephania Baldeon Montesdeoca (@stephaniabaldeon) on Jun 17, 2015 at 6:45pm PDT
Cool place in general, but an even cooler happy hour special. MexiBBQ is big on local, craft beer so during their happy hours, you’re getting to drink beer from breweries like Greenpoint Harbor, Coney Island, Brooklyn and Fire Island all for half-price. Not into beer? Their classic marg is only $5. Let’s do this.
Mad Donkey Beer Bar & Grill
Jeez. This place goes hard for happy-hour. Get ready to be on some next level ish with one of their classic fishbowls (made with three different types of rum, pineapple, cranberry, orange juice, a splash of 7up). Ayyy Ladies – on Thursdays, for just $10, you drink anything from 8 pm-12 am. What, whattt.
Best Dessert Spots
Sweet Jane’s
And it’s not even my birthday! #funfetti
A photo posted by Manuel Betancourt (@bmanuel) on Jun 6, 2015 at 4:24pm PDT
If you’re as lactose intolerant as I am, Sweet Jane’s is your dairy-free haven. They have a ton of awesome options made with almond, coconut, and soy milks so you can enjoy your desserts without running to the bathroom immediately.
Caffe Bene
Who says waffles are just for breakfast? Losers, that’s who. Caffe Bene tops their waffles with gelato, cream cheese, fresh fruit, you name it. It may be time to leggo your Eggo.
Noisette Pastries
Just discovered this gem down the street! #sweet #IHeartAstoria #Steinway #Astoria
A photo posted by Mariecar Frias (@mariecar) on Jan 24, 2015 at 8:19pm PST
It’s hard to choose just one dessert when you’re staring at a glass case filled to the brim with options. That’s why I suggest just buying anything that looks good. Hit up that chocolate mousse, it is to die for.