Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Foodies in Queens
Top Things to Do in New York City for Foodies in Queens
1. Queens Night Market
Open-air weekend market showcasing dozens of global vendors behind the New York Hall of Science. Expect a festive, family-friendly scene with live music and small-batch bites priced to encourage grazing.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the borough’s signature tasting ground, letting you sample dishes from immigrant communities across Queens in one evening.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Saturday nights in spring through fall, 6–11 pm; arrive close to opening to beat the longest lines.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring cash and cards, and set a per-bite budget so you can try more stalls; lines move faster at the back rows.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the value, variety, and convivial vibe; some note long waits at the most viral vendors.
2. New World Mall Food Court
A sprawling subterranean food court in Flushing with dozens of Chinese regional stalls—from hand-pulled noodles and Sichuan skewers to Cantonese roast meats and dessert shops.
✓ Why Go:
It’s an efficient deep-dive into the breadth of Chinese cooking in Queens, ideal for mix-and-match meals.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays for easy seating; weekends before 1 pm or after 3 pm to dodge peak crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Do a multi-stall feast: order one dish per counter and regroup at a central table; bring a tray to shuttle plates.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Crowds aside, diners praise the authentic flavors and bargain prices; signage can be overwhelming for first-timers.
3. Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao
Flushing institution famous for Shanghai-style soup dumplings crafted to an ideal broth-to-filling ratio, plus scallion pancakes and noodle soups.
✓ Why Go:
For many, it’s the city’s benchmark xiao long bao—quintessential Queens comfort food.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late lunch or early dinner on weekdays; expect waits at prime times.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order both classic pork and crab-pork dumplings; nibble a small hole, slurp the broth, then add black vinegar and ginger.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans rave about delicate wrappers and rich broth; some note a noisy, bustling dining room.
4. Hahm Ji Bach
Beloved Korean BBQ spot known for high-quality pork belly, marinated short ribs, and an abundant spread of banchan in Flushing’s Koreatown.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a go-to for sizzling tabletop grilling and generous portions that spotlight Queens’ Korean dining scene.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknights for shorter waits; late dinners after 8:30 pm on weekends.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for ssam lettuce and perilla to wrap your meats; pair with kimchi jjigae for a perfect combo.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Groups celebrate the lively atmosphere and quality cuts; some mention smoke and wait times during rush.
5. SriPraPhai
Longstanding Thai favorite in Woodside offering a deep menu of regional dishes—papaya salads, crispy watercress salad, curries, and a serene back garden in warm weather.
✓ Why Go:
A benchmark for Thai cooking in NYC with a menu that rewards adventurous ordering.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Lunch for quicker seating and great value; dinner on pleasant evenings for garden seats.
✓ Insider Tip:
Request Thai-level spice for salads and curries if you like heat; save room for coconut milk desserts.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Diners praise vibrant flavors and breadth; occasional comments on crowds and waitlist management.
6. Arepa Lady
From famed street cart to brick-and-mortar, this Jackson Heights staple serves golden arepas de queso, arepas de choclo, and Colombian comfort plates.
✓ Why Go:
A Queens legend—simple, cheesy perfection that embodies the borough’s street-food roots.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings for fresh-off-the-griddle arepas; late-night weekends for a lively vibe.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order an arepa de choclo with queso and a side of ají; pair with a maracuyá juice.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors glow about craveable arepas and friendly service; seating can be tight at peak times.
7. Taverna Kyclades
Astoria favorite for Greek seafood—grilled octopus, whole fish, and lemon potatoes—served in hearty portions with neighborhood buzz.
✓ Why Go:
Astoria is NYC’s Greek heartland, and this spot delivers on freshness and value.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early dinner or late lunch to avoid the dinner rush; patio seats shine in warm months.
✓ Insider Tip:
Share family-style: start with horiatiki salad and grilled octopus, then a whole branzino to split.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests laud consistently fresh fish and generous plates; expect a wait at prime hours.
8. Casa Enrique
Michelin-starred Mexican in Long Island City offering elegant takes on classics—mole de Piaxtla, ceviches, and exceptional margaritas.
✓ Why Go:
Refined yet approachable, it shows Queens can do destination-worthy fine dining without pretense.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknight dinner reservations; weekend brunch for a calmer experience.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order the mole and ask about seasonal specials; cocktails are balanced and worth the splurge.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Diners applaud precise flavors and warm service; prices are higher than neighborhood standards but seen as worth it.
9. Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden
Historic Astoria beer garden pouring Czech and local brews with a hearty Central European menu—grills, sausages, and pierogies—in a sprawling courtyard.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a timeless hang combining communal outdoor tables, casual eats, and neighborhood spirit.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons on sunny weekends or weekday evenings in summer for easier seating.
✓ Insider Tip:
Grab a platter to share and stake out a shaded table; bring a deck of cards for lazy afternoons.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved for its laid-back vibe and spacious garden; some note lines and cash lines during events.
10. Lemon Ice King of Corona
Old-school Italian ice institution across from Spaghetti Park, scooping dozens of flavors from pistachio to peanut butter for generations.
✓ Why Go:
A sweet, nostalgic cap to any Queens food crawl and a neighborhood ritual in warm weather.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon to evening in spring and summer; weekdays for shortest lines.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order two smalls in different flavors instead of one large to sample more; eat across the street in the park.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Locals and visitors alike cherish the classic flavors and no-frills counter service; expect a line on hot days.
