Rebecca Gopoian
Here's where to fuel up around Jackson Heights' Halloween Parade.
Pio Pio
Photo: msbphotography.com
You might know that Jackson Heights, Queens – one of New York City’s most diverse neighborhoods – is dense with restaurants that dish up affordable, authentic regional food from all over the world. But what you might not realize is that it hosts a big Halloween Parade, albeit one that’s way more low-key and kid-oriented than the raucous Village extravaganza.
The 20th-annual Jackson Heights parade kicks off at noon on Saturday, October 31. The route runs along 37th Avenue, starting at 89th Street and ending at 76th Street, where 3,000 goodie bags will be handed out to children. Expect to see a few elaborate costumes, along with loads of witches, Luke Skywalkers and pink princesses.
And of course, a food tour is a fine excuse for visiting Jackson Heights in any season. While the area is probably best known for the Indian restaurants and markets on 74th Street, there are so many other places to explore that even longtime residents can find it a challenge to sample it all.
To get you started, check out the following list of places. As for logistics: Jackson Heights is located in northwestern Queens between Elmhurst (another source of great food) and Corona (ditto), and easily accessible via the 7 train (74th Street or 82nd Street stations) or a slew of other trains at the Roosevelt Ave./Jackson Heights Station.
74-16 37th Ave. (bet. 74th & 75th Sts.), 718-565-0471
Quality kebabs at basic prices are the big draw here. There are also locations in Manhattan and Astoria.
Jackson Heights has many food carts, but one of the best known belongs to the acclaimed ‘arepa lady’ (Maria Piedad Cano). Her MySpace page announces when and where she'll be serving her melty cheese corn cakes (Fridays and Saturdays from about 10 PM is typical).
Café La Nueva (restaurant)
85-02 37th Ave. (85th St.), 718-505-3700
Café La Nueva (bakery)
86-10 37th Ave. (bet. 86th & 87th Sts.), 718-507-4785
There are two Café La Nuevas in close proximity, run by the same Armenian-Uruguayan owner, both with impressive dessert displays and empanadas. The restaurant serves down-to-earth South American fare including filling breakfasts, a full dinner menu and wine. The more low-key bakery is crowded but comfortable and sells café con leche, some unusual regional sandwiches and specialty grocery items in addition to baked goods.
75-59 31st Ave. (bet. 77th & 76th Sts.), 718-565-6200; www.cannellepatisserie.com
Located in an unassuming mini-mall, this French bakery serves fresh bread, hard-to-resist croissants (plain, chocolate or almond), elaborate cakes and fancy desserts made by two former Waldorf-Astoria pastry chefs..
37-33 74th St. (bet. 37th Ave. & 37th Rd.), 718-507-0666
Locals swear by this old standby for its well-prepared Indian classics and warm service; a $10 lunch buffet is a plus.
35-57 77th St. (37th Ave.), 718-424-1077; www.espresso77.com
In the heart of Jackson Heights, this small cafe offers flavorful coffee as well as sandwiches, wine, salads and fresh baked goodies. With local art on the walls and story hour for the kids, it has a genuine neighborhood vibe.
37-47 74th St. (bet. Roosevelt & 37th Aves.), Jackson Heights, 718-672-1232; www.jacksondiner.com
Probably the neighborhood’s best-known Indian restaurant, this big, lively 74th Street mainstay draws crowds with a taste for tikka makhanwala, sag paneer and the like. A low-cost lunch buffet adds to the overall bargain.
76-05 37th Ave. (76th St.), 718-429-3297; www.mehfilqueens.com
A relatively new addition to the neighborhood’s abundant Indian options that offers comfortable decor, flexible spice levels and, of course, a good-buy lunch buffet.
84-13 Northern Blvd. (bet. 84th & 85th Sts.), 718-426-1010; www.piopionyc.com
This popular family-style Peruvian is known for its rotisserie chicken with spicy green sauce and other budget-friendly fare including plátanos, jalea (a huge mound of fried seafood mixed with chopped onions) and sangria. Since it’s already noisy, it works with kids, and there’s a small outdoor seating area in back. Pio Pio To Go recently opened next door.
64-13 39th Ave. (bet. 64th & 65th Sts.), Woodside, 718-899-9599
Ok, it’s technically in Woodside, but this unassuming, cash-only spot is rated tops for Thai in NYC and is in walking distance from Jackson Heights. A pleasant garden and low prices add to its allure.
The Ranger Texas Barbecue (at Legends Bar)
71-04 35th Ave. (bet. 71st & 72nd Sts.), 718-803-8244
Given all its international cuisine, it seems almost unfair that Jackson Heights should also have Texas BBQ, but that’s what you’ll find here. From the outside, it looks like a dive bar, but inside it’s a family joint serving ribs, pulled pork, sausages, brisket and sandwiches with a variety of sauces and side dishes.
71-28 Roosevelt Ave. (bet. 72nd & 73rd Sts.), 718-426-7992;
www.zabbqueens.com
Located just a block from the 74th Street subway station, this Northeastern Thai restaurant serves intensely flavored dishes for laid-back tabs.
– Rebecca Gopoian