622990 Wed May 27 11:01:50 -0700 2009 84 19 Outer Boroughs 0 4719063 My chef-boyfriend and I just snagged a fantastic apartment at 61st and Woodside, and though we're only moving over from Sunnyside, we had many beloved favorites in our neighborhood that I'm nervous about "leaving behind". Any chance a Woodsider can provide a run-down of the best places in our new neighborhood..? Wed May 27 11:01:50 -0700 2009 234843 c.rogers 1 4719393 Some places I like: *Donovan's for burgers and simple fare (Roosevelt/58th) *Peppino's Pizza (61st/Roosevelt) for a grandma slice. One of the better pizzas in Queens in my limited experience. *Peking Chicken (Woodside/59th) for Peruvian rotisserie chicken. *Sripraphai (39th/65th) kind of goes without saying... if only they delivered. If you're desperate for Thai delivery, there's the little shop a block west of Sripraphai (Center Point? or something?) that's probably the best option. *Izalco (Roosevelt/64th) for good Salvadoran food. *Sapori d'Ischia (37th Ave/56th-ish) for one of the best Italian places in Queens. *Taco cart under the LIRR tracks in the evening. A new Sabor Mexicano cart has opened up here, and I find them OK, but I really like the other cart. They're around in the evenings and weekends all day, I think. *Cuatro Vientos taco truck (Roosevelt/65th) for another good option for tacos and antojitos. They're around from 8pm till the wee hours of the morning. *El Huarache (Roosevelt/68th) does good Mexican inspired diner food. Good prices for breakfasts, sandwiches, burgers, and Mexican items like chilaquiles. *El Sitio (Roosevelt/69th) for decent Cuban fare. They've been inconsistent over the years, but the last couple times I've been there, they've been better than the past. Definite upswing going on there. *Renee's (Roosevelt/70th) and Ihawan (70th/Roosevelt) are my two regular places for Filipino food. I like the grilled meats better at Ihawan, but pretty much everything else at Renee's better. Both places close by 8:30 -9:00pm so don't get there too late. Otherwise, try Engeline's (Roosevelt/59th). I'm lukewarm on Perlas Ng Silangan since most everything I've tried there hasn't lived up to the Renee's or Ihawan. I can't figure out their food angle or if it's just popular since they're open late and have entertainment space. *Casa del Pollo (Broadway/64th) is a little luncheonette serving decent Colombian fare. Good daily specials and lechon on the weekends. *Spicy Mina (Broadway/65th) is a CH favorite for South Asian/Bengali food, at a little chef driven place. Wed May 27 12:41:17 -0700 2009 4719063 10509 E Eto 2 4720199 cuckoos nest - surprisingly excellent food, good beer, and poor music from the speakers, but good when played live. Braulio's Y Familia Restaurant - Nice family salvadorean restaurant. Hyberadabi - small, meticulous hyberadabi Indian food Rinconcito de Mama - new, dominican restaurant. steam tables. cheap and clean Lincoln Ave Deli - Great latin american steam tables. different menu every day. Ottomanelli - butcher shop Thailand's Center Point - when sriprapai's lines are too long. there's a ton. Add a star for eEto's Peking BBQ, sitio, and donovans. Wed May 27 17:04:14 -0700 2009 4719393 168211 Jeffsayyes 3 4720648 Forgot about Braulio & Familia, but it's an Ecuadorian restaurant. Hyderabadi's been mostly a miss for me. I've tried a few things, but haven't found their better items. Is Rinconcito de Mama any better than Casa del Pollo? Which is Lincoln Ave Deli? Maybe I don't know it by name. Don't agree with you about Cuckoo's Nest. Everything I've had there has been mediocre to poor. I'd rather take my chances at Saint's and Sinners, but I don't really care for their food either. Wed May 27 19:35:43 -0700 2009 4720199 10509 E Eto 4 4723842 good call on braulio, I think I had salvadorean on my mind... Lincoln ave is just off roosevelt, nearer to sunnyside. New green signage, but theyve been there for a while. rinconcito is cheap. and new. id like to see what happens with them. ive been there once and wasn't too impressed, but i got my 5 dollars worth. worth another shot. and i stand by cuckoos nest for food. again, not music. Thu May 28 20:05:45 -0700 2009 4720648 168211 Jeffsayyes 3 4940949 We were actually impressed with the food at Cuckoo's Nest -- I try to steer clear of pub-type food, 'cause it makes an instant impact on my hips, but we stop in every once in a while because it's so close. Their burgers are really fantastic, and I can't remember if they have a veggie or turkey burger on the menu, but whichever it is, I ordered it and thought it was SO good. (Excuse my memory, I try to order those two on several locations and I can't remember which was at Cuckoo's Nest). At any rate, my boyfriend and I enjoyed their burgers much more than Donovan's. Wed Aug 12 14:29:34 -0700 2009 4720199 234843 c.rogers 3 5152100 I second the Cuckoo's Nest recommendation, especially if you live at 61st and Woodside like I do. While I like Donovan's much-touted burger, it doesn't stand up to the Nest's angus burger with blue cheese or even its regular burger. Tue Nov 03 09:32:52 -0800 2009 4720199 1120931 mkennethamon 2 4720878 There's a new Korean place that's pretty good. I'm blurry regarding the details, but I think it's called Friend's and is on the south side of Roosevelt at 64th St. Former location of Soho Tomo sushi. Woodside Cafe (formerly Rainbows?) has very good burgers that are better than Donovan's on some nights. Incidentally, Donovan's for burgers only - I find most of the other stuff on the menu to be inedible. Wed May 27 21:25:12 -0700 2009 4719393 13402 Joe MacBu 2 4723236 I think that Perlas is the best place for Crispy Pata. Thu May 28 16:05:13 -0700 2009 4719393 268231 MahatmaKanejeeves 3 5085383 I agree. Perlas' crispy pata is great! Wed Oct 07 09:01:41 -0700 2009 4723236 223669 Da Vid 4 5089713 Perlas has been closed for months. Supposedly it's for renovations, but I've never seen any work going on. Thu Oct 08 17:27:33 -0700 2009 5085383 11725 el jefe 5 5090229 have you been to the new place across the street? i thought i saw signs for a new "bakery" where renee's old space used to be (i think) Thu Oct 08 22:26:22 -0700 2009 5089713 12656 bigjeff 6 5103160 Renee's hasn't moved in at least 5-10 years. There was a short-lived Filipino restaurant next door but that space is still empty. The new bakery is further down the block and wasn't open yet when I went by a week ago. Wed Oct 14 13:30:33 -0700 2009 5090229 11725 el jefe 2 4725943 Bliss..!! Cannot wait to get started. We knew looking around that we were going to be in luck -- with great food for a great price. Quite the fantastic selection, thank you for all the information! Fri May 29 13:37:34 -0700 2009 4719393 234843 c.rogers 2 4735510 We're big breakfast people. Any suggestions in the area other than Woodside Cafe..? Tue Jun 02 08:45:06 -0700 2009 4719393 234843 c.rogers 3 4735778 La Flor and Cuckoos Nest Tue Jun 02 09:58:37 -0700 2009 4735510 78039 Widmark 3 4736817 I'm not so much of a breakfast person, but I like El Huarache for the big chilaquiles plate. I like that their breakfast portions aren't so huge. Most of the Mexican joints in the morning would be making things like huevos rancheros or huevos con chorizo, which are generally consistent. The Filipino places do eggs with longaniza, tocino, or tapa, with garlic fried rice. Tue Jun 02 14:39:37 -0700 2009 4735510 10509 E Eto 3 4742841 La Flor is definitely best for nice breakfast/brunch out. Stop Inn is great for no frills diner fare . Thu Jun 04 13:07:45 -0700 2009 4735510 18100 elbev 4 4804671 I agree with the Stop Inn rec. Great diner breakfast with real hash browns rather than warmed up mushy home fries that many diners serve. Thu Jun 25 06:33:10 -0700 2009 4742841 92669 CKOne 5 4940955 I haven't tried Stop Inn yet, but my boyfriend went and was sorely, sorely disappointed. Ridiculously overcooked eggs, he said. I'm thinking that perhaps their other items are better, or someone in the kitchen was having an off morning.. but for a chef that specializes in breakfast, he would not return. We like the Woodside Cafe and La Flor for breakfast thus far. I like Woodside's space too -- very neat and streamlined. Wed Aug 12 14:31:59 -0700 2009 4804671 234843 c.rogers 6 4941211 I've had eggs from Stop Inn slightly overcooked, but never "ridiculously" so. I rarely order eggs, though - unusual as it may seem, I can't keep away from the chocolate chip pancakes at this place. The plain pancakes are nothing special, and the fruit pancakes tend to be on the soggy side, but the chocolate chip pancakes are just wonderful. Wed Aug 12 15:56:29 -0700 2009 4940955 29540 jaingmaster 2 4788624 I used to eat at El Sitio more often. I've been away and recently, I went back and had the Roumanian steak (my usual). It used to be much better (tastier) and larger. And service was slow. I didn't mind since I wasn't in a hurry. But I think definitely worth a try for someone new to the neighborhood. Especially the Cuban specialties, like the bread and sandwiches, etc. A lady I've worked with for many years is from Ischia. She knows good and fresh food. She loves Sapori d'Ischia. I have not tried it. The reviews I've read are uniformly positive. Would be interested in getting your opinion if you do try it. I wholeheartedly second E Eto's suggestion of Donovan's as definitely worth a try, even if you may ultimately disagree with Time Out New York's poll ranking it the #1 burger in NYC. I've tried Filipino food in Woodside. I couldn't remember the name. It was definitely on Roosevelt Ave. My recollection is that it was within blocks of 65th. I think that, of the 2 places that E Eto mentions, Renee's sounds familiar. It was pretty darn good, tasty and filling. There's a rotisserie chicken joint on the diagonal corner from El Sitio. The time I tried it, it was pretty unremarkable. I'd say skip this one and try others instead. (Slightly off point: since you're from Sunnyside, certainly you've tried Pio Pio Riko for their rotisserie chicken? On the remote chance you haven't, their chicken is pretty tasty. Though I've read about them possibly scamming customers on the bill. I suspect I may have been taken last time as well.) elbey below mentions Cositas Ricas at 59th/Woodside. I didn't know CR had a location there. I go to the one in Jackson Heights regularly (corner of Roosevelt and 80th?), and they are consistently decent and relatively inexpensive ($25 and under) for a meal that will satisfy you. I also look forward to trying some of the suggestions on this thread. Thanks Hounds! Fri Jun 19 15:36:42 -0700 2009 4719393 180779 nooyawka 3 4847629 Sapori d'Ischia is overrated. It has declined a bit. Not terribly so but enough. If you are of the "there is nothing else around that is comparable and thus I accept what is around" type, then you would probably love it. If graded on an absolute scale, the reviews of the masses are too high. Again, it is not bad but it is also overpriced as far as I see it. If you go, I hope yours is as good as when I first went, at least. Fri Jul 10 15:31:06 -0700 2009 4788624 239561 dietndesire 4 4847899 I agree - I've only been twice, but I found the food...incredibly salty. And I LIKE salt. And the hovering water-bearing waiters didn't help. I like it as a grocery store, though - great sausage (fresh and dried) and cheese and other imported odds and ends - good prices, too. Fri Jul 10 17:24:53 -0700 2009 4847629 174520 grisaille 5 4852844 I completely disagree on sapori. I've been going there for about 4 years now and always love it. I highly recommend getting the Fettucine as an appetizer along with the baby octopus. I'll often get the risotto of the day as an app instead of the pasta. The only meal I've ever been disappointed in is the rabbit which I find a little dry. Mon Jul 13 04:39:06 -0700 2009 4847899 43386 donovt 6 5164070 I totally agree that sapori is overrated. Hovering waiters commenting on diners in Spanish, poorly cooked pasta (!) and attempts to pad the bill by getting you to drink a ton on top of only mediocre food mean that although I live close and hit nearby Northern Blvd. for staples shopping on a regular basis I will never go back. Sat Nov 07 17:14:48 -0800 2009 4852844 38753 zemilideias 1 4726099 On another thread, I posted about Piemonte, a fresh pasta plant in Woodside: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/435438#4724113 You can also get pasta made by Cassenelli (in Astoria) at Ottomanelli and at the butcher on Roosevelt/59th. Fri May 29 14:19:51 -0700 2009 4719063 13402 Joe MacBu 1 4726223 I heartily agree with everything that E Eto has to say (one exception: I find the Roosevelt/65th truck not very good). On the other suggestions, I am not a fan of Braulio y Familia, Woodside Cafe (ex Rainbow Cafe) is highly inconsistent, and I doubt you will find a better burger than Donovan's in the borough (though sometimes they do cook it beyond the level requested). The latter also have very good baked clams, French onion soup and (allegedly) shepherd's pie. Otherwise you are at your own risk. A few additions to the list: *Bagels Plus (58th/Woodside) for excellent bagels. They open at the crack of dawn, which is sometimes useful. *Rumphool (Roosevelt/58th) for high quality Thai food, with delivery. Lunch special a bit generic, so order off the menu (which is cheap in any case). Best option other than Sri this side of Elmhurst. *Mango's (61st below Roosevelt) for good and cheap Columbian food. Specials and soups are never disappoint. *Stop Inn (Roosevelt/61st) for consistently good diner food. Open late most night, reliable specials, and massive portions. *Butcher (forget name, Roosevelt/59th) for meats of all kind, plus house made Mexican chorizo and Italian sausage. Cheaper, equal or better in quality, and infinitely less snooty compared to Ottomanelli. *Cositas Ricas (Woodside/59th) for delicious Colombian baked goods. I recommend arepas de choclo con queso blanco (corn patties with white cheese), bunuelos, pan de bono, and besitos de guayaba. They also have a curious and delicious desert of figs filled with dulce de leche, and good fruit shakes. *Mexican bodega (61th a few blocks north of Roosevelt, on E side next to New Mexico car service) for very good basic Mexican food (cemitas, tortas, breakfast egg dishes, etc). *Antojitos mexicanos (under LIRR/7 station) for the best tamales in town. *La Hacienda (Roosevelt just east of station) for solid Ecuadorian and Mexican food. Not spectacular but good, and they are open late and deliver until 10 (this changes sometimes, not sure why). *Various Mexican sit-down places, of which I think La Frontera (Roosevelt/64th) is the best. Nearby El Paso and Tacos Mexico are not bad. The one on 61st north under the tracks is to be avoided. Have not tried Mariachi. Fri May 29 15:03:35 -0700 2009 4719063 18100 elbev 2 4727108 You've had more luck at La Frontera than I've had. I guess I'll give it another try one of these days, but I've preferred El Paso to Frontera, but only mildly. Tacos Mexico needed a lot of work after they opened and I never really gave them a chance, since there are better tacos from nearby mobile vendors. For the longest time, I didn't care for the truck parked at 65th St, but at some point (I'm guessing 6-10 months ago) there was a whole new crew (and new truck?) manned by two ladies, and they make some of the better tacos around Roosevelt that I've had. Much better than ones I've had at Tacos Mexico, La Frontera, El Paso or the truck parked at 63rd. I still prefer the tacos from the cart under the LIRR track, but they are a close second, especially judging on the carnitas and lengua. Fri May 29 21:51:49 -0700 2009 4726223 10509 E Eto 3 4727795 I agree that the truck under the LIRR (the original one, not the interloping Sabor Mex franchise) beats all of the restaurant places nearby. That said, it is sometimes nice to have a more options, a table, beer, etc. At Frontera, I have found reliable anything with carne asada ( the sopes are a good vehicle if fresh - just ask), nachos tejanos, and pozole, which comes with tostadas. Last time there I had a very tasty puerco adobo from the specials board (which I do not think they change much). Also looked on jealously on a family chowing down on steaks and grilled nopales. I suppose this is a logical move in a place called 'Steakhouse', but it never occurred to me. Will have to try the 65th St truck again. I still think that all of the Mexican options within a few blocks of 61st-Woodside pale in comparison to Coatzingo in Jackson Hts (Roosevelt/76th), several trucks in JH, the 52nd St truck, and even the few options on the La Flor (Roosevelt/52nd) menu. Sat May 30 09:37:17 -0700 2009 4727108 18100 elbev 4 4729702 The new mexican place in the place that used to be EcuaMex, at Roosevelt and 57th or 56th, has pretty good tacos. People should go and keep it open and see if it can't stay a go-to sit-down mexican place. Sun May 31 08:03:47 -0700 2009 4727795 78039 Widmark 5 4743059 I tried their Wednesday special, chileajo. Two decent-sized chunks of tender pork ribs in a delicious tomato and roasted chile sauce. Comes with rice and beans for $7. Their goat was even better this time, being tender yet with some crispy parts. It was very flavorful. Despite the vibe, I am digging the food. Thu Jun 04 14:30:29 -0700 2009 4729702 13402 Joe MacBu 2 4729770 Small note but I don't recall a Cositas Ricas at Woodside/59th. There's a different spot on Woodside between 58/59th and another on Roosevelt near 62nd. Where exactly is CR located? Sun May 31 08:29:06 -0700 2009 4726223 16894 burton 3 4732735 Oops - I meant to say Rico Pan, which is on Woodside/59th near the crossing with Roosevelt. Cositas Ricas, is another place entirely, a full sit down Colombian restaurant in Jax Hts. I think Rico Pan is the best Colombian bakery around here. Mango's is also decent. The newish one closer to 61st on the north side of Roosevelt has been disappointing. Mon Jun 01 11:06:16 -0700 2009 4729770 18100 elbev 4 4732801 Thanks - and agreed on Rico Pan (really good) and Pan y Mas (just ok). Mon Jun 01 11:20:25 -0700 2009 4732735 16894 burton 4 4732822 I love Rico Pan's empanadas, the beef and occasionally they have chicken. Also the arepas with cheese is outstanding. Last time they had some sort of corn fritter that was amazing. Even though I think they raised the prices a bit, it's still my go-to snack place. A few bucks for a couple of those empanadas gets me through the afternoon just fine. Mon Jun 01 11:25:17 -0700 2009 4732735 78039 Widmark 2 4978897 elbev, can you expand on your thoughts on Rumphool? not as good as Sri; have you been to some of the other elmhurst places, e.g. ayada, chao? what I've read paints the place as snacky (which is good) and northern-y (which is also good); specific recs? anyone else? thoughts? Wed Aug 26 07:17:52 -0700 2009 4726223 12656 bigjeff 3 4981208 I think Central Point's noodle dishes are better, but Rumphool's duck salad is awesome. The duck is super crispy, maybe too much if you prefer it more fatty, but I like it. Better then Zabb's on an off day, but not as good as Zabb's when they're at their best. Wed Aug 26 18:56:45 -0700 2009 4978897 78039 Widmark 1 4736894 Beware of Mt Kailash buffet-- formerly Potala, formerly Top of the world. It's basically the same food as any midtown "gourmet deli" salad bar, but you pay something like $12 for all you can eat. interesting items included "cheese seafood," which appeared to be melted american cheese on clams. 50% of my party left the meal with some physical discomfort. i usually don't like greasy, cheap chinese takeout places but No. 1 on broadway and 63rd is definitely the best ive had. judging from a limited sampling, i also preferred frontera to el paso and tequiliero. One of the better salsa verdes ive had and definitely the best quesadilla. also, i believe the korean grocery store on your block makes fresh tofu for cheap. havent tried it yet, though. Tue Jun 02 15:00:39 -0700 2009 4719063 339611 puretoast 2 4737335 I agree, the buffet place is absolutely awful. H-Mart (the Korean grocery) has good prepared food in addition to their stellar tofu. For Filipino, I prefer Engeline's on Roosevelt/59th. But maybe it's cuz I don't really seem to like Filipino food. Chu Ying for good Korean-Chinese on Woodside/67th: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/249649 Tue Jun 02 18:00:09 -0700 2009 4736894 13402 Joe MacBu 3 5085393 I don't get it. You don't like Filipino food, but you prefer Engeline's. What gives? So, am I to deduce that you think Engeline's food is mediocre. Wed Oct 07 09:04:30 -0700 2009 4737335 223669 Da Vid 4 5085753 I think that Engeline's is good compared to most of the Filipino food I've had in NY, LA and Chicago. But yes, I do find it (and Filipino cuisine in general) to be mediocre compared the offerings of other Asian cuisines in the area. Your timing was good on this one. There's an article on Engeline's in today's Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/07/dining/reviews/07unde.html?ref=dining Wed Oct 07 10:53:47 -0700 2009 5085393 13402 Joe MacBu 5 5085916 good for them! I still haven't eaten there but I've been meaning to; I still thoroughly enjoy my meals at Ihawan but i think i got sick of eating all that pork so I haven't had filipino food in quite some time. anyone eaten at go2 king? passed it many times but usually late and i think the takeout seems to suffer; wonder if they have any great specialties, Wed Oct 07 11:44:03 -0700 2009 5085753 12656 bigjeff 6 5085926 place link Wed Oct 07 11:45:32 -0700 2009 5085916 12656 bigjeff 6 5086955 I think go2king is top notch. I'm just getting started in filipino food again (after turned off by renee's kitchen buffet a while ago). I thought the stuff from the steam tables were amazing. really, a revelation. I saw them closed the other day and I got really scared they were out already. The location is not great, but if they get a reputation, they may thrive from it. They aren't that busy, and as a result the rotisserie chicken suffered from dryness. If you have a hankering, I would ask them how long ago the chicken was first cooked (they have no problems with microwaves). Not sure if anyone was at the original, but they used to be in Jamaica until the landlord kicked them out after 6 months in business. supposed to be open 24 hours... we'll see what happens. Wed Oct 07 17:27:51 -0700 2009 5085916 168211 Jeffsayyes 2 4845357 How bad are we talking here for Mount Kailash? I heard they've now cranked up the Himalayan / Nepalese specialties ... I'd like to see it to believe it. Thu Jul 09 23:49:22 -0700 2009 4736894 15524 Foodaholic 3 4845386 Mt Kailash was really really bad. I would have rather eaten anything else in Woodside. But if you're willing to take one for the team, please be my guest. Fri Jul 10 00:20:33 -0700 2009 4845357 13402 Joe MacBu 4 4847238 I noticed the rebranding and the emphasis on Himalayan/Nepalese but haven't taken the chance...and probably won't. But also new on that strip, in what used to be a Sushi place, is Friend's Kitchen (or something), really cute looking Korean place. Anyone try it yet? Fri Jul 10 13:17:07 -0700 2009 4845386 78039 Widmark 5 4847518 Yep, the Korean place is good. I posted a snippet about it above on May 28. Fri Jul 10 14:48:00 -0700 2009 4847238 13402 Joe MacBu 3 4919357 I haven't tried the Chinese stuff or the buffet; I have on a few occasions gone in and ordered steamed momo, which were quite good. On one occasion they may have used some decent-quality frozen beef dumplings from the various Chinese purveyors, say in Elmhurst, but the rest of the time they were hand-made and excellent, and served with a basic but aggressive chili paste. The dropa khasa (chilled, shredded tripe "salad" with chili oil and scallion shreds) has been good, if a bit different (veal book tripe once, beef honeycomb the next) between two instances. Beef thukpa was basically Chinese-type yat gaw mein, made with the usual 1/8 inch thick American-style lo mein egg noodle. Not bad, but nothing special. I'd go back for the momo, though, they're right in the neighborhood for me. Wed Aug 05 08:51:45 -0700 2009 4845357 286284 adamantius 3 4923064 ya saw the same thing but still, it seemed gross when I took a peek. Thu Aug 06 11:02:12 -0700 2009 4845357 12656 bigjeff 1 4737902 TJ Asian Bistro has the most passable sushi in the area - that I've found (although haven't been to all the choices in astoria. nice restaurant with artistic, pretty presentation. I highly doubt it's japanese, and I found the sushi to be just 'good' (why am I such a snob?) - but it's a nice place, nonetheless. expensive for queens, but not for sushi. Tue Jun 02 22:32:00 -0700 2009 4719063 168211 Jeffsayyes 2 4738486 I've only had bad experiences w/ TJ. When we want somewhat local sushi we go to JJ's in Astoria, which is trendy and fusion-y, but tasty enough. Wed Jun 03 07:23:49 -0700 2009 4737902 78039 Widmark 3 4740119 The one time I went to TJ, I found there to be a huge difference in the quality of the fish used in the standard rolls vs that used in the pricier specials. The fish in the rolls was almost inedible, while the specials were surprisingly sublime. Aside from that, I don't recall what I ordered since it was a long time ago. Wed Jun 03 15:02:35 -0700 2009 4738486 13402 Joe MacBu 4 4740535 hmm, that's very interesting. the specials ARE around 11 dollars and the regulars about half that. I'm not going to be back, but that's not to say I didn't have a good time there. Should be included in the Guide to Woodside though. Wed Jun 03 17:34:36 -0700 2009 4740119 168211 Jeffsayyes 5 4981379 i think the sushi is awful at TJ's. It was decent when they first opened, but it was a fast decline. I'd rather get pedestrian sushi at Rainbow. It's cheaper and opened pretty late, if you're desperate. Wed Aug 26 20:05:53 -0700 2009 4740535 10819 tracyk 1 4764363 I'm sorry. I love Pizza Boy II on 59th and Roosevelt. Especially a pie with fresh garlic and onions. So savory. The sausage rolls are good, too, especially with a side of sauce (though you need to ask for it). It can be inconsistent here and there, but it's honest-to-God, cretinous comfort food. Thu Jun 11 14:11:06 -0700 2009 4719063 174520 grisaille 2 4771598 I agree. It's the only pizza I'll eat in the neighborhood. I also really like their chicken parm (not on a hero, don't love the bread). Sun Jun 14 09:14:16 -0700 2009 4764363 43386 donovt 3 4771866 you folks prefer pizza boy to peppino's? i'll have to give it another shot. i dig peppino's enough that i order delivery here in jackson hts. Sun Jun 14 11:14:21 -0700 2009 4771598 12064 david sprague 4 4772466 the one time we got Pizza Boy delivery, the pizza had almost no sauce on it. It was really mediocre. Peppino's I only like sometimes, when I get lucky with the grandma pie. Sometimes I drive to Maspeth to go to Rosa's instead of these local places. Sun Jun 14 16:27:10 -0700 2009 4771866 78039 Widmark 4 4783644 I've only had Peppino's once, years ago when I first moved into the neighborhood. I wasn't crazy about it, but maybe it was just an off day. Thu Jun 18 04:25:59 -0700 2009 4771866 43386 donovt 1 4781932 I like living in Woodside - while there are only handful of restaurants I go to in the neighborhood itself, I like how it is in between Sunnyside, Jackson Heights, Elmhurst and some parts of Astoria - all within walking distance or short subway/bus ride. Wed Jun 17 13:05:51 -0700 2009 4719063 12766 welle 1 4848530 Where did the good Taco Cart go under the subway/LIRR?? I haven't seen it in quite a while now? Sat Jul 11 03:19:05 -0700 2009 4719063 1092714 Passingthru 2 4848616 I was just thinking the same thing! I liked it way more then the Sabor Mexicana one, judged only by carnitas and pollo tacos. Sat Jul 11 05:20:57 -0700 2009 4848530 78039 Widmark 3 4848872 In other taco news...El Huarache seems to be no more and is now Tio Julio. Walked by last night and a Tio Julio truck was parked outside. Anyone familiar with this truck? Also walked by La Copenita (old ecuamex) the other day and it was empty. We ate there once and loved it, then I ordered from them and it took forever because the guy kept getting lost, even though we live like 4 blocks away! It's good! People need to go there before they go out of business! Sat Jul 11 08:10:03 -0700 2009 4848616 78039 Widmark 4 4849396 Tia Julia is my favorite Mexican antojitos truck. http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/561077 I'm thrilled to have another quality Mexican place in the 'hood. http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/635018 Sat Jul 11 12:52:50 -0700 2009 4848872 10509 E Eto 4 4852792 I see what you mean about La Copeñita's empty dining room. I walked in around 7 p.m. Sunday and was the only person there. The one employee on duty, it turned out, was outside talking on the phone, presumably to a plumber, because the first thing he said on coming back inside was that there was a bad water leak in the bathroom. They seem to be winging it. I asked if they had beer. He said sure, then left to pick up a six-pack at a store. Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking the service. This fellow's been friendly and welcoming on both my visits. It's just that they seem to be doing things on the fly. More important, I agree about the food. I've had only tacos: chivo, lengua, carnitas, chorizo, all first-rate. Salsas, as others have said, are fresh and tasty. I lack the Queens Mexican background many of you have - never been to Coatzingo, for example. But I'm a native Angeleno who once lived on the UWS and was grateful for the affiliated Super Tacos Sobre Ruedas truck on 96th. La Copeñita is better. That may be faint praise - some place Super Tacos in the middle of the pack citywide - but take it for what it's worth. Mon Jul 13 03:07:06 -0700 2009 4848872 10496 squid kun 5 4862555 The deal with La Copenita is that the owner is more concerned with his 3 trucks than he is with the brick and mortar. The main role of the restaurant is to prep food for the trucks, so little concern is paid to actually serving the Woodside clientele. So while it doesn't look like business will really ever pick up at the restaurant, there is still decent turnover of the food thanks to the trucks. And the restaurant just might hang around longer than the previous occupant. I just had an excellent tlacoyo de chivo. Wed Jul 15 18:56:12 -0700 2009 4852792 13402 Joe MacBu 2 4874207 There is a new Taco car under the LIRR, it doesn't seem to have the same signs as the old one, and is not Sabor Mexicana. I got Pollo, Carnitas and Pastor. The Pollo was bland but the other two were awesome. The woman was nice, the food was fast, hot sauce was good. Hope they stick around. Mon Jul 20 10:35:36 -0700 2009 4848530 78039 Widmark 3 4978454 Been meaning to post 2 things about the old taco truck under the LIRR: 1) before they disappeared for a while in July, I saw someone asked for peppers, and got these amazing looking dark brownish red pods of chili peppers, shiny, but not dripping with oil. The man bit into it like it was cornichon or something. So i asked for one, too. The young woman just smiled and gave me a couple, wrapped in aluminum. First chance I got, when i got to the 7 train platform with my lengua tacos, (as this is the ritual - i buy them, bring to 7 train Manhattan bound track, eat them leisurely, then catch the 7 train back), I bit into the pepper. It had the aroma of being fried, smoked, and maybe a hint of vinegar (?) and yet it was as good as a good potato chip. Not sure how to describe it. It was really spicy though. My subsequent bites into the hot tacos were burning with excitement. 2)Sometime in early August, I believe, I went to get taco. It was a man there, who claimed to be the owner, (The women worked for him, he said) and a new father. He said with the baby coming and the need for new signs, and new permit, they just decided to close for 2 weeks. So now he's back, waiting for new signs (I assume by now he's got them), and will from now on be opened 24/7 ! This might explain the appearance of a new Taco truck. Has anyone else had the special whole chili peppers? Wed Aug 26 00:59:20 -0700 2009 4874207 10422 HLing 4 4978885 are they grilled red jalapenos or something? what size were the suckers? Wed Aug 26 07:14:33 -0700 2009 4978454 12656 bigjeff 5 4979080 I think what HLing is referring to is a whole dried red chili that has been deep-fried or at least sauteed. They're a little longer and skinnier than my pinky. I get them at the taco truck on 52nd and Roosevelt. Wed Aug 26 08:17:10 -0700 2009 4978885 13402 Joe MacBu 5 4981468 Yeah, bigjeff, what Joe MacBu said... They look kind of like those you see in Sichuan dishes. In fact I might still have one in the fridge from a couple of months ago. I have a feeling they will last forever. Wed Aug 26 20:49:23 -0700 2009 4978885 10422 HLing 4 4981630 If you go by a number of the taco carts on Roosevelt, you'll find the same fried chiles. They're pretty ubiquitous to me, so it's hard to keep track where I've seen them, but I know they're available at El Pasito (on 75th), I think I've seen them at Guicho (at 83rd). Even the mediocre truck on 63rd has them. For you chiliheads, I noticed that El Pasito has the habanero salsa again. Wed Aug 26 22:39:28 -0700 2009 4978454 10509 E Eto 1 5078104 We've been in the neighborhood for four months now, and the Food & Dining category on my Mint Account will agree that my other half and I have gone out to eat pretty often. Just posting some quick notes on spots that we've frequented as they're close to home and have served as "default" options when we're just too darn lazy to think about anything new. Woodside Cafe - There have been comments that this spot is inconsistent, which I may agree with though my meal has never faltered. I normally have griddle items here and have not had a bad plate. My boyfriend is so-so about this place, as he's a stickler for well-cooked eggs and it seems that he hasn't gotten them here. However, I love the space and I found that it is good quality food (relatively) for the money. We have only had breakfast there. La Flor - In agreement with the majority of positive reviews, though our last two trips reminded us that nothing can be perfect. Overall, you are absolutely safe if you order their tacos, which are the perfect portion size and come with a small salad. I love the tacos. My usual is the vegetable, though the shrimp is quite nice. I won't order the Huevos Rancheros again, as it's basically an egg floating in black bean sauce with a tortilla buried in the 'soup'. I was sorely disappointed and have never actually seen Huevos done like that. The pastry basket is nice but unnecessary -- though they do toast all the pieces, which is different. Specials, which I believe they have only recently introduced, are hit or miss. My boyfriend ordered a frittata with what was described as seasonal veggies and heirloom tomatoes. It was a personal-size frittata, small and plain, and not worth $9. No sides, nothing. It also ended up having similar items to their normal frittata, but they were charging more because it was a "special".. I wasn't into it and it was that trip that made us rethink where we should go for breakfast. I haven't tried any of the griddle items yet, nor had lunch or dinner there. Sripraphai - Absolutely well-known for their Thai, but I think the quality of your meal depends on what you order. I'm not sure if I'm just not familiar with Thai cuisine (which is probably the case), but I've certainly ordered some disappointments. I tend to lean vegetarian, so I've been trying their salads -- Papaya, Shredded Green Mango, Watercress. Generally, not a fan. The flavor combinations have been fantastic (much, MUCH better than any Thai place we've tried -- the flavors and spices are there) but it's the consistency of the dish that I have a problem with. Very soupy, and though that's probably traditional, I'm personally turned off by it. The boyfriend, however, has had great luck with anything duck-related, and their curry items have been a hit. I have enjoyed their seafood (C-17 Seafood Saute is a usual). Haven't tried anything as simple as their pad thai yet -- might be interesting to see how they do something so "basic." Their portions are a good size for the price and I often have leftovers with any rice dish. La Hacienda - Decent food, didn't feel it was anything special. Huge portions on some of their items however - and very cheap for a sit-down spot. It was absolutely empty when we went in on a Friday evening to eat before heading into Manhattan. Cuckoo's Nest - A surprising contender, but a much better burger than Donovan's, IMO. Someone commented on Yelp: "I fully respect their presentation of a meal. The fries come in little paper bags, the side salads seem like they should be set on a white tablecloth - not a bar! Attractive all around, the bartenders seem proud when they bring you a meal at the bar. I like that." It seems like they're hiding quality food under the guise of yet another Irish pub in the neighborhood -- the burgers are definitely top notch, and come to think of it, we love them so much I'm pretty sure that's all we've ordered. Good spot, I hope it sticks around. Donato's - The house special pizza is a regular for us on Monday evenings when we're just too dang lazy to do much of anything/in denial that the week has started. Haven't tried anything else on the menu and haven't felt the need. Sun Oct 04 09:39:53 -0700 2009 4719063 234843 c.rogers 2 5079228 some asshole must have written that about cuckoo's nest. Sun Oct 04 21:16:50 -0700 2009 5078104 168211 Jeffsayyes 2 5083418 Nice rundown, c.rogers. I agree that many of the specials at La Flor tend towards blandness. I think all of their Mexican fare is excellent, including the breakfasts. Mexican version or huevos rancheros often include refried or stewed beans of some kind, and I find theirs to be a vast improvement over the common gringo version, served over toast or cornbread with insipid salsas. The bit from yelp about presentation at Cuckoo's Nest is pompous nonsense. Actually most of the Irish pubs in the area that serve food do a decent job. The CN burger, to me, is okay, but I find the comparison to Donovan's to be absurd bordering on blasphemous. The salad is a nice touch and the fries are more consistent, but neither of those makes up for the mediocre pre-formed patties they use. Have not tried Donato's - with Peppino's around I have no desire to look elsewhere. Tue Oct 06 13:04:33 -0700 2009 5078104 18100 elbev 3 5084939 I don't think Donato's is very good. I also don't think Peppino's is any good, unless you get the grandma pie, on a good day! Cuckoo's Nest Chips (fries) however, are among my favorites ever. Never had their burger and with that description won't. Had their Shephard's Pie and it wasn't as good as Donovans. I love CN for their beans, sausage, eggs, chips and toast breakfast on sundays. For some reason the chips were better on sunday than saturday! Wed Oct 07 06:22:28 -0700 2009 5083418 78039 Widmark 4 5085223 You should have a try at the burger. I'd leave a space in your mind for your own opinion. Wed Oct 07 08:09:46 -0700 2009 5084939 168211 Jeffsayyes 5 5085539 It is certainly not a bad burger, and worth having if you are hunkered down with a pint and do not feel like going a few blocks to Donovan's. It is just nowhere near in the same league. The food at CN can be spotty at times. Have had very good pub meals, and also food that was not quite right. At one point I even wondered if they had changed up the kitchen, since the preparations seemed to be different. Wed Oct 07 09:53:51 -0700 2009 5085223 18100 elbev 6 5126159 No one has mentioned Quaint - this place is great and they have brunch too Fri Oct 23 14:50:55 -0700 2009 5085539 1118666 unknown24 7 5126225 Quaint wasn't mentioned because it's in Sunnyside, where the OP used to reside. Fri Oct 23 15:22:29 -0700 2009 5126159 13402 Joe MacBu 8 5129307 Quaint was my favorite local restaurant until they switched chefs about a year ago. Major drop in quality since then. Sun Oct 25 09:25:07 -0700 2009 5126225 43386 donovt 4 5152144 I've had too many mediocre slices at Peppino's to care for it much. Cleanliness doesn't strike me as an important concept there. Tue Nov 03 09:46:23 -0800 2009 5084939 1120931 mkennethamon 1 5148675 anyone see/visit the new cart under the LIRR? Mohammed Halal? Lots of crazy signs, he delivers, sells "tocos" and tortas as well as chicken or lamb over rice among other things. There's also a halal cart that's been setting up further down Roosevelt near the Duane Reade or the old WaMu space. I'd love to not have to go to Jackson Heights for Sammy's Halal... Mon Nov 02 07:17:13 -0800 2009 4719063 78039 Widmark