Lunch on Saturday near JFK Airtrain / Subway station

[sidd]

My friend arrives at JFK (terminal 4) for a 4 hour layover on Saturday at noon. I am supposed to meet him. I don't have a car. He can take the airtrain/ subway; so can I. He is fine with a 15-20 min commute (includes walk from terminal to AirTrain, AirTrain to subway, and maybe a short subway ride if necessary. He doesnt want to spend too much time commuting, since we dont have that much time once you budget for the security lines, commute and lunch.

We would like to get decent food in an airconditioned place, and chat for a couple of hours. This needs to be really close to one of the Airtrain stations at Jamaica/ Howard Beach (or, worst case a couple of subway stops away).

Which direction should I ask my friend to take the Airtrain (towards Jamaica / E train or the Howard Beach stop)? Can we get something right by the Airtrain stop, where the food is decent and we can sit a while? Or shall I ask him to take the subway a few stops?

Thank you very much for your feedback.

[Joe MacBu]

Your friend might want to consider a taxi to open more options. Super close to the stations means slim pickings.

O Lavrador - Portuguese near the Jamaica Air Train station (0.6 miles, 10 min walk).
http://www.olavradorrestaurant.com/

El Ok Salvadoreno - Near the Jamaica station (3 blocks, 5 min walk)
http://www.eloksalvadoreno.com/

I second Maima's (cab ride should be ~$15).

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O Lavrador
138-40 101st Ave, Queens, NY 11435

Maima's
106-47 Guy R Brewer Blvd, Queens, NY 11433

[Peter Cherches]

Maima's is one subway stop further from the Jamaica air train station, then about a 15 minute walk (past York College), for excellent West African (Liberian) food. I don't know their hours. The Airtrain goes to the Sutphin Blvd station, and you want to get to Jamaica Center station.

Here's a thread about Maima's: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/655248

http://petercherches.blogspot.com

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Maima's
106-47 Guy R Brewer Blvd, Queens, NY 11433

[sidd]

Thanks Peter. I wouldn't want my friend to walk for 15 min with luggage on a summer afternoon :)
Even if the places arent strictly chow-worthy, if you could come up with some decent places very close to the station, that would be ideal. Else, we shall try to do this. Appreciate your help.