Help getting to the city from JFK and food recs

[Chefdafuts]

October 3rd I am arriving to JFK and have a 6 hour lay over. What is the best way to get into the city, and what is the must eat at place?

Thanks in advance.

[City Kid]

Both the Modern and Keen's suggestions and travel plans here sound great to me. While I have had many a good meal in Flushing it would be too hectic for me to enjoy a brief layover. Something a little more luxurious and relaxing would be much nicer before getting back on the plane.

[boredough]

As an alternative to a taxi (especially if the trip is during rush-hour), there's the AIRTRAIN via Sutphin Blvd in Jamaica, connecting with the E train subway line. You could eat at the Modern, a Chowhound favorite, steps away from the subway stop at 53rd & Fifth Ave.

[City Kid]

Such a good plan, boredough! The Airtrain is superfast and much cheaper and less frustrating than a cab, especially if you have no luggage. Can't beat the Modern or the Bar Room at the Modern.

[Motosport]

Won't the Airtrain/subway take at least an hour if you are lucky enough to catch it at the right moment? If you don't, how often do they run?

[Blumie]

They run VERY often. The trip from JFK to Manhattan via public transportation typically takes 60-75 minutes, depending where one is going (and quicker if one's destination is Penn Station via LIRR).

[E Eto]

From the Airtrain, it's much faster to hop on the LIRR from Jamaica station to Penn Station (2 stops, about 15 minutes once on the train). From there, I'd say a dinner at Keen's steakhouse might be a good taste of NYC. But you might be in a food coma by the time you're done.

[Motosport]

With only 6 hours you should take a yellow taxi. It is a flat rate of $45 + toll + tip to Manhattan. The ride from Manhattan to JFK is on the meter and should be about the same except if there is a lot of traffic which is usual mid day. What time of day? Without traffic it takes about 30 minutes to Midtown. If there is traffic it could take an hour or more. Public transportation is less expensive and about an hour but you are locked in to their timetable.
You might want to consider picking a restaurant in Queens which is closer to JFK. Post on the "outer boroughs" site and let us know what you would like to eat. I am sure there are lots of Queens CH'ers with recs.

[Blumie]

Motosport, the $45 flat fare applies both for taxis from JFK to Manahattan AND for taxis from Manhattan to JFK.

[Motosport]

Thanks for the heads up. I usually take a town car for $48 to JFK. Don't have to worry about hailing a cab or a comfy ride.

[dyrewolf]

Honestly some of the best ethnic eats in NYC is in Flushing, I don't know the logistics of it from JFK but it may be the best bet

[Phil Ogelos]

borough?

[nmprisons]

what time of day? price range?