When mentioning Queens, most people quickly think of music. Nicki Minaj and 50 Cent probably come to mind, not realizing the area has several other non-musical gems. As one of New York’s largest and most diverse boroughs, this part of the city is home to more than 2.3 million people. Queens is also a hot spot for international eating, and these 10 Black-owned restaurants are well worth exploring the next time you find yourself in Queens.
Queens Bully
Participate in Trivia Wednesdays or Thirsty Thursdays, and enjoy succulent salmon & grits with black eye relish and sweet tea broth at Queens Bully. Executive chef and newly crowned Food Network’s Chopped champion Melvin “Boots” Johnson is known for his homegrown cooking and master Memphis-style barbecue, even though he’s originally from San Diego.
- Location: Forest Hills
- Type of Cuisine: Barbecue
- Menu Spotlight: Lamb Chapli Burger
- Before You Go: Many of the ingredients used at Queens Bully are purchased from stores and purveyors in the Forest Hill neighborhood.
Vibes NYC
Feel the vibes at this local trendy Caribbean bar and nightclub right off the Van Wyck Expressway. Cool ambiance, soft lighting, and classic R&B music bring in the city’s socialites and young professionals with a rich, hearty menu featuring seafood and soul food fixings. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a long day with special jazz and comedy events.
- Location: Jamaica, Queens
- Type of Cuisine: Soul Food
- Menu Spotlight: Turkey Wings
- Before You Go: Vibes is just a few feet away from the Q9 bus stop; check their local route.
Henrica’s
A true New Yorker can’t resist local Chinese food, especially when it has a Caribbean/Jamaican twist. Located in the heart of Rosedale, Henrica’s is a fusion of Jamaican and Chinese food with a few specialties in between. You can enjoy pepper steak lo mein, tofu chop suey, sweet and sour jerk chicken, and run dung with coconut sauce.
- Location: Rosedale
- Type of Cuisine: Jamaican Asian Fusion
- Menu Spotlight: Shrimp & Curry Sauce
- Before You Go: For the most up-to-date information on location hours and menu items, give Henrica’s a call before heading over.
Jamaica Breeze
On the side of this corner restaurant is a map of Jamaica, reflecting the influence of their food and recipes passed down from generation to generation. Travelers can enjoy classic drinks like Vitamalt Bottled Soda, D&G Genuine Jamaican, and everyone’s personal favorite, citrus cocktail Ting. If you’re visiting mid-day, be sure to check out their $5.95 lunch special.
- Location: East Elmhurst
- Type of Cuisine: Jamaican
- Menu Spotlight: Brown Stew Fish
- Before You Go: This restaurant has four locations in New York City.
Pa-Nash Eurosoul Restaurant & Lounge
This elegant Euro-soul Mediterranean restaurant and lounge sits between Queens and Long Island. Pa-Nash is a hidden gem that offers a calm ambiance with soft turquoise colors, silver detailing, and luxurious chandeliers. A Euro-soul fusion of Mediterranean, Caribbean, Moroccan, soul food, and other exotic flavors, such as their fig glazed chicken wings, served with hot chili sauce.
- Location: Queens
- Type of Cuisine: Caribbean, Asian, Mediterranean, and soul food fusion
- Menu Spotlight: Guava Barbecue Pork Ribs
- Before You Go: Pa-Nash is also a catering business, but the restaurant is operated by the founder’s partners, the Cheers Restaurant Group. The dine-in location serves dinner from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
The Door
Enjoy traditional island food—oxtails, jerk chicken, fish, and chicken soup at this Jamaican hotspot. Between its chic atmosphere, excellent food, and kind customer service, The Door is definitely worth the wait. Check out their weekly specials, including brunch buffets on Sunday and seafood and chicken buffets on Thursdays, with freshly steamed snapper, carrots, and okra.
- Location: Jamaica, Queens
- Type of Cuisine: Caribbean
- Menu Spotlight: Escovitch Chicken
- Before You Go: The Door hopes its food and hospitality are a reflection of true Jamaican culture.
Nettie’s Restaurant & Bar
Nettie’s is a Black-owned restaurant in Queens serving hot and fresh southern cuisine throughout the week. Travelers will find all of their favorite soul food dishes including shrimp and grits, baked macaroni and cheese, fried chicken, and more. You’ll also find a delicious brunch menu at Netties on Saturdays and Sundays.
- Location: Queens Village
- Type of Cuisine: Southern Cuisine
- Menu Spotlight: Chicken & Waffles
- Before You Go: This restaurant is only open from Thursday to Sunday. Check their website for specific hours each day.
BLU Seafood
BLU Seafood is fall-off-the-bone good. The restaurant is best known for its seafood specialties. However, they have much more on the menu and each dish has a unique Caribbean twist. The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating so guests can enjoy their food in the heart of Queens.
- Location: Queens
- Type of Cuisine: Seafood
- Menu Spotlight: Seafood Omelet
- Before You Go: For those who don’t feel like waiting, BLU Seafood also now accepts reservations.
Makina Cafe NYC
A beloved food truck in Queens, Makina Cafe has delicious cuisines from East Africa. The word “makina” translates to “truck,” which explains the cafe rolling around delivering fresh food all over the city. If you’re visiting Queens, check Makina’s social media to find out where the food truck is pulling up that day.
- Location: Queens
- Type of Cuisine: Eritrean-Ethiopian
- Menu Spotlight: Speciality Bowls
- Before You Go: For those staying in instead of heading out, Makina Cafe has delivery options available in certain areas of the city.
Soul City
For soul food on the go in Queens, Soul City is the place to go. Travelers can grab hot, delicious southern cuisine after exploring New York City. Their incredible desserts also come highly recommended for when you’ve finished your main meal.
- Location: Jamaica, Queens
- Type of Cuisine: American Comfort Food
- Menu Spotlight: Baked Chicken
- Before You Go: Some say Soul City has the best macaroni and cheese in Queens.
Travelers can find all types of cuisines throughout Queens. From Jamaican and Caribbean infusion to Asian and soul food, there’s a little bit of everything for everyone in this borough. Be sure to visit these Black-owned restaurants next time you’re in town.
