Next up in our neighborhood series: Jackson Heights in Queens!
Take a stroll in this historic and multicultural neighborhood to enjoy its tree-lined streets. While you're there, make a food destination of the many street eats, restaurants, and specialty groceries in the area.
Photo credit: shin ono (Panoramio/Google Maps)
Jackson Heights was originally built as a garden city around its many private parks starting in the early twentieth century. Fun fact: the neighborhood was home to the inventor of Scrabble, American architect Alfred Butts, in the 1930s. If you look closely, the 35th Avenue street sign at the intersection of 81st St pays tribute with the point value of each letter notated.
International eats
Jackson Heights is home to many South American and Southeast Asian immigrant families in addition to a growing population of young professionals. It has become a foodie-heaven for street eats, sweets, restaurants, and everything in between.
Arepa Lady food cart
Photo credit: Robyn Lee (Serious Eats)
Indian chaat cafe
Photo credit: manalahmadkhan (Flickr)
From the nationally known Colombian "Arepa Lady" food cart to memorably-named Korean fried chicken joint Unidentified Flying Chicken to the multitude of authentic Tibetan, Peruvian, Cuban, and Indian restaurants, Jackson Heights has it all. You are sure to leave with your stomach and taste buds satisfied-- without breaking the bank.
Photo credit: Cannelle Patisserie
Our insider tip is local gem Cannelle Patisserie, an unassuming French bakery located in a shopping center that offers freshly made pastries, cakes, and sandwiches. Get there early for their $2.50 breakfast special of coffee and a croissant or muffin! Cannelle is located at 75-59 31st Ave.
Parks
While the mid-block parks and gardens are only accessible to residents, Travers Park is a 2-acre public park that hosts a wide range of community activities. Visit the park to enjoy sports, free summer concerts, games, and the Jackson Heights Greenmarket every Sunday, year-round. For upcoming park events, check the NYC Parks page.
Shopping
Jackson Heights is a chefs' destination for its international grocery stores like Pacific Supermarket and Patel Brothers. For more shopping, check out the Little India section of the community on 74th St between Roosevelt Ave and 37th Ave to find clothing, jewelry, and even Bollywood DVDs.
Photo credit: Aleksandr Zykov (Flickr)
Transit
The Roosevelt Avenue/74th Street subway station is easily accessible via the E, F, M, R, and 7 lines, as well as many MTA buses.
Photo credit: The All-Nite Images (Flickr)
Any other tips on living well in Jackson Heights? Share your comments below or email us at info@hakuna.co!