Spend a Day in Latino-Owned Ridgewood, Queens
Published 07/01/2021
A walk around Ridgewood, Queens, reveals the neighborhood’s recent cultural and real estate boom. Yet the community remains steeped in history, with 10 nationally registered historic districts that include more than 2,300 brick residences and row houses built over a century ago.
Ridgewood was mainly settled by the British and Dutch in the 17th century, who were followed much later by waves of German, Polish, Italian and other European immigrants. That varied heritage can be seen in places like the local Gottscheer Hall, a tavern erected when the German community settled there—but the most diverse infusion of culture comes from the multitude of Latino communities who have laid roots in the neighborhood.
Almost half of Ridgewood’s population identifies as Latino: the neighborhood is home to Caribbean, Central and Latin American residents. Come for authentic Latin American cuisine, record shopping and to watch—or take part in—a pickup game of soccer in the park. Read on for some of the must-see spots in Ridgewood where you can experience Latino culture.
1
Pupusas Ridgewood
1
71-20 Fresh Pond Rd. Queens
Mexicana Guillermina Ramírez continued serving Ridgewood residents through the pandemic, pivoting away from her newly opened dine-in café to offer pupusas, a traditional street food of El Salvador that she’s been making for decades. This simple, affordable takeout spot has wide appeal: vegetarians can devour pupusas made with an edible Salvadoran flower (loroco), cactus or mushroom, while meat lovers can enjoy pupusas with chicharrónes (pork rinds). Their drink menu features a chia-seed-based chan, cinnamon-infused horchata and a marañón cashew drink. Occasionally the staff introduces a limited dish; check their Instagram for specials.
2
Deep Cuts Record Store
2
57-03 Catalpa Ave. Queens
If you’re into buying, selling and trading old-school vinyl, or simply love music, head over to Deep Cuts Record Store on Catalpa Avenue. Owner-curator Brandon, who has Colombian roots, turned his lifelong love of collecting records into this brick-and-mortar gem where other vinyl heads can uncover turntable finds. Inside you’ll find an altar to Selena and an extensive, inclusive genre selection, from rock to salsa to the most obscure. Don’t forget to pet the resident one-eyed black pug on the way out.
3
Cachapas y Mas
3
678 Seneca Ave. Ridgewood
Once you’ve tried them, it’s impossible not to crave cachapas (sweet corn pancakes that are a street food staple in Venezuela), and this locally celebrated spot serves some of the best. The “y mas” part of their name refers to the arepas, tequeños, patacones (green plantain sandwiches) and other authentic Venezuelan street food.
4
Cafe Moca
4
487 Seneca Ave. Queens
This family-owned Dominican spot is dedicated to making wholesome, healthy food accessible to the Ridgewood community. Named after the family’s home city of Moca, Dominican Republic, the café boasts a soul-nourishing vegetarian and vegan menu of breakfast and lunch plates, such as the Figgy Bacon bagel and the vegan chopped cheese sandwich. They also serve Nicaraguan specialty coffee from Café Integral. Relax in the cozy café or get your drink to go and walk among Ridgewood’s beautiful architecture.
5
Chiquita’s
5
60-59 Myrtle Ave. Queens
Chiquita’s adds to the Dominican restaurants that have become staples of NYC’s culinary scene. The restaurant is proud to bring diners authentic Dominican food that tastes like home. Their ample menu features classics such as roast pork, chicharrón (fried pork skin), shrimp in spicy garlic sauce, lentil soup, tripe soup and sanchoco, a typical Caribbean stew. Check out their food-of-the-day highlights on Instagram. Do as the locals do and order a plate of mangú (mashed plantains).
6
Las Chilangas
6
766 Seneca Ave. Queens
Loved for its authentic Mexican cuisine and vibrant decor, Las Chilangas is run by three siblings, the Nunez-Duarte sisters, who have called Ridgewood home for over a decade. They first opened their doors at the start of the pandemic during which they gave away free meals to the community. Many of those locals returned as regulars to support the restaurant now that it has fully reopened. Get a preview of their limited daily specials, which they post to their Instagram.
7
Listo El Chimi
7
5530 Myrtle Ave. Queens
At Listo El Chimi you’ll find the popular Dominican street food el chimi, a seasoned, saucy sandwich made with pork or ground beef and topped with coleslaw. After indulging in frituras (Dominican fried foods), you will leave satisfied and dreaming of your next visit. Night owls should head over to Listo El Chimi for after-hours bites—the staff keeps serving as late as 2am.
8
Noctua Diem
8
62-18 68th Ave. Queens
During your trip to Ridgewood, leave some time for self-care at Noctua Diem (Latin for “night and day”), a recovery and wellness center that offers therapeutic massage, acupuncture and skin care services. The center also produces their own line of vegan handmade skin care products and candles made with botanical ingredients.
9
Tequila Time
9
675a Seneca Ave. Queens
Wind down after a day of sightseeing at this women-led and LGBTQ+-friendly neighborhood bar and restaurant. Locals come to the place—known for its inventive margaritas flavored with tamarind and passion fruit—to let loose with a drink and a not so light bite. Regulars rave about Taco Tuesdays, which feature generous portions and equally big flavor. Don’t leave without tasting the mangonadas, a mango sorbet drink made with the spicy, tarty goodness of chamoy and Tajin, topped with a Mexican candy stick and fresh mango.
10
Stay Forever
10
818 Woodward Ave. Queens
Instead of returning to their day jobs at Etsy and the Strand Bookstore after their maternity leave, friends and Ridgewood residents Michelle Delgado and Lisa Jee decided to open Stay Forever, a retail shop on Seneca Avenue. The family-friendly shop sells handmade accessories, apothecary items, home goods, paper products, curated gifts, kids’ apparel and games.
The shop emphasizes goods made by locals, women and people of color. If you end up falling in love with the neighborhood (and you will), pick up their signature, stylish Ridgewood, Queens, sweatshirt.
11
Super Pollo
11
865 Woodward Ave. Queens
Rotisserie chicken is easy enough to find in the City, but few such dishes compare to those at this Ecuadorian joint on the corner of Woodward Avenue and 68th Road, especially when topped with their spicy green sauce. People come from far and wide to try the succulent meats and traditional dishes at this lively, down-home spot. Accommodating to groups, it’s a good place for post-work cocktails and empanadas.
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