1
Terraza 7
1
40-19 Gleane St.
This neighborhood spot, which sports a distinct “Latino boho vibe,” is a traditional bar and lounge downstairs—but upstairs, the bar has live music most nights of the week on a small stage suspended in mid-air, surrounded by three-tier wooden bleachers for spectators. Performers range from local hip-hop groups to touring world music groups to cover bands, and DJs spin everything from Erykah Badu to Colombian pop music.
2
Lhasa Fast Food
2
76-03 37th Avenue
After Lhasa Fast Food, which was hidden in the back of Tibetan Mobile (which is exactly what it sounds like—a cell phone store), was destroyed by a fire, its chef-owner, Sang Jien Ben, raised enough funds to reopen his restaurant a few blocks away. Above all, you'll still find authentic momo dumplings, along with thukpa soups, fried potatoes, beef sausage and more.
3
Dosa Delight
3
35-66 73rd St.
This casual spot offers an assortment of South Indian treats, like samosas and vadas (doughnut-shaped fried lentil patties), and even serves Tibetan momo dumplings. But the dosas—rice batter and lentil pancakes, folded over, stuffed with potatoes or other fillings, then served with flavored dipping sauces like spicy tomato chutney—are the real star of the show.
4
Amaru Pisco Bar
4
84-13 Northern Blvd.
The pisco sour—a cocktail made with pisco, lime juice, eggs, syrup, ice and Angostura bitters—has seen its profile rise during the recent mixology revolution. But no other place devotes itself so wholly to the South American drink as this clubby, velvet rope bar, which offers many different variations on the libation. Amaru also offers tapas and small plates, and a full bar with wine, sangria and beer to keep non-pisco worshippers happy as well.
5
Cannelle Patisserie
5
75-59 31st Ave.
Despite being housed in an unassuming Queens strip mall, Cannelle is serious business when it comes to French pastries and American-style pies and cakes. French-born pastry chef Jean-Claude Perennou and his Sri Lankan-born partner, Gnanasampanthan Sabaratratnam (known as "Samba"), met at work at the Waldorf Astoria and opened this popular patisserie in 2007. Their international staff caters to an international and exacting clientele that crowds in on weekends for expertly executed croissants, chocolate éclairs and mango-kiwi tarts. Cannelle is also the go-to bakery in the area for exquisite wedding, anniversary and sweet 16 cakes.
6
Arepa Lady
6
77-17 37th Avenue
Maria Piedad Cano, a Colombian immigrant, began running a late-night weekend food cart decades ago as a way to support her four children. A cult of foodies rhapsodized about her online (Chowhound founder Jim Leff is credited with discovering her), leading to legions of disappointed people who made the trek and couldn't always find her. Her children are grown up now, and two of them joined her in the business, pooling their resources to open a brick-and-mortar café where her arepas are available six days a week. There is little more adornment than dollar bills and a poster describing first aid instructions for choking taped to the wall. The arepas still come on paper plates, big, buttery, golden corn cakes with a hint of sugar, folded over melted mozzarella and a choice of chicken, chorizo or steak. They taste like love.
7
Club Evolution
7
76-19 Roosevelt Ave.
There’s no room for wallflowers at this gay Latin mega-club. Though Club Evolution offers a lively array of party options, including karaoke, drag shows, talent contests, theme parties and special guest DJs each night, the main attraction is the two packed dance floors—one spinning Latin music, the other spinning pop.
8
Espresso 77
8
35-57 77th St.
The beloved coffeeshop has expertly pulled lattes and an extensive food menu; it doubles as a wine bar as well.
9
The Queensboro
9
80-02 Northern Blvd.
The Queensboro opened in 2018 in Jackson Heights with a goal to provide a welcoming environment for great food and drinks and the intention to be a community resource. They serve food inspired by Queens and their team's diverse experiences and cultures. The Queensboro serves locally-brewed beer and coffee roasted in Long Island City by Native Roasters, and they source ingredients from local businesses and the Jackson Heights Farmers Market.