Ropa vieja, tomato-based shredded steak, is a popular Cuban meal.
New York City is known for being the great mixing pot of cultures, and, of the five boroughs of the city, Queens is the most diverse of them all. Finding Cuban food in Queens can be a little bit of a challenge, but, if you know where to look, you'll be rewarded with the sweet smells and spicy tastes of the Spanish, Caribbean and African foods that make up traditional Cuban dishes. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Rincon Criollo Restaurant
The food at Rincon Criollo Restaurant is traditional and authentic.
A gem of a Cuban restaurant rests quietly in Corona, Queens. Taking the 7 train to the Junction Blvd stop will take you right to Rincon Criollo Restaurant's doorstop, where the dress is casual, the waiters are warm, and the food is hot.
Ropa vieja (shredded flank steak), oxtail and sweet plantains are popular dishes at Rincon Criollo Restaurant. Dishes are large and prices average about $14 per entree. The restaurant is more than happy to do birthdays as long as you bring your own cake. For a touch of old-school charm, Rincon Criollo Restaurant installed a jukebox, which plays mostly Cuban music. The waiters are friendly and knowledgeable.
Rincon Criollo Restaurant also has a full bar, and, as a result, can get a bit loud. However, it is a family-friendly establishment, and it never crosses the line from restaurant to bar. Always classy and on point, Rincon Criollo Restaurant is a great place to have a traditional Cuban meal in Queens.
Rincon Criollo Restaurant
4009 Junction Blvd
Corona, NY 11368
718-639-8158
Cabana Nuevo Latino - The Original
Mojitos are a major attraction at the Cabana Nuevo Latino.
Now a popular chain in Florida, this little Cuban and "new Latin" restaurant began in 1994 in Forest Hills, Queens, where it is still kicking today. Dress is casual and a full bar services the restaurant at night. Cabana Nuevo Latino is conveniently located off the R, G, E, F and V lines at the 71st-Continental Avenue stop.
As with most Cuban restaurants, vegetarian meals are very limited. However, they do have some very nice vegetable appetizer options, including stuffed green plantains and fried yuca, and various types of beans are also readily available. The menu features varied Cuban meat options, including the traditional and the "nuevo," meaning that they have mixed in some trendier foods to make the overall feel more modern. This place is particularly known for its mojitos, which are very large and priced to move at only $5 a drink.
Be aware that, because of its immense popularity, there is often a half-hour wait at peak times. Come early to avoid the crowds. Prices are average for the area, with entrees starting at $14 and topping off at $24. Lunch specials are available for either $11 or $12.
Cabana Nuevo Latino - The Original
10710 70th Road
Forest Hills, NY 11375
718-263-3600
cabanarestaurant.com
Novo
Novo has a fully-stocked bar for its large, inexpensive drinks.
Novo is an intimate Cuban restaurant and nightclub in Jackson Heights, Queens. Located off the 7, R, G, E, F, and V trains at the 74th Street-Roosevelt Avenue Stop, Novo has a neighborhood following. Many locals dine and drink here and have been doing so for many years.
A little pricier than average for the neighborhood, Novo is slightly upscale but also very down-to-earth. Dress is casual, and some nights feature live music. For instance, Monday night often features live jazz.
Paella is a popular dish, as are most of the other Cuban classics. The menu, however, is vast and not always successful. Locals advise that newcomers stick to the Cuban dishes and not venture out to explore the uncharted regions of the rest of the menu. Drinks are very strong and are reasonably priced at $5 or $6. Novo has a full bar. Service is slow but friendly.
After midnight, Novo turns into a dance club. For some, this is a huge plus--the lights dim, food is still available, and the Latin music gets loud and danceable. But for others, this may signal the time to leave, since the nightlife at Novo is hot and heavy. Either way, for better or for worse, the vibe at Novo changes drastically at midnight, so be sure to get your dinner in before then.
Novo
7823 37th Avenue
Jackson Heights, NY 11372
718-426-7272
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