 |
| Howard Beach, Queens {credit} |
When it comes to great food and awesome adult beverages, not many Queens neighborhoods can measure up to Howard Beach, an area known for pizza, bakeries and delis. Home to a large Italian population, there’s no shortage of decadent eats that will electrify the taste buds of the masses.
Hopefully, you’re hungry, because we’ve picked a few of our favorite local spots to share with you. But even if you’re not, I promise — your appetite will be working overtime by the end of reading this post.
Saffron Restaurant and Tapas Bar – 161-50 Cross Bay Boulevard
Standing out among the crowd, Saffron offers a wide selection of delicious tapas, ranging from Spanish Meatballs to Pinchos de Cerdo (marinated pork, potato, onions, garlic, and red peppers) to the Spanish Style Pizza (panini, wild mushroom, or onion chorizo, and queso fresco). Or try the Spicy Garlic Shrimp (with garbanzo beans, garlic and virgin olive oil) or Asparagus a la Plancha (with romesco and manchego).
 |
| Saffron Tapas–-photo courtesy of Saffron |
As for main courses, the Seafood Paella and 20oz Porterhouse are surefire, mouthwatering selections. To wash it all down, try one of Saffron’s sinful, Housemade Sangrias (Wildberry Red or White Peach) or something from the extensive wine and beer list.
New Park Pizza – 156-71 Cross Bay Boulevard
sauce and the melt-in-your-mouth fresh mozzarella make for a heaven-on-earth experience. The squares are rather appetizing as well.
The Rail Bar & Gril – 2 Coleman Square
Located adgency to the A train and the Air Train to JFK in Old Howard Beach, the Rail Bar and Grill is a simple place for good brews and live music. The atmosphere is relaxed and fun, and the music is loud and rocking on most weekend nights. It’s the perfect place to let loose, and not take yourself too seriously.
Sugar Bun Bake Shop and Café – 156-22 Cross Bay Boulevard
Sugar Bun has been a staple in Howard Beach for over 48 years. Much to the delight of their Jewish and Italian customers, Sugan Bun offers a wide array of bake goods such as rugelach, which comes in chocolate, pecan, raspberry and raisin, and cassata cakes and sfogliatelle cookies. But this Queens favorite is also known for scrumptious Black and White, Rainbow, and Chinese Almond cookies. Additionally, the café area offers up a splendid breakfast and lunch menu—the chicken salad, by far, is the best I’ve ever tasted!
 |
| Black & White cookie? |
La Villa’s “Napoletana,” a delectable, thin crust pizza, is a by-product of cooking in wood-fired ovens and the reason people come from all over Queens just for a sizzling slice. As for me, I love theFocaccia di Nonna, a.k.a. Grandma’s Pizza. Topped with homemade mozzarella, crushed San Marzano
tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and a touch of fresh garlic and olive oil, it’s a must-try.
Wraps more your speed? Try the Leonardo: Prosciutto, Arugula, Cherry Tomatoes & Fresh Mozzarella or the Peter Luger: Chopped Steak, Onions & Peter Luger Sauce. Oh, yeah! They also make a wide variety of pastas such as the Ziti with Vodka Sauce, which rivals most Italian restaurants in Manhattan.
 |
| Panini from the Tuscany Deli–photo courtesy of Tuscany Deli |
Posted on
Coney Island Is Getting a Water Park; Do Illegal Stuff in Your Apartment and You’ll Pay for It; St. Patrick’s Bar Crawl in Astoria, and More
Why I Love Tom Colicchio
Old-School Awesome Pizza Lives on in the Bronx
Where to Get Authentic Chinese Food in NYC
sylvia says
YUM!! It all looks so delicious
Phil Holtberg says
What a terrific list of places in Howard Beach! Must try to eat at some of these this summer.
Phil
http://www.blog.theregularguynyc.com
Tracy Kaler says
New York has the best pizza in the world. We'll have to try some on your next trip, Sylvia!
Tracy Kaler says
Thanks, Phil! Summer is the perfect time to venture out of our hoods and try new restaurants.
Jerry Del Priore says
New park Pizza is the best, and Tuscany is a hidden gem!!!