US Open Restaurant Guide: 5 Latin Spots Worth Leaving the Arena For

New York City’s 7 train hurtles out of the tunnel at Court House Square, the third stop in Queens, and from that point on, shuttles on an elevated line above neighborhoods dense with diverse Latin communities. Get off at any stop along Queens Boulevard or, especially, Roosevelt Avenue, and you’ll find Latin specialties—from mole poblano to spit-roasted cuy– at sit-down restaurants and grab-n-go panaderias. As you gear up for the annual trek to Flushing Meadows, just one stop before the end of the 7 line, to watch the U.S. Open, be sure to make plans to visit one or more of these spots along the way. 

Jora Peruvian Kitchen and Pisco Bar

47-46 11^th Street, Long Island City

Closest #7 train station: Vernon Bouelvard

Though it’s a few blocks from the 7 train, this upscale Peruvian restaurant and pisco bar is worth the walk. Owned by the same family that owns Urubamba, the popular Jackson Heights restaurant that claims to be one of the oldest Peruvian restaurants in New York City, Jora opened in early August. At present, it’s only open for dinner, from 5:30-11 pm daily, so stop by on your way home from the day matches. Expect traditional Peruvian favorites, including octopus and ceviche dishes, all to be accompanied, of course, by pisco.

Ñaño’s

53-21 Roosevelt Avenue, Woodside

Closest #7 train station: 52^nd Street

The Woodside section of Queens has numerous Ecuadorian restaurants, but this one is among the best. Seafood lovers should definitely stop here for lunch or dinner (the restaurant is open daily from 11am-11pm); the menu has extensive options showcasing the traditional dishes of the Ecuadorian coast, including seafood soup and trout and snapper served whole. If you’re not familiar with Ecuadorian food, atrévete and try a llapingacho, a mashed potato cake served with a peanut sauce; chaulafan (fried rice with mixed meats and shrimp); or a bandera Ecuatoriana, a plate that features rice, shrimp cocktail, tripe, and goat.

Next, three more delicious spots to check out… [pagebreak]

Taqueria Coatzingo and Panaderia Coatzingo

76-05 Roosevelt Avenue, Jackson Heights

Closest #7 train station: 74^th Street-Broadway

One of many taquerias you’ll find along Roosevelt Avenue, Taqueria Coatzingo is a neighborhood favorite. While Tortilleria Nixtamal may be better, it’s also a bit off-the-beaten path and is so popular that you’ll undoubtedly join its loyal fans on a long waiting list, so this is a quick, close-to-the-train alternative. Massive cemitas are a bargain. Be sure to pop into their panaderia for conchas and other Mexican pastries.

Los Chuzos y Algo Mas

79-01 Roosevelt Avenue

Closest #7 train station: 82^nd Street-Jackson Heights

Ideal for a quick meal on your way to or from the US Open, Los Chuzos y Algo Mas sells exactly what its name insinuates: chuzos or kebabs; the algo mas includes arepas and natural, fresh-squeezed juices. Kebab options include chicken, chorizo, chicharrón, and cheese. Order from the window to     go; the inside is claustrophobically small.

La Pequeña Colombia

83-27 Roosevelt Avenue

Closest #7 train station: 82^nd Street-Jackson Heights

La Pequeña Colombia is the best sit-down restaurant on our list, with plenty of room to enjoy large plates of Colombian favorites, including a variety of sancochos and traditional ajiaco, with friends. This restaurant has been a Jackson Heights institution since it opened 30 years ago.