NYC’s first ever vegetarian diner first opened in Jamaica, Queens back in 1972–and 52 years later it’s still operating!
Dubbed Smile of the Beyond, the diner is housed in a blue triangular building–a color scheme which follows guests inside as well–situated a short way’s away from the Parsons Boulevard F station.
Manager Scott Schuetzler told Edible Queens, “The heart of our clientele is the traditionally African-American community in Jamaica. Now it’s becoming much more diverse. We’re even getting customers from [JFK] airport. People get off the plane, Google ‘vegetarian food,’ and find us.”
That vegetarian food includes all your typical diner classics, such as several egg and omelette dishes, pancakes and french toast, wraps, soups, salads, sandwiches, and burgers.
They also offer an entire vegan menu, including vegan cheese, tofu scramble, vegan french toast, vegan bowls, and vegan spread and dressing options such as butter, mayo, ranch, and more.
And of course no diner menu would be complete without a selection of smoothies, which they offer several iterations of.
Smile of the Beyond first opened in 1972, owned and operated by students of spiritual teacher, poet, and philosopher Sri Chinmoy, who lived just half a mile away from the restaurant and passed away in 2007.
According to Edible Queens, Schuetzler explains that the reason behind the diner’s vegetarian diner is because “Sri Chinmoy believed eating meat would disturb your consciousness.”
Smile of the Beyond is open every day except Tuesday from 8 am to 3 pm. On Sundays they open at 9 am.
You can learn more and check out their full menu online here.
📍 8614 Parsons Blvd., Jamaica, NY