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Queens’ Flushing neighborhood is a constantly evolving and diverse area. Home to one of NYC’s Chinatowns, this vibrant neighborhood has a different feel than other Queens neighborhoods. It was even frequently visited by Anthony Bourdain, so you know it’s a must-visit.
From the best places to grab a bite to eat to an insider’s look at the neighborhood’s best museums and parks, here’s our ultimate guide to Flushing, Queens.
Coffee Shops/Cafés in Flushing
No morning is complete without a nice, strong cup of joe–that’s why we’re thankful that New York City has no shortage of absolutely amazing coffee shops! And, in our expert opinion, some of the best places to get coffee in Flushing include the following:
1. M Tea
M Tea is a bubble tea spot in Flushing, Queens, and it might just be the most adorably-decorated café in all of NYC! The space is PINK on PINK, with pink cloud walls, pastel pink couches, and mini pink and white hot air balloons hanging from the ceiling. There’s even a giant hot air balloon couch! Not only is this spot super good, it’s totally Insta-worthy, and you can read more about it here.
📍 36-56 Main St.
2. Prince Tea House
Pretend you’re living the European dream at Prince Tea House, who serves fresh teas imported directly from France. From green and black tea to white and oolong, they literally have it all. And don’t forget to pair your tea with one of their delicious desserts, such as their green tea brûlée or strawberry shortcake parfait.
📍 36-39 Prince St.
3. Sweet Cats Cafe & Arcade
Sweet Cats Cafe is the triple threat bubble tea shop you didn’t know you needed, filled with cute photo-ops, tasty treats, and yes…arcade games! Their selection of Milk Tea is practically endless with favorites like Red Bean, Taro, Rose, Jasmine, Strawberry and more uncommon and delicious flavors like Almond, Banana, and Coconut, and once done sipping you can get to gaming! Read more here.
📍 35-21 Farrington St.
Best Brunch/Breakfast in Flushing
Whether it be a bagel, bacon, eggs, or anything in between, a great breakfast is (usually) enough to pull us out of bed in the morning–though much better when paired with bottomless drinks. And some of our favorite breakfast spots in Flushing include the following:
4. Eggcellent Pancake
Hong Kong egg waffles are a popular street food served crispy and hot, and Eggcellent Pancake definitely does it right. Beyond the egg waffles they also have the fluffiest, most melt-in-your-mouth soufflé pancakes, and we honestly
📍 135-15 40th Rd.
5. Uncle Bill’s Diner
For that classic no frills diner experience, Uncle Bill’s Diner is a must-stop. They have all the classics, from omelettes and french toast to their Big Breakfast, comprised of two eggs, two pancakes, two bacon slices, and two sausages served with potatoes and toast and, let’s face it, even with all of NYC’s tasty restaurants you can never go wrong with a simple diner.
📍 3017 Stratton St.
Best Restaurants in Flushing
From all you can eat spots to places that make you feel like you’ve been transported straight to a Chinese village, Flushing is full of amazing spots to grab a bite to eat. Does the thought of Michelin-recommended Shanghainese food make your mouth water? Yeah, we thought so. Here’s where you should eat in Flushing:
6. Witch
America’s first all-you-can-eat topokki restaurant recently opened in Flushing, where they allow you to be the curator of your own meal! Topokki (also called tteokbokki) is a highly popular traditional Korean dish. These spicy rice cakes are considered “Korea’s national treasure,” and are a staple comfort food amongst Korean generations…so trying it for yourself is an actual must. Read more about Witch here.
📍 146-13 Northern Blvd.
7. Chongqing Lao Zao
For deliciously authentic hot pot, you need to head to Chongqing Lao Zao. This spot resembles an old Chinese village, and their hot pots have several compartments so you can keep all your ingredients separate. Menu highlights include sliced pig kidney, homemade black tofu, and duck gizzard skewers.
📍 37-04 Prince St.
8. Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao
Xiao Long Bao (also known as soup dumplings) originated from Nan Xiang County of Shanghai, China, and Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao opened its doors in Flushing back in 2006. They quickly gained popularity among food lovers, and have been selected as Michelin-recommended Shanghainese food for 9 consecutive years since 2007! Read more about them here.
📍 39-16 Prince St #104
Best Bars in Flushing
From speakeasies to rooftop bars, there is some pretty great nightlife in Flushing–and when we’re looking to unwind with a cocktail in our hand, here’s where we head:
9. Below Shaku
This unassuming ramen shop Shaku Ramen may look like your ordinary spot to slurp down a steaming bowl of ramen, but below it likes Below Shaku, a hidden Shanghai-style speakeasy. Guests can sip on mix-your-own fresh fruit soju cocktails, sake, champagne, and traditional cocktails in the 25-seat speakeasy that exudes vintage Golden Age luxury. Read more about Below Shaku here.
📍 156-30 Northern Blvd.
10. The Attic Oyster & Cocktail Bar
The Attic is a speakeasy oyster and cocktail bar in the heart of downtown Flushing, Queens that specializes in craft cocktails–all of which almost look too good to drink! This classic speakeasy experience makes for the perfect intimate date night or just a chill and calm place to unwind after a long week.
📍 136-93 37th Ave Fl 2
11. Moon Bar Rooftop
Soak in stunning panoramic skyline views as you dance the night away to live DJs at Moon Bar Rooftop. Located on the 9th floor rooftop of The One Hotel, this stylish lounge is the perfect place to sip tasty signature cocktails while either soaking in the sun or gazing at the stars.
P.S. check out some of our other favorite rooftop bars.
📍 137-72 Northern Blvd Fl 9
Best Museums in Flushing
There are quite a few museums in Queens–many of which make their home in Flushing! Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature or geek out on science, here are some museums in Flushing that you shouldn’t miss:
12. Queens Museum
Founded in 1972, the Queens Museum features modern and contemporary works, films, workshops, lectures, and performances. Here, they’re dedicated to presenting high quality arts and educational programming for New Yorkers, particularly residents of Queens, a uniquely diverse ethnic, cultural, and international community.
📍 New York City Building, Flushing Meadows Corona Park
13. Voelker Orth Museum
Located inside an immigrant family’s 1890s home, the Voelker Orth Museum, Bird Sanctuary, and Victorian Garden, preserves the cultural and horticultural heritage of Flushing, Queens. Opened to the public in 2003, guests can wander through its rooms, rotating exhibitions, and garden, to indulge in stories and explore their connection to the local environment.
📍 149-19 38th Ave.
14. New York Hall of Science
Since being founded at the 1964–65 World’s Fair, the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) has evolved into New York’s center for interactive science, serving a half million students, teachers, and families each year. Welcoming 500,000 visitors annually, those who stop by are invited to learn to use science, technology, engineering, and math to tackle complex 21st century challenges.
📍 47-01 111th St.
Best Parks in Flushing
NYC recently ranked in the top 10 for having the best parks in the U.S., so you know you gotta visit every park you get the chance to! When it comes to galavanting around Flushing, here are some of our favorite parks and nature attractions to check out:
15. Flushing Meadows Corona Park
One of the city’s most iconic parks, Flushing Meadows Corona Park has scenic trails, lakes, places to play sports, a recreation center, and more. The park is home to several cultural institutions, including the Hall of Science, the Queens Wildlife Conservation Center, the Queens Zoo (part of the Wildlife Conservation Society), Queens Theatre, and Queens Museum. Each year it draws over nine million people from all over the world.
📍 Grand Central Parkway and Van Wyck Expy
16. Queens Botanical Garden
A trip to Flushing wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the Queens Botanical Garden! This stunning urban oasis features seasonal plant walks, various events such as summer movie nights and community volunteer days, and is home to some of the most intriguing plants and botanics. Trust us, you could spend the entire day here and it still wouldn’t be enough!
📍 43-50 Main St.
17. Queens Zoo
Okay so the Queens Zoo isn’t exactly a park, but it’s located inside Flushing Meadows Corona Park, and with all the nature and wildlife you’ll find here we think it qualifies! The zoo has been open since 1968 and is spread out over 18 acres. From Southern pudu from Chile and Argentina and the American bison from the Great Plains to Andean bears–the only South American bear species–there’s so many animals to see here!
P.S. Check out some of our other favorite zoos in NYC.
📍 53-51 111th St.
Unique Experiences in Flushing
What makes NYC so great is how unique each neighborhood is, and that certainly rings true when it comes to Flushing! Did you know they’re home to their own 24,000-square-foot food hall and hoi polloi?! Well, now you do! Check it out below.
18. Hoi Polloi
Much more than just your typical place to grab a bite to eat, this 24,000-square-foot food hall and hoi polloi recently opened at Queens’ Tangram and elicits the same energy and atmosphere as the open-air markets found in Singapore, Hong Kong, Beijing, and Taipei. The food hall features a wide array of delicious vendors, and the neighborhood’s first beer garden can even be found in the back! Learn more here.
📍 133-33 39th Ave.