Rego Park

By Miranda Siegel | Special to amNewYork

May 24, 2007

Before it was the setting for scenes in Art Spiegelman's Maus or dubbed "Regostan" by The New York Times due to its prominent Central Asian community, Rego Park was occupied by Dutch farmers.

In the 1920s, the Real Good Construction Co. began building up the neighborhood, fashioning its name from their own and marketing it as "a REal GOod place to raise a family."

According to current residents, the statement proved true. "I raised my children here," said George Keta, who has lived in the area for 27 years. "It's quiet; it's safe; it has great schools. People move here for life."

Resident Andreea Constantinescu agrees. "You'll see three, four generations within a family walking down the street together."

Although Rego Park has a serene and family-friendly interior, it is but blocks from the buzz of 63rd Drive and Queens Boulevard, both situated amid a tangle of express trains, buses and highways.

"It's really convenient," said Valerie Fristachi, who enjoys the secluded community with easy access to Manhattan, as well as the choice of big box and mom-and-pop stores. "You can go to Best Buy or Sears, and then cross the street and buy Uzbek imports."

Commenting on the East Asian, South American and Indian immigrants who have settled in the area, Constantinescu said, "This is a really diverse neighborhood. It's reflected in our shops and restaurants -- you can get anything here."

Find it
Rego Park is bound by the Long Island Expressway to the north, Woodhaven Boulevard to the west, Queens Boulevard to the east and Yellowstone Boulevard to the south.

To eat
The Bukharan Jewish population, who came from Central Asia, has heavily influenced Rego Park's culinary scene, cramming many kosher and Uzbek eateries into Queens Boulevard. Many other cuisines are also represented.

Knish Nosh
Although Knish Nosh will send "love and knishes anywhere in the world," the trays of browned, plump and stuffed knishes will lure you directly to the shop.
100-30 Queens Blvd.
718-897-5554

Istanbul
This authentic, laid-back Turkish restaurant serves up lamb, chicken and eggplant in every possible form. The backyard garden opens when it's warm out.
95-36 Queens Blvd.
718-275-7555

Cheburechnaya