What to eat and do in Jackson Heights, Queens

Pretty much everything about Espresso 77 at 35-57 77th St. is local, from the art on the walls to the pastries filling its shelves. For nearly a decade, longtime residents and new-age hipsters alike have flocked to the cafe for quality coffee, refreshing fruit drinks and tasty breakfast options.

Order a latte, complete with foam art, and a pumpkin scone if you’re in a hurry. Or stay for sandwiches, soups and salads. In the evenings, the cafe really comes out to play with free live music and a small selection of beer and wine.

Thinking of getting some work done on your laptop while you eat? Be mindful of the large sign at the register: “Weekends at E 77th are screen free.”

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Photo Credit: Esha Ray

Here’s a bit of Queens trivia that’s sure to surprise your friends: Scrabble was invented in Jackson Heights. Legend has it that the architect Alfred Mosher Butts first devised the popular board game in 1938 while renovating the Community United Methodist Church on 35th Avenue. Decades later, the quirky sign at 81st Street incorporating letter values from the game was erected to honor Butts’ work (a 14-point word for anyone who’s counting).

In 2008, the sign mysteriously disappeared, much to the neighborhood’s chagrin. Three years later a new terra cotta plaque was installed in its place and remains there today as a small reminder of Jackson Heights’ contribution to the world.

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Photo Credit: Esha Ray

Don’t let the inconspicuous storefront fool you. Maharaja Sweets & Snacks at 73-10 37th Ave. is an absolute treasure trove of South Asian sweets and pastries.

The bright rainbow of colors from the display case hits you upon entering. Pick from the tray of gulab jamun (deep fried doughnut holes doused in syrup), burfi (milky, fudge-like bars) or cham chams (oval-shaped sponge cakes garnished with coconut flakes) to satisfy your sweet tooth.

If you’re looking for something savory, a small restaurant in the back of the shop offers light vegetarian meals like papri chaat (a sweet and sour mix of yogurt, chutney, chickpeas and crunchy noodles) and vegetable pakora (lightly fried assorted vegetables).

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Photo Credit: Esha Ray

Jackson Heights, just on the other side of Astoria and Woodside, is a destination worth exploring for its South Asian cuisine, South American music and vibrant history.

Along with its many ethnic enclaves, this northwestern Queens neighborhood also is home to quite a large LGBTQ community; many consider Roosevelt Avenue to be the Christopher Street of Queens.

The E, F, M, R or 7 lines all drop you off right at the border. So pick a train and head to some local spots you won’t want to miss.