Like most neighborhoods in Queens, Jackson Heights began as farmland until Edward A. MacDougall bought and redeveloped it in the early 20th century. MacDougall originally intended for Jackson Heights to become a white, Protestant community. MacDougall helped build private houses and co-op buildings for the growing population. In 1965, the population grew both larger and more diverse. The 1965 Immigration Reform Act allowed entire families to immigrate to the United States so long as at least one member of the family had a skilled-labor or professional worker visa. The act opened the door to a wave of cultural diversity which targeted Jackson Heights because of its abundance of available housing.
Jackson Heights is still seen as one of the cultural melting pots in Queens. The wide variety of ethnic restaurants in Jackson Heights helps exemplify the diversity of this small neighborhood. The area is easily accessible by the 7 train, making the area a popular destination for someone looking for a hearty meal or a sweet treat any time of day. Some of the notable restaurants in the area, Pio Pio, Rajbhog Sweets, and La Cabaña, are detailed below. These restaurants are just a taste of the wide range of cuisines that can be found in Jackson Heights today.1
One of two of the locations of the chain in Queens and one of seven locations in New York City, Pio Pio in Jackson Heights continues to entice customers to sample authentic Peruvian cuisine. Pio Pio is best known for its rotisserie chicken. The restaurant offers a limited menu, highlighting its well marinated roasted chicken and offers a list of side dishes to accompany it, including tostones, papas fritas, and red beans and saffron rice. Although the prices seem steep, $16 for chicken, the amount of food is enough for at least two people to share. 3 4
Rajbhog Sweets
Despite its name, Rajbhog Sweets offers more than just a satisfaction for your sweet tooth, although it can do just that if you want it to. This local spot offers satisfying South Indian delicacies in the heart of LIttle India in Queens. Located just off of Roosevelt Avenue along the 7 line, this quaint restaurant offers vegetarian and vegan lunches for a very affordable price. The special, rice and two vegetable dishes for $6.00 is budget-friendly and hunger-satisfying. 5
La Cabaña
La Cabaña pays homage to the Argentinean community in Jackson Heights and provides a culinary getaway for those who must stay closer to home. This Argentinean steakhouse is built of authentic, imported Argentinean equipment, including a brick pizza oven. According to food bloggers Jessica Allen and Garrett Ziegler, “this restaurant [is] a respite from the…signs of modernity in this particular part of Jackson Heights”6
Page Contributor: Megan
- Miyares, Ines M. “From Exclusionary Convenant to Ethic Hyperdiversity in Jackson Heights.” JSTOR. Web. 15 May 2012. <http://www.jstor.org/stable/30034291>. ↩
- “Pio Pio Peruvian Restaurant New York City.” Pio Pio Peruvian Restaurant New York City. Web. 02 May 2012. <http://www.piopio.com/>. ↩
- “New York Magazine.” NYMag.com. Web. 02 May 2012. <http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/pio-pio02/>. ↩
- “Pio Pio Peruvian Restaurant New York City.” Pio Pio Peruvian Restaurant New York City. Web. 02 May 2012. <http://www.piopio.com/>. ↩
- “Will Bike for Food: Rajbhog Sweets | Underground Dining NYC.” Underground Dining. 23 Apr. 2012. Web. 14 May 2012. <http://www.undergrounddiningnyc.com/2012/04/will-bike-for-food-rajbhog-sweets.html>. ↩
- “Date NIght: La Cabana.” Serious Eats. 26 Mar. 2012. Web. 14 May 2012. <http://newyork.seriouseats.com/2012/03/date-night-la-cabana-argentinian-steakhouse-jackson-heights-queens.html> ↩
