82nd Street - Jackson Heights (7)

This part of Jackson Heights is less South Asian, more Hispanic compared to neighboring stop 74th Street. If anything, it feels more like Corona than “classic” Jackson Heights.

Here are my recs:

1) A Latin American Gay Bar: Friend’s Tavern

Self-proclaimed as, “Your Friendly Gay Latin Bar For Over 30 Years,” Friend’s Tavern has karaoke, dancing, and drag shows. I went for happy hour on a Sunday, and it was mostly chill couples chatting along the bar. The bar entrance has a free stack of the Gay Times, a New York City newspaper by and for the queer community. Pick up a copy on your way in or out!

2) A Latin American Straight Bar: El Abuelo Gozon

It’s Spanish-only in this sports bar and dancing spot that, for whatever reason, is constantly looking to hire even more hot women as servers.

The entrance to El Abuelo Gozon

3) Big Bottles of Hot Sauce and Latin Snacks

Browse the shelves at Tulcingo, a combined restaurant and grocery store, while you wait for a snack, meal, or cafe con leche (or sin leche, I don’t judge).

4) A Latin American Baking School

If you live off the 7 and can understand Spanish, why not take baking classes at The Magic Bakery School of New York? It’s a great way to build up your baking skills and your Spanish skills, if you aren’t already fluent!

5) A Chaotic or Chill Walk

Chaos: Roosevelt Street is bustling around here. All the commerce is trying to catch your attention. Walk towards 74th Street for the South Asian vibe, or walk towards 103rd St/Corona Plaza for even more bustling Hispanic energy.

Busy Roosevelt Street, canopied by the 7 train.

Chill: While this stop is associated with the Jackson Heights neighborhood, it also gives you access to relatively quieter Elmhurst. Walk through the detached single family homes (how rare!) for a quieter, more domestic experience of the area.

Residential Elmhurst vibes, just south of the station.