Hop on the 7 train and see this iconic New York City borough through the eyes of a local.
BY ELLIE PEÑA
BARISTA MAGAZINE ONLINE
Featured photo by Josiah Gibbs. All other photos by Ellie Peña
Queens is New York City’s largest borough and one of the most diverse counties in the United States, with more than 800 spoken languages and an endless array of cuisines and cultural pockets from nearly every continent. And yet, what many refer to as “The World’s Borough” hasn’t yet gotten its flowers when it comes to its coffee scene.
When people think of New York coffee culture, the spotlight is often on the “aesthetic” spots that have popped up throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn in recent years—and while those cafés are lovely, I want to shine a light on the unique, authentic, and heart-filled spots that line the streets of Queens.
These aren’t just places to get a latte: They’re dreams in motion and stories in progress, brewed by neighbors who care. So here’s a quick tour along the iconic 7 train, highlighting a few of my favorite places to sip around the borough.
Sunnyside (Train Stop: 46th St.-Bliss St.)
Sunnyside is a historic neighborhood known for its tree-lined streets and multicultural charm. Here, Korean, Irish, Romanian, Turkish, and South American communities intersect—and so do the aromas of fresh brews.
This bright, teal-colored corner spot welcomes you with Turkish lamps and a warm vibe. The menu is extensive, with everything from traditional espresso drinks to vegan and gluten-free bites. I usually order a cortado and one of their sandwiches with their fresh side salads. The coffee is perfectly balanced and smooth.
Serving the Queens community since the 1960s, Baruir roasts their coffee in-house and offers a wall of single-origin and house blends. I grabbed a latte here: smooth and classic with a roasty backbone that reminded me why this place has stood the test of time. Definitely more of a “grab and go” place, but steeped in local legacy.
What started as a coffee cart is now a full café, embodying the evolution of dreams in Queens. They source their beans from Brooklyn-based micro-roastery Sey Coffee, known for their light and fruit-forward roasts.
“I wanted to build a space that represented the worldly nature of Queens,” says Melting Cups founder, Mario Nnani. “Queens is often referenced as a ‘melting pot,’ which is where the Melting Cups name is derived from.”
When I visited Melting Cups, I sipped on a cappuccino as I wrote this article and toured the art gallery in the back, which doubles as a creative hub for local artists to display their work. This place is a true third space, fusing community, art, and caffeine into one.
Woodside (Train Stop: 61st St.-Woodside)
Woodside is famed for its Filipino bakeries and Thai restaurants, but hidden among the culinary landmarks is one noteworthy café.
Connected to a laundromat, Bee Café is a cozy spot serving up Devoción Coffee—specialty coffee sourced exclusively from Colombia—along with boba drinks and a wide array of food options. Here, I usually rotate between a latte or a matcha, depending on the vibe. Both are solid choices, especially when enjoyed from their peaceful outdoor seating. You can get laundry done next door while sipping something thoughtfully made. Bee Café is one of those perfectly chaotic Queens combos that somehow just works.
Elmhurst (Train Stop: 74th St. & Broadway)
Whether you take a scenic 20-minute walk from Woodside or hop back on the train, Elmhurst greets you with vibrant and bustling energy, and some of the coziest coffee spots around.
Owned by a husband-and-wife duo who grew up in the neighborhood, Better Half is more than a café: It’s a love letter to the community. You can tell when someone is from Queens by the way they run their business. It’s in the details—in the way the staff greets you like a neighbor, the familiar faces behind the counter, and the menu that blends comfort with creativity.
Here, I ordered a salted maple latte and a toasty almond croissant, and it was the perfect balance of savory and sweet. Their drinks are comforting without being basic, elevated without being pretentious. It feels like a space made for us, by us: a warm invitation to slow down, sip and stay.
The team at Better Half describes the joy they’ve found in serving the community that they grew up in. “As we approach our one-year anniversary this summer, currently we still haven’t made any financial profit—but we have gained so much from our community,” the owners shared with Barista Magazine Online. “We are building something special here. We never realized the importance of places like our little shop and the power of bringing our community together. It’s beautiful to see such diversity and so many interesting people walk through our door. Our hope is that through good service and a damn good cup of coffee, we can brighten everyone’s day.”
Jackson Heights (Train Stop: 74th or 82nd St.)
To conclude our tour of Queens, we’re visiting one of the most culturally rich neighborhoods in New York City: Jackson Heights. The area boasts flavors from South Asia, Latin America, and Japan—all within a few blocks.
This hidden gem blends Japanese snacks with strong coffee. Owner Mitsumine Oda opened the shop after retirement, making it a project of passion and joy. I always order the mocha and an onigiri in the shape of a heart for my long workdays. No frills, just love. Pro tip: Bring cash for purchases under $15!
Nestled inside the World’s Borough Bookshop is Pilas Café: my coffee cart. We serve drinks rooted in my Peruvian heritage and fueled by love for this borough. I use beans roasted by Peculiar Coffee, sourced directly from small Latin American farms. Some of our best sellers are dulce de leche and chocolate strawberry lattes. Everything about Pilas is meant to reflect energy, culture, and care.
A Toast to Queens: Where Dreams Come to Life
Queens is the borough of dreams—people come here chasing what feels impossible elsewhere. Every coffee shop along this route is more than just a business, but a chapter of someone’s story: a little dream come true. As a coffee cart owner and Queens native, I see myself in every barista, every small batch, and every brew. Let this be your invitation to explore, sip, and celebrate Queens, one cup at a time.
Ellie Peña (she/her) is a Peruvian-American coffee creative based in Queens, N.Y., and the founder of Pilas Café: a mobile project rooted in all things cafecito & ethical sourcing. When she’s not slinging espresso, she’s reading Latine fiction, practicing Muay Thai, or hosting cozy craft events.
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