There’s no doubt that New York City has so much to offer, especially if you're looking for date night ideas. But sometimes we forget that New York City actually entails five boroughs, not just Manhattan. Queens is often overlooked, but if you’re a Queens native, like myself, you know that no other borough can replicate its romantic charm. And although it is still considered a part of the big city, Queens provides a calmer environment in contrast to Manhattan's hustle and bustle. Now that you want to take your campus cutie to Queens for your next date night, here are some restaurants to check out for dinner and places to visit post-dinner that'll will leave him/her begging for a second date.
1. 5 Burro Café in Forest Hills
If you’ve had enough of Chipotle and want to woo your date with some authentic Mexican food, 5 Burro Café is the place to go. This restaurant is a hole-in-the-wall joint that usually has a line of people willingly waiting for a table outside of its doors every weekend, so be prepared to wait at least 40 minutes. I promise the wait is worth it and you can use this time to get to know each other. The restaurant is very small, giving it a charm of intimacy, and the walls are adorned with cool décor representing Mexican culture, like donkey piñatas and rustic Mexican street signs. The atmosphere is loud and fun and make sure to order their staple frozen margarita that comes served in a personal cute mason jar or a huge pitcher to share. The menu has every authentic Mexican dish you could think of and their guacamole is to die for. As you both laugh over frozen margaritas and guac, you'll feel like you're on vacation in Mexico.
2. New Park Pizza in Howard Beach
This mom and pop pizzeria is located right in the heart of the highly Italian-American-populated neighborhood of Howard Beach, and their brick oven pizza is voted one of the best in Queens. Stop here for a quick bite with your date and feel like real New Yorkers. New Park serves brick oven pizza that is burnt to perfection, making the slices thin and crispy (the crust may be the best part). They're famous for their regular slices, which stick to the simple combination of sauce and cheese, but they taste like no other slice of New York City pizza you’ve ever had. Plan on ordering more than one slice because just one won’t do your taste buds any justice. And since this joint is near Rockaway Beach, you may want to order a pie to go and enjoy it sitting in the sand.
3. Bosna Express in Ridgewood
When in Queens, why settle for a typical burger when you could have a Bosnian burger? Tucked underneath the M train station is Bosna Express: a small express burger joint that serves traditional Bosnian burgers called pljeskavicas. These burger patties are about twice the size of your regular burger and are served inside of warm toasted pita bread. Top your pljeskavica with typical burger condiments and add some ajvar, a Bosnian red pepper spread, or kajmak, a creamy Balkan cheese. It makes for the perfect meal to share with your date and will surely represent the cultural diversity present throughout Queens.
4. Barosa in Rego Park
If you’re looking for a classic romantic Italian dinner you need to visit Barosa in Rego Park. This restaurant makes every dish taste like traditional home-style Italian cooking, and the menu contains all of the classic Italian dishes. Order a plate of penne vodka if you’re craving a creamy yet light mixture of tasty sauce, or opt for their lemony chicken francese for a hint of zing. The candlelit atmosphere makes it warm and romantic, which will spark immediate chemistry between you and your date. Whatever you order, make sure you pair it with a glass of wine and you'll be enjoying your Italian date night in the best possible way.
5. Eddie’s Sweet Shop in Forest Hills
You can’t go all the way to Queens for dinner without also stopping for some dessert and there's no better way to woo your date than with some ice cream. Go back in time to an old-fashioned, century-old ice cream parlor and feel as if you're a couple from the 1920s. As soon as you step inside of Eddie’s Sweet Shop you and your date will feel the fun high school romance of taking your date to ice cream. All of the original furniture from the early 1900s is still in place, and the same sweet old-time charm is still present in their menu options. Create your own sundae with their wide variety of homemade flavors, and ask for two spoons so you can share or order one of their classic egg creams and sip it from two straws while sitting at the rustic counter. This place is as Queens as it gets so don’t miss out on a true New Yorker experience.
Now that your stomachs are satisfied, it's time to explore the hidden gems of Queens. Whether you're looking for a place to relax and get to know each other better, or want a place full of fun adventure, Queens has it all.
Post-Dinner
6. Long Island City Piers in Long Island City
Nothing beats looking at the Manhattan skyline from afar, and luckily Queens is perfectly placed across the East River so that the view is spectacular. Take your date to the up-and-coming neighborhood of Long Island City and sit along side the East River. The piers are rarely over-crowded, and they provide the perfect opportunity to cuddle underneath the stars (a.k.a. the lights shining off of the skyscrapers). You could even tap into your inner child and bond with your date while on the swings in the playground. The view of Manhattan combined with each other's company will bring the romance to an all-time high.
7. Astoria Park in Astoria
Astoria Park is not your typical playground. This huge mass of land is located right underneath the Triboro Bridge, providing yet another breathtaking view of Manhattan. Bring a blanket and some wine and lay underneath the bridge with your date. The calm Queens ambiance of the surrounding nature and the view of the city is the perfect combination for romance and intimacy.
8. Queens Theatre in Flushing Meadows Park
Head over to the Queens Theatre for some performing arts. Currently the theatre is putting on performances of "How To Kill a Mockingbird,""The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes," and "Murder for Two." Impress your date with this hidden gem that even has some history linked to it too. It was originally known as the Theaterama, built as one of the three structures for the 1964 World's Fair held in Queens. After the show, you can explore the rest of Flushing Meadows Park and the other iconic structures that were built for the World's Fair.
9. Citi Field in Flushing
Postseason baseball has begun, and guess who made the playoffs and earned the title of National East Champs, winning their first East title since 2006? The New York Mets! Bring your date to enjoy some of America's favorite pastime and bolster in ultimate Queens pride. The Mets' first postseason game against the Dodgers is on October 9, so grab some tickets and head over to Citi Field for some hot dogs and baseball with your date.
10. Forest Park Carousel in Forest Park
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Why not add some playfulness to your date night and ride an old-school carousel? The romantic old-fashioned carousel is nestled away amongst the trees of Forest Park and has been a part of the park since 1903. Enjoy the scenes of autumn while you and your date feel like a kid again.
11. Queens Botanical Garden in Flushing
Also a part of the 1964 World's Fair is the Queens Botanical Garden, which has grown to encompass 39 acres of land used for gardens that are open to the public. Stroll throughout the many gardens offered, and admire the serenity of nature that is hidden from the city. Make sure to bring along your camera so that you can take cute snaps of you and your date amidst the roses and other flowers grown in the gardens. Also, if you go now in October there is a pumpkin patch and harvest fest that will get you and your date into the autumn mood!
Now that post-dinner plans are settled, you are all set for your date. Call that special someone and surprise them with a spontaneous trip to the best borough of New York!
