Regarded as the most diverse neighborhood in the entire country, Jackson Heights combines a worldly population with a strong neighborhood vibe. Reflecting its diversity is 37th Avenue which is truly a Main Street to the world. Within a few short blocks, you can snack on fresh hot Colombian buñuelos with your Thai coffee, treat yourself to an Indian mehndi design and pick up local produce from upstate New York at the farmer’s market. When it comes time to celebrate one of the many cultural events that take place in Jackson Heights, like the Diwali festival or the Queens Pride Parade, you can bet the whole community comes out to represent and support each other. The neighborhood is the site of America’s first planned garden community built in the 1910s and 20s, designed to be green, airy and opulent, often surrounding private gardens. These pre-war apartments have since been landmarked and now form the Jackson Heights Historic District.
Mexican & Colombian bakery with great tacos!
At UFC, they specialize in Korean-style fried chicken. Significantly more delicate than American fried chicken, the skin is first fried to render off the fat then fried a second time to crisp before being added to sauce. Unlike some places that like to drench the chicken in sauce, at UFC they add just enough so that the flavor is vibrant without being cloying. The end result is light, crunchy and perfectly seasoned. Go with friends, order a heaping platter of wings and drums along with a side of slaw and pickled radish and wash it all down with one of their many beers on tap. Good times.
