Our Favorite New Kids On The Block

Despite a slow economic recovery this past year, there was no shortage of new places opening their doors in 2021, and we are here to support every single one of them! It was a tough call, but we highlighted the best of the best eateries and dining establishments that braved a new adventure in the past 12 months. Not only with determination, hard work, and a successful business plan in tow, but also with kindness, positivity, and welcoming all neighbors as friends. We are excited to introduce them once more to our readers to end the year on a high note. And of course, we are also introducing a few new kids on the block that are close to opening. Happy 2022!

Cookie Crumz
Preparing homemade, fresh cookies is a daily ritual here and the flavors are unbelievably tasty: Banana cream, pumpkin spice, pistachio passion, or cocoa nuts for chocolate, among several other delectable treats. It’s a tiny spot with big potential. Let’s be real: Who doesn’t love cookies? Have a group of people to feed? If so, you can order their Collosum Crum, which is an oversized cookie pie for sharing. Remember, sharing is caring!
29-18 Ditmars Blvd. | 718.685.2588 | @cookiecrumz

Silk Kitchen

This is a good quality, fast, casual Chinese restaurant that opened their first location in Union Square in 2018 and are about to open another location in LIC. The food is delicious, and the service is fast. The owners, a married couple, were inspired by the region of Hunan, where food is often served with rice noodles or rice, and a heavy amount of spice. This place is supposedly the spiciest Chinese restaurant in the city! So, when choosing your spice level, tread carefully, friends!
3002 39th Ave. | @silkykitchennyc

Serafina To Go

Open since 1995, Serafina is an Italian chain restaurant known for their pizzas and pastas, and we are finally lucky enough to have one coming to Long Island City! It will be their 12th location in New York City and we are here for it! Pair your food with one of their refreshing cocktails or a glass of wine, and you’ve got yourself the perfect Italian date night.
108 NY-25A | @serafinanewyork

DK Public
This cozy establishment is what we need during the long winter days. It’s suited for multiple purposes, whether you’re just stopping by for coffee, a drink at the bar, or a delicious meal during your lunch break, or even for a meet-up with friends. Its atmosphere is neighborly and welcoming and is a good mix of a pub and a laid-back café perfect for that comfy winter day.
3840 29th St. | 718.433.9316 | @dkpublic

Carla
The décor at Carla is too cute, with its vintage romantic vibes given off through the wall art, flower arrangements, and light colors that radiate throughout the restaurant. You may also find yourself gazing out on their elaborate outdoor dining arrangements but the best part about this place is their uniquely diverse menu. It ranges from tacos and salads to carb-filled burgers, and we love it! Your next Saturday lunch is planned for!
2503 40th Ave. | 929.204.6264 | @carlalicny

Streat Kings NYC
Their mouthwatering burgers and sandwiches are not something you should pass on! People are going nuts for this food truck and understandably so. The loaded tater tots and Jerk Rib sandwich are an absolute must-try! We suggest you get over there before the line fills up! Make sure to bring cash as they are a cash only establishment.
Ditmars Blvd. between 31st and 32nd St. | 347.840.2743 | @streatkingsnyc

Calexico
This restaurant has won fans all over its Brooklyn and Manhattan locations, but now we finally have our own spot! It’s still very much in the early stages after their grand opening, but the excitement is growing by the minute. Their rice bowls are outstanding, and they even have a kids’ menu, which is a much needed and appreciated bonus for a family outing. Get ready for a new favorite restaurant to add to your list.
32-07 30th Ave. | @calexiconyc

Tacombi
After doing their rounds all around the city, they opened their 10th location this year in the heart of Queens, and happiness isn’t big enough of a word to describe how we feel about it! Deemed as the best taco place in the city, it got its start in the Yucatan region in Mexico and created a menu that is filled with spice and traditional flavors. A must-try is their Baja Crispy Fish Taco, an award-winning item that deserves all the praise!
27-10 43rd Ave. | 929.296.0316 | @tacombi

BK Lobster
Did the stars align and hear our deepest wishes? I believe so since there’s a BK Lobster opening right on Astoria Boulevard! They know how Astorians love their lobster rolls. Even though we’ve been waiting for a while, it will be worth it once they finally open their doors. You can choose between a classic roll made with mayo, or one that is served with a warm butter sauce. In addition, the menu features other lobster-rich dishes, such as fried lobster, lobster mac, and even a lobster pasta dish! Vegan options are also available, and we can’t wait for this to become our new comfort food spot going into 2022.
30-12 Astoria Blvd. | @bklobsterastoria

Café Renis
The owner of Max and Bratwurst has outdone himself with this second project of his, and we love everything about it. This café serves drinks in actual porcelain cups for in-house orders, which is rare, but makes for pretty pictures and better taste! Their hot chocolate with whipped cream is generous and oh so creamy. A perfect drink for the coldest of days! While there, you might forget about time entirely by sitting in this Victorian-style, hidden treasure of a café.
47-14 30th Ave. |718.255.1730 | @cafe_renis

Milk And Cream Cereal Bar
Their sweets are IG-worthy on every level! It combines your favorite ice cream flavor with a cereal topping of your choice, or trust them and go with any of their famous specials, such as the Chocolate Smore’s Galore or Cookie Crisp Carnival. All their creations are unique and so yummy! What are you waiting for? Did you know ice cream warms up your body due to its fat content? That means there’s virtually no excuse to not get it during the winter!
25-88 Steinway St. | @milkandcreambar

Barrio Taqueria
A trendy Mexican restaurant that has won over the crowds in a heartbeat! Free chips for each table are an invitation to order some mandatory guacamole and salsa to go with it. Their drinks are killer tasty, with a kick to it, and their burrito rice bowls, as well as tacos, are nothing short of mind-blowingly good. Pay them a visit for the next Taco Tuesday!
33-02 34th Ave. | @barriotaqueria

Piperi Gyro
Open since April, they perfected the art of an excellent gyro with Greek-style fries! In a casual ambience, you get to experience a terrific meal for low prices, but with high-quality ingredients. Regardless of whether you opt for take-out or their limited dine-in option, don’t forget to add an almond pudding for your dessert. You can thank us later!
3116 Broadway | 718.569.5077 | @piperigyro

Eat Well With Danielle
What started out as a quarantine baking hobby turned into a full-time passion for healthy baking. Danielle is now sitting in her EWWD Cafe. She partnered up with her friend Kayli, the owner of the zero-waste shop Earth and Me, where you’ll find her selling baked goods the healthy way: Everything is gluten and dairy-free, with a few vegan options as well. Her choice of sweetener, you wonder? Coconut sugar, maple, and honey (with very few exceptions). She doesn’t compromise on the taste, either. Her treats, including the famous birthday cake cookies, are addictively good.
3038 Steinway St. | 732.673.8712 | @eatwellwithdanielle

Cornicello
This little nook of a pasta and wine bar is a great choice if you’re in the mood for Al Fresco-style, authentic Italian dining. Their Cacio E Pepe and Lasagna are all-time favorites here since their opening this summer. All pasta is made fresh daily, and their Big Daddy Éclair or highly acclaimed Tiramisu make for a great sharing option with your dinner partner. It’s a classic, minimalistic restaurant for the finer taste, with a small selection of natural wines. Cheers!
25-22 Astoria Blvd. | 929.387.6932 | @cornicello.nyc

Unicorn Coffee Company
This coffee shop is, in one word, magical. The owners used to work in construction, which in their own words, “is not the friendliest workspace.” They decided to create a space that is welcoming and that offers lots of delectable treats, such as raspberry croissants or their signature tropical pastry, which goes well with a Cappuccino or their extra-special hot chocolate. They were hopeful to have turned their new passion into a peaceful and memorable place, and made it happen with great success.
25-31 31st St. | @unicorncoffeenyc

Coco Bubble Tea
This was the opening of their 17th location if you can believe it! Their non-dairy bubble milks are suitable for everyone, and besides the tastiness, they’re also visually appealing. Their most popular drinks are 2 Ladies and 3 Guys, but if you want something a bit more Instagramworthy, then try their QQ Milk Tea, which is topped off with colorful sweet potato and taro tapioca. The staff is super friendly and if you’re in need of suggestions, they will help you make that difficult choice of what to get!
3310 Broadway | 718.255.1772 | @cocotea.eastcoast

Paris Baguette
If you are searching for an airy cake that tastes a bit like heaven, Paris Baguette might just be the place for it! Their cakes are fresh, vibrant, and make an ideal treat for any celebration. This is their second location in the neighborhood, and we are happy to welcome them! If you want a reliable bakery that delivers quality, look no further.
31-08 30th Ave. | 718.433. 9382 | @parisbaguette_usa

Dough
Dough started out in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn in 2010, and quickly became hugely popular with New Yorkers. We love our donuts! Their most sought-after flavors include hibiscus, toasted coconut, blueberry lemon, passion fruit, and their filled Nutella donut – yum! The greatest part is the live action that you will experience when ordering your donut from them: You pick your flavor and the glaze is spread on top right at their window, where you can watch it happening as you order. What a treat!
2170 31st St. | 718.540.9150 | @doughdoughnuts

La Dulce Cultura
The beautiful outdoor mural is the first thing you’ll notice at this new gem, reminiscent of the Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos. It’s Mexican cuisine with a modern twist, which includes gluten-free and vegan churros and Mexican-inspired cupcakes with different flavors, not to mention their outstanding breakfast menu. In addition, their hospitality alone deserves five stars.
42-20 31st Ave. | 914. 829.8801 | @dulceculturany

Smoke And Mirrors
There’s virtually no cooler place than this to watch a sports game, have a drink at the bar, and indulge in some late-night food. The atmosphere is sexy and vibrant, not to mention steamy! If you have it in your budget, try the Mastermindcocktail, which is well worth the price tag and wait. Or if you’re planning on staying up, get an “Up all night,” which might just do good on its promise! This is the new hotspot for couples and singles alike. Looking for a bachelorette party venue? This is it!
28-04 Steinway St | 718.489.9064 | @smokeandmirrors_nyc

Selo
Open since late June, Selo’s take on Croatian and Serbian cuisine hit the spot for many and has quickly become a new hotspot for foodies. Their signature dishes are Karadjordjeva, a stuffed veal schnitzel, and Fuzi Pasta dish, which is served with a scrumptious veal Ragu. This Eastern European cuisine is simple, yet homey and comforting. Top it off with some homemade cream puffs and a cup of Turkish Coffee, and you’ve got yourself a meal here.
3305 Broadway | 718.932.0101 | @selonyc