969 NYC Coffee

- 37-61 80th St, Jackson Heights, NY 11372

Introduction / Overview: Japanese Comfort and Gourmet Coffee in Queens

For New Yorkers in search of a unique and affordable culinary experience that marries authentic Japanese snacks with a high-quality coffee and tea program, **969 NYC Coffee** in Jackson Heights is a delightful "hidden gem." Despite its name emphasizing coffee, this establishment is a beloved **Japanese restaurant** specializing in **Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)** and their modern, sandwich-style counterpart, **Onigirazu**. It stands out as a rare and cherished Japanese outpost in a neighborhood renowned for its Latin American and South Asian flavors.

Run by the dedicated owner, Mitsumine Oda (known fondly as Oda-san), 969 NYC Coffee offers a surprisingly extensive menu of portable, flavorful, and inexpensive Japanese comfort food. Diners rave about the **Chicken Rice Sandwich** (a variation of Onigirazu) for its **very crunchy** chicken and fresh, well-paired ingredients like avocado, cabbage, and carrots. The commitment to affordability is evident in the generous **Lunch Specials** like **Tonkatsu** and **Chicken Katsu** priced at just $5.00, making it an excellent option for students and value-seeking New Yorkers.

The atmosphere is described as **Casual, Cozy,** and **Trendy**, offering a unique blend of coffee-shop vibes and authentic Japanese hospitality, even if the owner's straightforward approach might be initially surprising—a style local patrons have grown to appreciate as that of a "rigid but kind-hearted, straightforward sensei." This is a place that rewards the patient diner with **great food** and a distinct New York experience.

Location and Accessibility: A Convenient Corner in Jackson Heights

969 NYC Coffee is conveniently situated at **37-61 80th St, Jackson Heights, NY 11372, USA**. This location places it just off the main commercial arteries of Jackson Heights, making it easily accessible from Roosevelt Avenue, a major hub for the 7 train and local bus lines, crucial for the highly mobile New York user base.

The shop is noted for its accessibility, featuring a **Wheelchair accessible entrance** and **Wheelchair accessible seating**, accommodating all members of the community. While the area can be busy, **Paid street parking** is available nearby for those traveling by car.

The establishment's layout, which includes welcome **Outdoor seating**, provides patrons with a pleasant, airy space to enjoy their food and drinks, a valued amenity in this dense part of Queens. Its position makes it an excellent stop for a quick meal before or after running errands in the vibrant local neighborhood.

Services Offered: Catering to the Grab-and-Go New Yorker

The service model at 969 NYC Coffee is geared toward the convenience and speed required by its busy urban clientele, though patrons should note that the efficiency of a one-person operation may require patience during peak hours:

• Takeout: The primary mode of service for many, offering quick retrieval of portable items like **Onigiri** and **Sushi** for a meal on the move.

• Dine-in: Provides a **Casual** and **Cozy** space with dedicated **Seating** for a more relaxed meal experience, including **Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,** and **Dessert**.

• Delivery: Ensures the popular Japanese snacks and coffee can be brought directly to customers throughout the local Jackson Heights area.

• Outdoor seating: A valuable option for enjoying food and drinks al fresco.

• Catering: Available for larger orders, ideal for local businesses or community events seeking unique, fresh Japanese snacks.

• Payments: Accepts modern options including **Credit cards, Debit cards,** and **NFC mobile payments**.

Features / Highlights: Unbeatable Value and Culinary Specialties

969 NYC Coffee's defining highlights revolve around its specialized menu and exceptional value:

• Specialized Japanese Snacks: The menu features **Onigiri** (Japanese Rice Balls) with a wide variety of fillings, including **Salmon, Tuna, Spam,** and **Kimchi Pork**. They are also renowned for **Onigirazu** or "sushi sandwiches," like the highly praised **Chicken Sandwich** (Chicken Katsu Onigirazu).

• Exceptional Affordability: With **Lunch Specials** starting at $5.00 and most **Onigiri** priced around $2.50-$3.00, the restaurant is a beacon of **Quick bite** and **Comfort food** that is also incredibly light on the wallet, making it one of the most affordable Japanese options in NYC.

• Gourmet Coffee and Tea: Despite the food focus, the café boasts **Great coffee** and a **Great tea selection**, including various forms of **Matcha** (Iced Matcha Latte, Matcha Lemonade) and traditional Japanese teas like **Sencha** and **Genmaicha**.

• High-Quality Ingredients: Patrons consistently praise the **fresh ingredients**, noting the quality of the rice, the crunchiness of the katsu, and the overall flavor profile of the dishes.

• Solo-Entrepreneur Charm: The singular operation by owner Oda-san adds a personal, **grumpy master** charm and an aura of passion to the service, with customers finding the experience uniquely endearing and highly memorable.

Contact Information: Connect with Your Jackson Heights Café

P(Address: 37-61 80th St, Jackson Heights, NY 11372, USA

969 NYC Coffee

37-61 80th St, Jackson Heights, NY 11372, USA