Big Tree

- 227-05 Merrick Blvd, Springfield Gardens, NY 11413

Introduction / Overview: Your Authentic Taste of the Caribbean in Queens

For New Yorkers in search of genuine, hearty Jamaican and Caribbean cuisine, Big Tree in Springfield Gardens stands out as a neighborhood staple. Located conveniently on Merrick Boulevard, this restaurant is the go-to destination for dishes that deliver a powerful punch of island flavor, seasoned to perfection and served in generous portions.

Big Tree is not just a place to eat; it's a culinary connection to the vibrant traditions of the Caribbean. The menu is a comprehensive tour of island favorites, covering everything from classic Jamaican Breakfast staples to satisfying Dinners and fresh Seafood platters. Whether you're craving the slow-cooked richness of Oxtail or the satisfying texture of Ackee and Saltfish, Big Tree brings authentic, home-style cooking right to Southeast Queens.

While the provided customer feedback offers varied perspectives—with high praise for the food quality often tempered by remarks on service experience—the core appeal of Big Tree remains the authentic, flavorful, and filling nature of its meals. It is a vital local business serving the daily needs of the community, offering quick, flavorful relief from the standard New York fare. As local patrons, we know that finding that perfect, flavorful spot often involves prioritizing the taste, and Big Tree delivers on that promise of authentic island flavor.

Location and Accessibility: A Central Spot on Merrick Blvd

Big Tree is centrally located in Queens at 227-05 Merrick Blvd, Springfield Gardens, NY 11413, USA. Merrick Boulevard is a major commercial street that runs through numerous neighborhoods in Southeast Queens, making the restaurant highly visible and relatively easy to reach by car or public transportation for residents throughout the area, including Laurelton, Jamaica, and Rosedale.

The location’s position in Springfield Gardens places it in a community with a strong appreciation for Caribbean culture and food, ensuring a steady clientele who understand and value authentic Jamaican cooking. This convenient accessibility is key for busy New Yorkers looking for a quick and flavorful meal during their lunch break or a hearty dinner to take home. The location primarily serves a local customer base who rely on it for their daily intake of traditional island cuisine.

Services Offered

Big Tree is focused on delivering a delicious meal with flexibility for the fast-paced New York lifestyle, offering two primary service models:

• Takeout: The most popular option for the on-the-go customer, allowing for quick pick-up of freshly prepared meals.
• Dine-in: Customers are welcome to sit and enjoy their meal in the restaurant’s setting.
• Daily Breakfast: Offering traditional Jamaican breakfast options to start the day, including various porridges and staples served with your choice of starchy sides.
• Lunch and Dinner Service: Serving a full menu of Caribbean classics from midday through evening.

Features / Highlights

The menu at Big Tree is rich with traditional Jamaican fare, offering a deep dive into the island’s culinary landscape.

• Authentic Jamaican Classics: The menu is built on Caribbean mainstays, featuring fan-favorite dishes like the succulent, slow-cooked Oxtail and the rich, savory Stew Chicken, providing true comfort food for the community.
• Versatile Breakfast Options: Customers can customize their morning meal with traditional sides like banana, yam, dumpling, or fried dumpling to accompany classics such as Small Ackee and Saltfish or Okra and Saltfish.
• Hearty Porridge Selections: A selection of traditional, stomach-warming porridges are available, including Cornmeal Porridge and Oatmeal Porridge, perfect for a cold morning in Queens.
• Fresh Seafood Availability: The restaurant offers a variety of seafood dishes, including Shrimp, whole Snapper, and Grilled Salmon, which can be served with your choice of rice and steamed vegetables or a side salad.
• Generous Portions: Meals are known for being substantial, with dinners typically served with a generous pairing of rice and a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
• Vegetarian-Friendly: They cater to vegetarian diners with dedicated items like Rasta Pasta, a flavorful and colorful dish that is a staple in Caribbean cuisine.
• Flavor Profile: The food is consistently praised for being "very good" and nicely seasoned, indicating a strong commitment to authentic and satisfying flavor profiles, though a note of caution exists regarding the consistency of preparation (e.g., the proportion of ingredients in the Ackee and Saltfish mentioned in one review).

Contact Information

For orders or inquiries, Big Tree can be reached at their Springfield Gardens location:

• Address: 227-05 Merrick Blvd, Springfield Gardens, NY 11413, USA
• Phone: (718) 276-2013

What is Worth Choosing

When choosing to dine at Big Tree, New Yorkers are choosing authentic, soul-satisfying Caribbean food. The primary reason to visit is the quality and authenticity of the key main courses that define Jamaican cooking.

The Oxtail is a dish that is almost always worth ordering at a good Jamaican restaurant; the promise of slow-stewed, tender meat in a rich gravy over rice is a staple of comfort food that Big Tree delivers. Similarly, the Stew Chicken provides a classic, deeply flavored option that is universally beloved.

For early risers, the traditional Jamaican breakfast is a must-try. The opportunity to get a classic plate of Ackee and Saltfish—Jamaica’s national dish—is a genuine treat, particularly when paired with the traditional sides like fried dumplings or yam. This level of authentic breakfast selection is a hallmark of a dedicated Jamaican Restaurant.

Another compelling reason to choose Big Tree is the variety of their menu, particularly the fresh Seafood options like the whole Snapper and the healthy alternative of Grilled Salmon. This range ensures that whether you are in the mood for a hearty meat dish, a vegetarian option like the Rasta Pasta, or a light fish meal, there is something authentically prepared and generously portioned to meet your needs.

While the provided customer reviews caution that experiences with service may vary, the consistent high praise for the flavor and quality of the food suggests that the kitchen is dedicated to providing delicious Caribbean meals. For local users, knowing that the food itself is a standout—flavourful and satisfying—is often enough to make Big Tree a regular stop for authentic island sustenance in the heart of Queens.

Big Tree

227-05 Merrick Blvd, Springfield Gardens, NY 11413, USA