A Taste of New York: Briarwood Cafe

Briarwood Cafe Introduce

Diners are a quintessential part of the New York City experience, and for those in Queens, Briarwood Cafe stands as a reliable and welcoming local institution. Located in the heart of the Briarwood neighborhood, this classic American diner serves up a wide array of comfort food, making it a go-to spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The atmosphere is casual and cozy, a true reflection of the neighborhood it serves. It’s a place where locals gather, whether for a quick morning coffee or a full meal with friends and family.

The culture of diners in New York is all about accessibility, variety, and a sense of community. They are known for their massive, all-encompassing menus that cater to every craving at any time of day. Briarwood Cafe embodies this tradition perfectly, offering everything from classic breakfast staples to Greek favorites, Italian entrees, and a variety of sandwiches and wraps. This incredible selection ensures that no matter what you're in the mood for, you'll find something to satisfy your appetite. The menu is a journey through American and international comfort food, all available under one roof.

Briarwood Cafe is particularly popular for breakfast and lunch, attracting a steady stream of patrons who appreciate its hearty portions and classic preparations. The coffee is a highlight, a perfect companion to any meal, especially in the morning. While some may find the decor a bit outdated or the space a little cramped, these elements often contribute to the nostalgic, lived-in charm that many New Yorkers associate with their favorite local diners. It’s a place that feels familiar and unpretentious, where the focus is on good, well-cooked food.

For many New Yorkers, a local diner is more than just a place to eat; it's a social hub and a place of predictability in a city of constant change. Briarwood Cafe serves this role for its community. It's a spot where you can get a hearty plate of pancakes or a savory gyro plate, surrounded by the everyday hustle and bustle of Queens. The service, while sometimes noted for being a bit brisk, is part of the fast-paced nature of a bustling diner. The most important thing is that the food is served fresh and in substantial portions, offering great value for money.

It is worth noting that some customers have pointed out issues with delivery orders, specifically concerning the inclusion of condiments. However, these instances seem to be isolated and do not reflect on the quality of the food itself when dining in. The fact that the cafe is "good for kids" and offers high chairs makes it a welcoming spot for families, further cementing its role as a neighborhood staple. The relaxed atmosphere and a menu with something for everyone, including those looking for a quick bite or a full-course meal, make it a versatile dining option.

Location and Accessibility

Briarwood Cafe is conveniently located at 138-49 Queens Blvd, Briarwood, NY 11435, USA. The neighborhood of Briarwood itself is known for its diverse community and easy access to transportation. The location is easily reachable by car with meter parking available nearby. It is also wheelchair accessible, with both a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating, ensuring that everyone in the community can enjoy a meal here.

Services Offered

Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in
Accepts reservations

Features / Highlights

Known for great coffee.
Extensive menu featuring breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.
Offers a diverse range of cuisine, from classic American comfort food to Greek and Italian specialties.
Popular for breakfast, lunch, and solo dining.
Wheelchair accessible entrance and seating.
Casual and cozy atmosphere, making it a comfortable spot for locals.
Family-friendly, with amenities like high chairs.
Accepts multiple payment methods including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Contact Information

Address: 138-49 Queens Blvd, Briarwood, NY 11435, USA

Phone: (718) 297-7494

What is worth choosing

The menu at Briarwood Cafe is a testament to the classic American diner, offering an incredible variety that caters to every possible taste. For a classic breakfast, you can't go wrong with their pancakes. Options like the Golden Brown Pancakes or the indulgent Pancakes Deluxe are a perfect start to any day. The Three Egg Omelettes are another standout, with a vast selection including the Gyro Omelette, Greek Omelette, and the hearty Earthquake Omelette. These are served with home fried potatoes, offering a complete and satisfying morning meal. The breakfast wraps, such as the Mediterranean Wrap and the Western Wrap, are also great choices for a meal on the go.

The Greek Favorites section is a particular highlight, reflecting the neighborhood's diverse culinary influences. The Gyro Plate and Chicken Souvlaki Plate are well-cooked and generously portioned, providing a flavorful taste of the Mediterranean. For those who love a good sandwich, the Triple Decker Sandwiches are massive and classic, with options like the Turkey and the Chicken Salad & Bacon. The Signature Wraps also offer a modern twist on diner fare, with everything from the Grilled Chicken Caesar Wrap to the Honey Dijon Chicken.

For lunch or dinner, the Italian Favorites and Entrees sections are worth exploring. The Breaded Chicken Cutlet Parmigiana and Spaghetti with Meatballs are comforting and filling. The "From Our Broiler" section includes steak and seafood options like the Broiled Red Salmon and Broiled Shrimp Scampi, providing a more upscale meal for a reasonable price. Even for those with a simpler palate, there are plenty of choices, including classic hot dogs, sandwiches, and a variety of crispy cold salads.

The a la carte options are extensive as well, from appetizers like Mozzarella Sticks and Buffalo Wings to desserts like Chocolate Cake and Homemade Rice Pudding. The coffee is highly praised and a must-try. Despite some criticism about the service on delivery, the food itself is consistently described as well-cooked with great portions. The sheer size and variety of the menu mean that there is always something new to discover, making it a place you can visit repeatedly without getting bored. The blend of classic American fare with Greek and Italian specialties truly makes Briarwood Cafe a unique and valuable part of the Queens dining scene.

Briarwood Cafe Food & drink

Greek Favorites
Gyro Sandwich $11.95
On pita with lettuce, tomato, onions & tzatziki sauce.
Chicken Gyro Sandwich $11.95
On pita with lettuce, tomato, onions & tzatziki sauce.
Chicken Souvlaki Plate $17.95
With pita, greek salad, tzatziki sauce & french fries.
Spinach Pie $14.95
With greek salad & pita bread.
Gyro Plate $18.95
With pita, greek salad, tzatziki sauce & french fries.
Chicken Souvlaki Sandwich $11.95
On pita with lettuce, tomato, onions & tzatziki sauce.
Greek Salad $17.95
With grilled chicken and pita.
Chicken Gyro Plate $18.95
With pita, greek salad, tzatziki sauce & french fries.

Belgian Waffles
Crisp Golden Brown Belgian Waffle $11.95
The addition is for an additional charge.

Triple Decker Sandwiches
Ham & Swiss Cheese $19.95
Turkey $19.95
All white meat with bacon or Swiss cheese.
Chicken Salad & Bacon $19.95
Served with cole slaw and pickle.
Tuna Salad & Sliced Egg $19.95
Homemade tuna salad with hard boil egg mayonnaise lettuce and tomatoes.
Egg Salad & Bacon $19.95
Roast Beef & Swiss Cheese $19.95

Pancakes
Chocolate Chip Pancakes $14.95
Stack Of Silver Dollar Pancakes $13.95
Pancakes Deluxe $18.95
With bacon, ham, sausage & one egg.
Golden Brown Pancakes $11.95
Whole Wheat Pancakes $11.95

Signature Wraps
Tuna Fish Salad Wrap $19.95
Lettuce & tomato.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Wrap $19.95
Chicken cutlet, grilled ham, melted Swiss cheese & russian dressing.
Greek Wrap $19.95
Grilled chicken, greek salad & house dressing.
Bacon Chicken Salad Wrap $19.95
Bacon bits, lettuce & tomato.
Grilled Chicken Caesar Wrap $19.95
Crispy romaine lettuce and caesar dressing.
Honey Dijon Chicken $19.95
Grilled chicken, lettuce, tomato, cucumber & honey mustard.
Turkey Wrap $19.95
Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato & honey mustard.
Midnight Wrap $19.95
Chicken cutlet, cheddar cheese, bacon, french fries & Russian dressing.
Chicken Cutlet Parmigiana Wrap $19.95
Chicken cutlet, mozzarella & marinara sauce.
Individual Salmon Wrap $19.95
Salmon, lettuce, tomato, cucumber & tartar sauce.
Protein Wrap $19.95
Grilled chicken, egg white, tomato & onions.
Manhattan Wrap $19.95
Roast beef, fried onions & melted Swiss cheese.
Gyro Wrap $19.95
Chicken or beef gyro strips, lettuce, tomato & tzatziki sauce.

Italian Favorites
Spaghetti $13.95
With marinara sauce.
Breaded Chicken Cutlet $19.95
With spaghetti.
Chicken, Mushrooms & Broccoli Sautee $20.95
Over spaghetti.
Meatballs & Spaghetti $19.95
Breaded Chicken Cutlet Parmigiana $19.95
With spaghetti.

Salad
Chicken Or Tuna Salad $9.95
With lettuce.
Egg Salad $8.50
With lettuce.

Breakfast Wraps
Mediterranean Wrap $19.95
Three eggs with grilled beef gyro meat, feta cheese & tomato.
Greek Wrap $17.95
Three eggs with feta & tomato.
Earthquake Wrap $20.95
Three eggs with bacon, ham, sausage, cheese & home fries.
Florentine Wrap $18.95
Three eggs with feta cheese & spinach.
Western Wrap $18.95
Three eggs with ham, onion & green peppers.

From Our Broiler - Seafood
Broiled Red Salmon $25.95
Broiled Shrimp Scampi $25.95
Broiled Shrimp $25.95
Fried Shrimp $25.95
Fried Filet Of Sole $25.95
Fried Calamari $25.95
Squid. cooked in oil.
Broiled Tilapia $25.95
Seafood Combination $25.95
Fried shrimp, calamari & filet.
Broiled Filet Of Sole $25.95
Stuffed Filet Florentine $25.95
Stuffed with spinach & feta cheese.

French Toast
Old Fashioned $11.95
Challah or multigrain french toast.
French Toast Deluxe $18.95
With bacon, ham, sausage & one egg.

Three Egg Omelettes
Onion And Pepper Omelette $14.95
Served with home fries and toast.
Farmer's Omelette $20.95
Ham, sausage, bacon.
Spinach Omelette $16.95
Served with home fries and toast.
Onion Omelette $15.95
Served with home fries and toast.
Feta Cheese Omelette $15.95
Served with home fries and toast.
Ham And Cheese Omelette $17.95
Served with home fries and toast.
Greek Omelette $18.95
Tomato, pepper, onion & feta.
Broccoli Omelette $16.95
Mushroom Omelette $16.95
Served with home fries and toast.
Minced Nova Scotia Lox And Onion Omelette $20.95
Spinach And Mushroom Omelette $14.95
Bacon, Ham Or Sausage Omelette $13.95
Turkey Sausage Or Beef Sausage Omelette $17.95
Earthquake Omelette $19.95
Bacon, cheese & home fries.
Turkey Bacon Omelette $17.95
Feta Cheese And Spinach Omelette $18.95
Served with home fries and toast.
Gyro Omelette $18.95
Gyro, feta & tomato.
Garden Omelette $18.95
Tomatoes, pepper, onion & spinach.
Spanish Omelette $14.95
Served with home fries and toast.
Western Omelette $16.95
Served with home fries and toast.
Broccoli And Cheese Omelette $17.95
Cheese Omelette $16.95
American. Swiss or cheddar.
Pastrami Omelette $17.95
Served with home fries and toast.

Sides
Chili $7.00
French Fries $7.00
With melted mozzarella.
Creamy Coleslaw $6.00
Homemade.
Fried Onion Rings $7.00
Mashed Potatoes $6.50
Homemade.
Potato Salad $7.00
Homemade
Garlic Bread $4.00
Hot Dog $5.00
Home Fried Potatoes $7.00
Chili Fries $8.95
Waffle Fries $7.00
Sweet Potato Fries $7.00

Crispy Cold Salads
Chicken Salad $19.95
Served on a bed of lettuce with creamy cole slaw potato salad hard boiled egg tomato and garnish.
Individual Salmon $19.95
With lettuce.
Individual Sardine $19.95
With lettuce.
Egg Salad $19.95
Served on a bed of lettuce with creamy cole slaw potato salad hard boiled egg tomato and garnish.
Individual Tuna $19.95
With lettuce.
Tuna Fish Salad $19.95
Served on a bed of lettuce with creamy cole slaw potato salad hard boiled egg tomato and garnish.
Nova Scotia Lox Plate $13.95

Ice Cream
Ice Cream Sundae $9.95
Three scoops of Ice cream with walnuts chocolate syrup , and whipped cream.
Ice Cream $4.00

Heros
Grilled Steak $16.95
With lettuce and tomato.
Turkey Supreme $19.95
Grilled turkey with Swiss cheese, onions, bacon and gravy on garlic hero.
The Met $19.95
Hot roast beef, American cheese, lettuce, tomato & mayo.
Fish Filet $19.95
With tartar sauce.
Briarwood Chicken Cutlet $19.95
Bacon, mozzarella and brown gravy on garlic hero.
Reuben $19.95
Corn beef or pastrami with swiss cheese, sauerkraut and russian dressing.
New York $19.95
Chicken cutlet, american cheese and gravy.
Philly Cheese Steak $19.95
Chicken Cutlet Parmigiana $19.95
The Beast $19.95
Grilled chicken, bacon, fried onions, Swiss cheese and BBQ sauce.
Shrimp Parmigiana $20.95
Fried shrimp with mozzarella and marinara sauce.

Desserts
Chocolate Cream Pie $2.95
Assorted Danish $1.95
Cheese
Homemade Rice Pudding $3.50
Chocolate Chip Cookie $1.95
Chocolate Cake $5.25
Apple Turnover $2.25
Linzer Tart $1.95
Assorted Fruit Pies $2.95
Coconut Cake $5.25
Jello $2.50
Pie Ala Mode $3.95

Bagelry, Toast and Muffins
Toasted English Muffin $3.00
Toast $2.00
With butter & jelly.
Homemade Muffin $3.50
Corn, bran or blueberry.
Bagel & Nova Scotia Lox $17.95
With cream cheese, lettuce & tomato.
Toasted Or Buttered Roll $2.00
Toasted Jumbo Bagel Or Bialy $2.50

Sandwiches Meat
London Broil $8.95
Served with mushroom gravy.
Sliced Ham $10.50
Grilled Ham Or Bacon $10.50
Corned Beef $11.95
Virginia Ham $10.95
Hot Pastrami $11.95
Bacon, Lettuce & Tomato $9.95
Brisket $6.95
Roast Turkey $11.95
Roast Beef $11.95
Meatloaf $11.95
With brown gravy.

Egg Sandwiches
One Egg With Turkey $8.50
With turkey bacon or beef sausage. Additions are for additional charges.
One Egg $5.25
With two slices of cheese. Additions are for additional charges.
One Egg With Bacon $7.50
Ham or sausage. Additions are for additional charges.
One Egg Fried Or Scrambled $5.25
Additions are for additional charges.
One Egg $5.25
With bacon & cheese. Additions are for additional charges.

From Our Broiler
Shell Steak $29.95
With potato & vegetable.
Two Jersey Pork Chops $28.95
With potato & vegetable.

Sandwiches - Fish
Individual Tuna $10.50
With lettuce.
Fried Filet Of Sole $10.50
Individual Salmon $10.50
With lettuce.
Individual Sardine $10.50
With lettuce.
Nova Lox $18.95
With cream cheese, onion, lettuce and tomato.

Sandwiches
Corned Beef Or Pastrami Reuben $21.95
On rye.
Grilled Chicken On Roll $21.95
With lettuce and tomato.
Tuna Or Chicken Salad Melt $21.95
With lettuce, tomato and melted cheese on an English muffin.
Manhattan Melt $20.95
Grilled roast beef with melted cheese and fried onions on a garlic roll.
Grilled Chicken On Pita $21.95
With sauteed peppers & onions, topped with melted mozzarella cheese.

Hot Open Sandwiches
Roast Beef $22.95
Sliced roast beef on toasted bread. Served with choice of soup or salad (vinaigrette, blue cheese, Italian, ranch, or no dressing).
Roast Turkey $22.95
Virginia Ham $21.95
Sliced Grilled Steak $25.95
Served with gravy potato & vegetable cup of soup or salad.
Brisket Beef $11.95
Corned Beef Or Pastrami $22.95

Sandwiches - Cheese
Grilled Cheese $9.95
With bacon & tomato.
Grilled Cheese With Meat $10.95
With bacon or ham.

Hot Oatmeal
Hot Oatmeal $5.50
Add banana for an additional charge.

Appetizers
Chicken Fingers $10.95
4 pieces
Mozzarella Sticks $10.95
Mozzarella cheese that has been coated and fried.
Appetizer Trio $16.95
Choose any three of the above.
Buffalo Wings $11.95
Cooked wing of a chicken coated in sauce or seasoning.
Fried Calamari $11.95
Squid. cooked in oil.

Entrees
Chicken Shish Kebab $24.95
Over rice.
Chicken Cordon Bleu $23.95
With ham, & Swiss cheese over rice.
Grilled Chicken $24.95
Over rice.
Meatloaf $25.95
With brown gravy.
Beef Franks (Kosher) & Beans $21.95
With french fries (not potato & vegetable or rice)..
London Broil $24.95
With mushroom gravy.
Stuffed Chicken Breast $23.95
With mozzarella cheese & broccoli served over rice.
Roast Sirloin Of Beef $25.95
Au jus.
Chopped Steak $25.95
With onions.
Country Fried Chicken $24.95
1/2 chicken
Chopped Turkey Steak $24.95
With sauteed onions & mushrooms.
Fresh Roast Turkey $25.95
All white meat) with stuffing & cranberry sauce.
Steak Tips $25.95
Over rice.
Jumbo Breaded Pork Chops $25.95
Thick cut of meat from a pig typically cut from the spine.
Liver $23.95
With onions, with bacon.
Roast Virginia Ham $24.95
Cooked over dry heat.

Country Fresh Eggs
Two Eggs, Any Style - With Canadian $15.95
With Canadian bacon, turkey bacon, beef or turkey sausage.
One Egg, Any Style - With Turkey $15.95
With turkey bacon, beef or turkey sausage.
Poached Eggs Florentine $17.95
Served on an English muffin with spinach and feta.
Pastrami Or Corned Beef And Two Eggs $17.95
Any style.
Two Eggs, Any Style $11.00
Steak And Two Eggs $22.95
Any style.
Corned Beef Hash And Two Eggs $17.95
Any style.
One Egg, Any Style - With Ham $7.50
Any style.
Three Gyro Strips And Two Eggs $17.95
One Egg, Any Style $3.50
Two Eggs, Any Style - With Ham $13.95
With ham, bacon, or sausage.

Breakfast Sides
Turkey Bacon $5.50
Cured turkey.
Home Fries Or Grits $6.00
Beef Or Turkey Sausage $5.50
Baked Virginia Ham $5.50
Thick sliced cured ham.
Bacon, Ham Or Sausage $5.00
Corned Beef Hash $7.00
Salt cured beef potatoes and onions.
French Fries $6.55
Fried potatoes.

Juices
Cranberry Juice $3.75
Juice $3.50
Orange, grapefruit, apple.
Apple Juice $3.75
Orange Juice $4.25
14oz tropicana orange juice.

Fruits
Melon In Season $5.50
Fresh Fruit Salad $7.95
Banana, Strawberries and Blueberries.

Crispy Cold Salads
Chop Chop Salad $19.95
With grilled chicken.
Sliced Turkey Garden Salad $19.95
Chef's Salad $19.95
Turkey, roast beef, ham, cheese & hard boiled egg.
Caesar Salad $12.95
With grilled chicken

Beverages
Iced Frappe Coffee $6.50
Sanka Coffee $1.25
Chocolate Milk $4.00
Cappuccino $2.75
Milk $2.50
Espresso $2.00
Flavored Coffee $5.00
Coffee Or Tea $3.50
Fountain Soda $1.65
Coffee To Go $1.25
Ice Coffee Or Tea $5.50
Cafe Loco $3.95
One shot espresso & one scoop ice cream. topped with whip cream.
Snapple $3.50
Can Of Soda $3.50
Hot Chocolate $5.50
Herbal Teas $3.00
Bottled Soda $1.95
Seltzer Water $2.50
With lemon.
Decaf Coffee Or Tea $2.50

Burgers
Swiss Cheese Burger $12.95
Burger topped with a mild cheese.
Cheddar Burger $12.95
Smooth savory cheese sandwich.
Healthy Choice Beef Or Turkey Burger $11.95
Served with salad, no bun.
Turkey Burger $11.95
Smother Burger $15.95
Topped with sauteed onions, mushrooms & cheese.
Chili Cheese Burger $16.95
Topped with chili & cheese.
Greek Burger $14.95
With feta cheese & sliced tomato.
Veggie Burger $12.95
Meatless burger.
Turkey Cheese Burger $12.95
Ground turkey patty served on a bun. grilled or fried patty with cheese on a bun.
Cheese Burger $12.95
Bacon Cheeseburger $14.95
With fried onions.
Burger $11.95
Grilled or fried patty on a bun.
Pizza Burger $12.95
Meat patty with pizza sauce and cheese.

Briarwood Cafe Details

Service options
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Great coffee

Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible seating
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Quick bite

Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy

Crowd
Locals

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs

Briarwood Cafe Photos

Briarwood Cafe Location

Briarwood Cafe

New York Queens County Briarwood Queens Boulevard

138-49 Queens Blvd, Briarwood, NY 11435, USA

Briarwood Cafe Reviews

An average rating of ★3.7 from 359 user reviews.

breakfastfood and servicegritsfarecheeseburgersyruptipcupcoleslawfashion

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Do not order here. I ordered pancakes and they didn’t give me any syrup or butter. I called and they said it was because I selected no utensils. How are utensils the same as condiments? They were rude and refused to send anything. It’s not worth it horrible service, sub par food, and clearly the owners are cheap. Who delivers pancakes with out syrup? They completely ruined my breakfast. The women on the phone had the audacity to act like sending pancakes with out condiments make sense. Here’s a pic of my dry walnut and banana pancakes.
September 14 · Syra C.
I had a decent time 👌 There was nothing wrong, but there was nothing as spectacular ✨️ The food was great and well cooked. I would only come again for the food and its portions. The space feels cramped and outdated
May 23 · Justin Xangual
We had a delicious breakfast. Omelet perfectly done. Grits with cheese. Deliciosoooo. Service great. Everything very clean. And parking too. We'll be back
April 29 · Annie Pisapia
Horrible place! Horrible service , the waitress are rude and they don’t even care because the tip is included in their confusing receipts.
August 27 · Melissa Ramirez
First off let me say compliments to the Chef because the Food was delicious. Service wasn’t so friendly though. Waiter was focused on sitting at another table talking to someone and when I asked her for something she has an attitude on her face and in her tone. I was with my child who made a mess with his pancakes and syrup and needed napkins for both of us. Don’t you know she gave us 2 single napkins ? Is she serious ?? Also My sandwich was made incorrectly due to her not taking the correct order (without the pork bacon and was missing the cheese as well). She basically rushed me while I ordered so she can get back to table and finish talking to whomever and didn’t write down the correct order. this is what she give me. Broken tiny pieces of cheese for a club sandwich that should be melted. I refused to leave a tip for that kind of service. I just killed it with kindness paid and left.People like that shouldn’t serve if they don’t treat everyone equally. I am actually a great tipper. I Felt like somebody’s child that day. Probably won’t dine in again.
March 16 · beatrice bednar