JAARAE Restaurant & Lounge

- 107-35 Sutphin Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11435

JAARAE Restaurant & Lounge: A Hub for West African Flavor and Socializing in Queens

Located in the bustling Jamaica neighborhood of Queens, **JAARAE Restaurant & Lounge** offers New Yorkers a vibrant destination for authentic **West African restaurant** cuisine blended with a modern, social atmosphere. Proudly identifying as **Black-owned**, JAARAE aims to be a community cornerstone, combining traditional comfort food like **Jollof Rice** and **Egusi Soup** with a lively **Lounge** experience. Patrons have noted the atmosphere can be **Casual, Cozy, and Trendy**, with some highlighting the **relaxing vibe** and **friendly, helpful staff** eager to suggest new menu items. The establishment stands out with its full-service bar offering **Great cocktails** made with **fresh ingredients**, making it a destination for more than just a meal. Whether you are looking for a satisfying plate of African staples or a lively spot for a night out with **Groups** and **Locals**, JAARAE provides a unique cultural and culinary experience for **Lunch, Dinner, and Late-night food** seekers in NYC. However, prospective diners should note the diverse feedback on service and food quality and be prepared for a dynamic experience.

Location and Accessibility

JAARAE Restaurant & Lounge is strategically located at **107-35 Sutphin Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11435, USA**. Sutphin Boulevard is a major thoroughfare in Queens, making the restaurant highly visible and accessible to the local community. The establishment has made comprehensive provisions for accessibility, offering a **Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible restroom, and Wheelchair accessible seating**, ensuring a comfortable visit for all patrons. For those driving, **Free street parking** is available, which is a significant amenity in this busy NYC area. Its location in Jamaica, Queens, makes it an essential stop for West African cuisine in the borough.

Services Offered

JAARAE provides an extensive array of services that cater to diverse dining preferences, from quick workday meals to social evenings out:

• **Full Dining Options:** Offers **Lunch** and **Dinner** with seating available via both **Table service** and **Counter service**.
• **Off-Premise Convenience:** Provides **Takeout** for quick meals and also manages **Catering** for larger events.
• **Extensive Beverage Service:** Features a fully stocked **Bar onsite** with **Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Hard liquor, and Wine**, supported by a dedicated **Happy hour drinks** menu.
• **Dietary Accommodations:** Caters to various needs with **Halal food**, **Vegan options**, and **Vegetarian options**, alongside classic **Comfort food** and **Organic dishes**.
• **Entertainment and Social Amenities:** Enhances the lounge experience with **Live music** and screens for watching **Sports**, plus free **Wi-Fi** for all guests.
• **Special Event Planning:** Accepts **Reservations** and offers a **Private dining room**, ideal for hosting small to medium-sized events.
• **Family and Group Friendly:** The venue is **Family-friendly**, **Good for kids**, and provides **High chairs**. It is also welcoming to diverse communities, being designated **LGBTQ+ friendly** and a **Transgender safespace**.
• **Speed and Flexibility:** Highlights **Fast service** for those needing a **Quick bite**, along with accepting **Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments**.
• **Pet-Friendly Outdoor Space:** **Dogs allowed outside** for patrons enjoying the exterior seating.

Features / Highlights

JAARAE sets itself apart in the Queens dining scene with a unique combination of culinary authenticity and modern amenities:

• **West African Main Dish Focus:** The core menu is built around traditional West African staples, including four different soups—**Egusi, Ogbonu, Efo Riro**, and **Pepper Soup**—and essential rice dishes like **JOLLOF RICE** and **WHITE RICE**, all priced at a consistent $20.00.
• **Authentic Appetizers and Small Plates:** Features specialty street food and starters like **SUYA BEEF** and **SUYA CHICKEN** (spicy skewered meats, $20.00), **ASUN PEPPER GOAT ($10.00)**, and classic savory pastries like **MEAT PIE ($5.00)** and **PUFF PUFF ($5.00)**.
• **Lively Atmosphere and Events:** A major highlight is the lounge aspect, offering **Live music** and a place to watch **Sports**, creating a dynamic and social environment highly sought after by local groups and young professionals.
• **Extensive Drink Program:** The emphasis on **Great cocktails** and the availability of **Happy hour drinks and food** provides a compelling reason to visit, catering to the New York cocktail scene.
• **Black-Owned Community Support:** Identifying as **Black-owned** makes JAARAE a significant business for supporting local economic and cultural initiatives in Queens.
• **Rare Cultural Offerings:** Menu items like **SNAIL ($20.00)** and various traditional soups offer New Yorkers a deeper, less common taste of authentic West African cuisine.

Contact Information

For reservations, takeout orders, or inquiries regarding live music and private dining, please use the following contact details:

**Address:** 107-35 Sutphin Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11435, USA

**Phone:** (718) 535-3078

What is Worth Choosing

To fully appreciate the cultural and culinary offering of JAARAE, these authentic dishes and features are highly recommended for the local Queens user:

**JOLLOF RICE (with Fish or Meat):** The essential West African staple. A rich, smoky, and flavorful rice dish cooked in a tomato and pepper base, the **JOLLOF RICE ($20.00)** is the benchmark for any African restaurant and is a necessary order to taste the core of the cuisine.

**EGUSI SOUP or OGBONU SOUP:** These traditional soups ($20.00 each) are designed to be hearty and flavorful. The **EGUSI** (made from ground melon seeds) and **OGBONU** (made from ground wild mango seeds) are rich, textured stews that are typically paired with an African starchy side (often called ‘swallow’ food like fufu, not explicitly listed but commonly requested). They represent true West African **comfort food**.

**SUYA BEEF or SUYA CHICKEN:** For a spicy appetizer or **Small plates** option, the **SUYA ($20.00)** is a must-try. These are grilled, seasoned skewers coated in a dry spice mix (often ground peanuts and other spices), offering a perfect introduction to West African street food flavors.

**Happy Hour Cocktails and Live Music:** Beyond the food, the experience is a huge draw. Taking advantage of the **Happy hour drinks and food** and the **Live music** offers the complete **JAARAE Restaurant & Lounge** experience, making it a trendy Queens destination for socializing and entertainment.

JAARAE Restaurant & Lounge

107-35 Sutphin Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11435, USA