Jamaica Market

- 90-40, 90-40 160th St, Jamaica, NY 11432

## Jamaica Market Food Court: A Culinary Crossroads in the Heart of Queens

For New Yorkers seeking a vibrant, diverse, and budget-friendly dining experience right in the heart of the borough, the **Jamaica Market** food court stands out as an essential destination. Located in the bustling downtown area of Jamaica, Queens, this establishment functions as much more than a traditional cafeteria; it is a dynamic **dining hall** and a cherished local institution.

The Jamaica Market is a project sponsored by the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation, successfully contributing to the revitalization and stabilization of the neighborhood by fostering a space where local chefs and business owners collaborate. It has truly helped put Jamaica, Queens, on the map as a center for global flavors. Visitors can "come and indulge in a variety of cuisines and specialized shops," making it a perfect spot for those who appreciate variety and authenticity.

Serving as both a comprehensive **Food court** and a place with dedicated **Cafe** vendors, the Market offers a welcoming, **Casual**, and often **Trendy** atmosphere. It’s a popular spot for both **Groups** looking to satisfy diverse tastes and individuals seeking **Solo dining**. Open generally from **7:00 am to 7:00 pm, Monday through Saturday**, it caters perfectly to the breakfast, lunch, and early dinner crowds of New York commuters and residents.

The true appeal lies in the sheer spectrum of food available. The Market hosts around 20 stalls, turning it into a microcosm of Queens’ famous diversity. Here, you can find a world of flavors, from classic American comfort food to specialized international cuisine like Salvadorian pupusas, Japanese hibachi, and rich Caribbean dishes. As one long-time customer noted, the food is still "relatively less compared to what you can find around the Ave," making it an excellent choice for a **budget meal** without sacrificing quality or flavor.

## Location and Accessibility in Downtown Jamaica, NY

The **Jamaica Market** food court is prominently situated at **90-40 160th St, Jamaica, NY 11432, USA**. This address places it squarely in the core of downtown Jamaica, a major transportation and commercial hub in Queens. Its location is a primary factor in its popularity among New York residents.

For a location in Queens, accessibility is paramount, and the Jamaica Market delivers. It is highly accessible via multiple forms of public transportation, which is essential for a large crowd of daily visitors:

• **Subway:** The location is a short distance from major subway stops like the Jamaica Center – Parsons/Archer station, served by the E, J, and Z lines, connecting it directly to Manhattan and Brooklyn.
• **LIRR (Long Island Rail Road):** The Jamaica Station, a major transfer point for the LIRR, is also nearby, making the Market an easy stop for Long Island commuters traveling into or out of the city.
• **Bus Network:** The surrounding area is a central point for numerous MTA bus lines, providing easy access from various Queens neighborhoods.

In terms of physical access, the facility features a **Wheelchair accessible entrance**, ensuring that the wide variety of culinary options is available to everyone in the community. This centralized, transit-friendly location cements the Jamaica Market's role as a convenient and essential local dining landmark.

## Services Offered at Jamaica Market

The Jamaica Market offers streamlined services focused on providing quick, satisfying meals for the busy New York crowd.

• **Dine-in (Onsite services):** Customers can enjoy their meals in the central dining hall, which is recognized for its comfortable, albeit often busy, seating area.
• **Takeout:** All vendors are set up to provide quick, efficient service for those who need to grab a meal and go, perfect for commuters and workers.
• **Variety of Cuisines:** The market features approximately 20 food stalls and specialized shops, offering diverse quick-serve options including:
  • Caribbean (e.g., RyRy's Kitchen for classics like jerk chicken and rasta pasta)
  • Salvadorian (e.g., Miranda's Pupuseria)
  • Japanese (e.g., New Sakura Japan)
  • Cajun/Southern (e.g., G&L Cajun Grill)
  • Dominican (e.g., Sabor Comida Dominicana, Erica's Spanish Cuisine)
  • Chinese (e.g., Good Taste Kitchen)
  • Salad/Healthy Options (e.g., Best Food Salad Bar, Let's Get Juiced)
• **Retail and Specialty Shops:** Beyond prepared foods, the Market includes specialized retail stalls like **Herbal Nexus** (for herbs and teas) and **Interskin Beauty** (cosmetics), creating a unique collective dining and shopping experience.

## Key Features and Highlights of This Queens Food Hub

What truly makes the Jamaica Market food court a standout option for Queens locals is its combination of diversity, value, and community focus.

• **Unmatched Culinary Diversity:** The most significant highlight is the "world of flavors" under one roof. Unlike a single restaurant, the Market allows a group of friends or coworkers to choose from over 10 different types of cuisine—from Korean fusion to El Salvadorian pupusas and Caribbean comfort food—without ever having to leave the building.
• **Support for Local Businesses and Chefs:** The Greater Jamaica Development Corporation actively fosters this space for local chefs and small business owners to thrive, promoting economic vitality in the neighborhood. Patrons directly support the local economy with every purchase.
• **Affordable Dining:** Despite inflation, the Market remains a reliable source for a quality **budget meal** compared to other surrounding dining options on Jamaica Avenue, making it a critical resource for workers and local families.
• **Extended Operating Hours:** With hours running from **7:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday through Saturday**, the Market provides necessary dining convenience from morning coffee and breakfast to dinner.
• **Modern Payment Options:** Catering to the modern New York pace, the vendors accept multiple payment methods, including **Credit cards**, **Debit cards**, and **NFC mobile payments**, ensuring fast and hassle-free transactions.
• **Family and Group Friendly:** The overall atmosphere is **Casual** and deemed **Good for kids**, making it an easy choice for families. It’s inherently popular for **Groups** due to the wide variety of choices that suit all tastes.

## Contact Information

To connect with the management of the Jamaica Market food court, please use the following contact details:

**Address:** 90-40 160th St, Jamaica, NY 11432, USA

**Phone:** (718) 291-0282 (Contact for the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation, which oversees the Market)

## What is Worth Choosing at Jamaica Market

Choosing to dine at the Jamaica Market food court is a choice for convenience, variety, and authentic Queens flavor. For any New Yorker in the vicinity, particularly those working in or traveling through downtown Jamaica, this market is an irreplaceable stop for a meal.

The most compelling reason to choose this spot is the unparalleled freedom of choice. Where else can you grab a fresh, made-to-order salad from **Best Food Salad Bar**, a side of traditional **oxtails, rice and peas** from a Caribbean vendor like **RYRY's Kitchen**, and a savory **pupusa** from **Miranda's Pupuseria** all for one lunch break? Customers consistently rave about the quality, noting the excellent flavor and the attentive service from the vendors, who are praised for "taking care of the customer" and preparing plates "according to the way I liked it."

While the seating can be competitive during peak hours, this simply underscores the popularity and value of the food being served. The ability to find delicious and authentic meals—ranging from rich seafood and roster pasta to lighter options and fresh juices from **Let's Get Juiced**—at prices that are competitive for the NYC area makes the minor inconvenience of a crowded lunchtime well worth it. Moreover, the market is a central economic and social gathering point, offering a real taste of the diverse community that makes Queens unique. Whether you need a quick coffee and pastry from a vendor like **Ash's Cafe** at 7:00 am or a substantial dinner plate to take home at 6:30 pm, the Jamaica Market is a vibrant, dependable, and highly recommended culinary hub.

Jamaica Market

90-40, 90-40 160th St, Jamaica, NY 11432, USA