La Esquina Criolla: Authentic Argentinian Steakhouse in Elmhurst, Queens

La Esquina Criolla Introduce

For decades, La Esquina Criolla has stood as a beacon of authentic Argentinian cuisine in the heart of Elmhurst, Queens. This non-presumptive and cherished steakhouse has been a local favorite since the 1970s, a testament to its enduring quality and commitment to traditional flavors. It's a place where the rich culinary traditions of Argentina come to life, from sizzling grilled meats to flaky, savory empanadas. For New Yorkers looking for a genuine taste of the Pampa, La Esquina Criolla offers an experience that is both satisfying and memorable, combining classic recipes with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

The restaurant has cultivated a loyal following of repeat customers and continues to attract new ones, thanks to its reputation for serving "scrumptious" steaks and delicious, well-priced food. The care and tradition that goes into each dish is evident, and it's this dedication that makes every meal a true pleasure. Beyond the food, La Esquina Criolla is known for its strong connection to the community, having generously supported local causes. Its consistent quality and big-hearted commitment to giving back make it more than just a restaurant; it’s a beloved neighborhood institution.

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Location and Accessibility

La Esquina Criolla is perfectly situated at 94-67 Corona Ave., Elmhurst, NY 11373, USA. Nestled in a bustling part of Queens, the restaurant is easily accessible for both locals and those traveling from other boroughs. Its location on Corona Avenue makes it a convenient dining destination with various transportation options nearby. For those driving, the restaurant is well-placed within a vibrant area that offers both free and paid street parking, providing a flexible choice for visitors. While the exact details on physical accessibility are not provided, the area's urban setting suggests multiple transit routes can be used to reach the establishment.

The surrounding neighborhood of Elmhurst is a melting pot of cultures, and La Esquina Criolla fits right in, offering a taste of Argentina within this diverse community. Whether you're coming for a quick lunch, a family dinner, or a meal with a group of friends, the restaurant's location is a central and easily manageable spot for any occasion.

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Services Offered

Onsite services: Enjoy a full-service dining experience with friendly and attentive staff.
Takeout: Prefer to eat at home? You can order your favorite dishes to go for a delicious meal at your convenience.
Dine-in: Immerse yourself in the cozy and casual atmosphere of the restaurant for a relaxing meal.
Table service: Receive dedicated service from the moment you are seated until you finish your meal.
Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, making it easy to plan ahead for a guaranteed table, especially for larger groups or during busy times.

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Features and Highlights

Fast service: Patrons can expect efficient and quick service without any compromise on the quality of the food.
Great coffee: Perfect for a pre-meal boost or to end your dining experience on a high note, the coffee is highly praised.
Serves local specialty: The restaurant is known for its authentic Argentinian dishes, which are considered a local specialty.
Offerings: The menu is extensive and includes a wide range of offerings, from comfort food and healthy options to late-night bites and small plates. A selection of alcohol, beer, and wine is also available.
Atmosphere: The ambiance is described as casual, cozy, and trendy, making it a great place for a relaxed meal.
Crowd: A popular spot for both groups and tourists, reflecting its broad appeal.
Good for kids: The restaurant is family-friendly, making it a comfortable place to dine with children.
Amenities: A clean and accessible restroom is available for all guests.

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What is Worth Choosing

At La Esquina Criolla, the menu is a celebration of Argentina’s rich culinary heritage. The undisputed star of the show is the "From The Grill" section, featuring a wide selection of perfectly cooked meats. The steaks are a particular highlight, with one long-time customer describing them as "scrumptuous." Whether you choose the classic Bife de Chorizo, the hearty Entrana, or the flavorful Asada de Tira, you are guaranteed a high-quality, juicy cut of meat. The Parrillada Completa is an excellent choice for the adventurous or those dining in groups, offering a generous assortment of skirt steak, short rib, sweetbread, and various sausages, all cooked over an open fire. Paired with a glass of red house wine, as a regular patron suggests, it’s a truly satisfying and authentic experience.

Beyond the grill, the appetizers are not to be overlooked. The empanadas, in particular, have earned a stellar reputation. They are described as having "flaky, golden pastry wrapped around savory, well-seasoned fillings." These empanadas are so beloved that a local organization, The Center for the Women of New York, specifically highlighted their deliciousness and consistency in a public thank you. The menu also offers a variety of other enticing appetizers like Matambre con Rusa and Lengua a la Vinagreta, providing a full introduction to traditional Argentinian starters.

The diverse menu extends to other categories as well. The "Home Made Dishes" section features classic Milanesas, which can be served plain or "A la Napolitana." For pasta lovers, a selection of fresh "Pastas Caseras" like Ravioles and Spaghetti are served with a choice of delicious sauces. The "From The Sea" menu also offers excellent options like Salmon a la Plancha and Camarones al Ajillo. With a wide array of side orders, from classic French fries and mashed potatoes to more unique options like Yuca Frita and Tostones, you can customize your meal to perfection. And no meal is complete without a taste of the desserts; the Tres Leches and Panqueques con Dulce de Leche are the perfect way to finish.

Ultimately, what makes La Esquina Criolla a must-visit is the combination of its historical standing, its consistently high-quality food, and its role as a generous and dedicated community member. It's a place that honors its traditions while providing a dining experience that is both welcoming and delicious.

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Contact Information

Address: 94-67 Corona Ave., Elmhurst, NY 11373, USA

Phone: (718) 699-5579

La Esquina Criolla Menu

Entradas - Appetizers
Empanadas de carne o pollo (al horno o fritas) $2.25
Meat or chicken pie, bahed or fried
Matambre con rusa $7.90
Stuffed rolled beef w/Russian salad
Lengua a la vinagreta $9.90
Beef tongue in olive oil, vinegar and Argentine spices
Berenjenas en escabeche $7.90
Eggplant in olive oil, vinegar and Argentine spices
Jamón Crudo con Queso $9.90
Prosciutto with Cheese
Tomate relleno $5.90
stuff tomatoes
Patitas de Cerdo a la Vinagreta $7.90
Pork feet in, olive oil, vinegar and argentine spices
Antipasto La Esquina Criolla $9.90
Assorted meats and marinated vegetable
Provolone A La Parrilla $7.90
Grilled provolone in oregano sauce
Palmitos En Salsa Golf $6.90
Heart of palms in golf sauce
Croquetas de Jamon $1.25
Ham croquettes
Palitos de Muzarella $6.90
Mozzarella sticks

Acompanamientos - Side Orders
Ensalada Mixta $3.90
Mixed salad
Ensalada completa $7.90
Full salad
Ensalada rusa $4.90
Potatoes, green peas, carrots and light mayonnaise
Papas Fritas $3.90
French fries
Papas al homo $4.90
Oven roasted potatoes
Arroz $3.50
Rice
Papas, Remolacha y Huevo $4.90
Potatoes, beet and egg
Pure $4.90
Mashed potatoes
Yuca Frita $4.90
Fried yuca
Platanos maduros $4.90
Yellow plantains
Habichuelas $3.90
Beans
Papas a la provenzal $4.90
Provencal potatoes
Tostones $4.90
Green plaintains

Carnes A La Parrilla - From The Grill
Entrana p/ 1 persona $26.90
Skirt steak f/1 person
Entrana p/ 2 personas $34.90
Skirt steak f/2 people
Bife de chorizo $28.90
Shell steak
Prime Rib Steak $28.90
Bife de Costilla $28.90
Shell rib
Bife Ancho $28.90
Rib Eye Steak
Asada de tira $22.90
Short rib
Vacio $22.90
Flap steak
Entrana de Ternera $20.90
Veal Skirt Steak
Ternera a la Parrilla $18.90
Veal Rib
Costilla de Cordero $16.90
Lamb Rib
Costeletas De Cerdo $17.90
Pork chops
Lomito de cerdo $17.90

Achuras
Chorizo $3.90
Argentinean sausage
Morcilla $3.90
Blood sausage
Salchicha Parrillera $8.50
Thin argentinean sausage
Molleja c/ acompanamiento $17.90
Sweetbread
Rinon $7.50
kidney
Chinchulines c/ acompanamiento $17.90
Tripe

Parrillada Completa
Skirt steak, short rib, sweetbread, tripe, kidney, black and argentina sausage
Para 1 persona $26.90
c/ acompanamiento for 1 person w/ side order
Para 2 personas $42.90
c/ acompanamiento for 2 people w/ side order

Combinacions
Todas las ordernes se sirven con acompanamiento. All orders are serving with a side order
Asada de tira, morcilla y chorizo $18.90
Short rib, blood and Argentinean sasuage
Vacio, morcilla y chorizo $18.90
Flank steak, blood and Argentinean sausage
Entrana de ternera y tira de asado $18.90
Veal flank steak short rib
Entrana, asado de tira y chorizo $18.90
Skirt steak, short rib and Argentinean sausage
Molleja, chorizo y morcilla $17.90
Sweetbread, Argentinean and blood sausage
Dos tiras de asado y entrana $21.90
Two short ribs and skirt steak
Dos tiras de asado $18.90
Two short ribs
Molleja y chincgulines $18.90
Sweetbread and tripe
Tira de Asado, vacio y entrana $21.90
Short ribs, flank steak and skirt steak
Lomo, chuleta y salchicha de cerdo $18.90
Tender loin, Pork chops and Thin argentinean sausage

Del Mar - From The Sea
Filete de pescado al horno $15.90
Oven cooked fish
Filete de pescado empanizado $15.90
Breaded filet of fish
Salmon a la plancha $17.90
Grilled Salmon
Salmon en salsa de ajo $17.90
Salmon in garlic sauce
Camarones al Ajillo $15.90
Shrimps sauteed in garlic sauce
Camarones empanizados $15.90
Fried Shrimps

Platos Caseros - Home Made Dishes
Milanesa de pollo c/ Acopanamiento $12.90
Chicken breaded cutlet w/side order
Milanesa de carne $15.90
A la Fugazzeta c/ acompanamiento $15.90
Beef breaded cutlet w/onion and cheese
Milanesa Completa $15.90
Beef breaded cutlet with egg and french fries
Milanesa de carne c/ Acopanamiento $12.90
Beef breaded cutlet w/side order
Milanesa de carne A la Napolitana c/ Acompanamiento $15.90
Beef breaded cutlet with tomato sauce cheese and ham

Pastas Caseras
C/ salsa roja, salsa blanca, salsa alfredo, alpesto o provensal. Acompanamiento: Estofado de Carne - $6.90, Estofado de pollo - $5.90. Side order of pasta: Eyeround or chicken
Ravioles $13.90
Carne, Espinaca, Queso, Pollo, Meat, Spinach, Cheese, Chicken
Spaghetti $10.90
Canelones $12.90
Cannelloni
Noqis $10.90
Gnocchi
Fettuccine $10.90
Acompanamiento De Pastas $4.50
estofado de peceto o pollo

Sandwiches
With lettuce & tomato $1, Con lechuga y tomate $1 extra
De Matambre $9.00
Stuffed rolled beef
De Molleja $9.00
Sweet bread
De Entrana $9.90
Skirt bread
De Lomo $10.90
Shell steak
De Chorizo $3.90
Sausage
De Morcilla $3.90
Blood Sausage
De Carne $8.00
Steak
De Milanesa $9.00
Breaded Steak
De Jamon Crudo $9.90
Prosciutto
De Pollo $8.00
Chicken
De Salame y Queso $8.50
Salami and Cheese

Postres - Desserts
Queso y dulce de batata o membrillo $4.90
Cheese and sweet of sweet potato or quince
Tres leches $4.90
caramel roll
Chaja $5.90
Meringue tart
Flan De Vainilla $4.90
Custard
Tiramisu $4.50
Panqueques con dulce de Leche $5.90
Caramel Crepes
Helado $3.90
Ice cream
Cafe expreso $2.50
Cappuccino $3.00
Tea $2.00

Bebidas
Coca-cola
Diet coke
Sprite
Sprite zero
Seltzer
Ginger ale
Fanta
Inca-cola
Colombiana
Manzana
Paso de los Toros Pomelo
Snapple

Cervesa
Quilmes
Corona
Heineken

Sifon Soda
Sifon Soda

Appetizers
Baked Artichoke $7.95
whole artichoke, doused with lemony caesar sauce and topped with fresh parmesan cheese
Pesto Garlic Strips $8.95
thin pizza crust topped with olive oil, garlic, mozzarella and pesto
Garlic Focaccia Bread $5.95
our house made garlic bread served in a deep dish pan with your choice of dipping sauce: balsamic herb & basil infused olive oil, tomato & herb, ranch or pesto ranch
Pesto Artichoke Dip $7.95
artichoke hearts, fresh spinach and cheese blend, parmesan and house made pita chips
Fried Artichoke Hearts
premium artichoke hearts hand breaded in panko, deep fried and tossed in grated parmesan. served with your choice of pesto ranch, ranch, or blue cheese

Buffalo Style
award winning buffalo wings in your choice of mild, medium, hot, extra hot or garlic buffalo. served with celery and your choice of dipping sauces: pesto ranch, ranch, blue cheese
Buffalo Wing
made to order from scratch. you can taste the difference!
Boneless Wings
medallions of chicken tenders breaded in panko crumbs and tossed in our homemade buffalo sauce. substitue artichoke hearts for an amazing meatless buffalo experience!

Salads
choose ranch, pesto ranch, ceasar, italian, spinach, blue cheese, balsamic vinaigrette, greek vinaigrette small, medium, family. add grilled chicken to any salad - small $1.50, medium $2.95, family $5.95
Primo House
romaine lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, cabbage, carrot and homemade croutons
Caesar
romaine lettuce, shaved parmesan and homemade croutons. tossed in caesar dressing
Spinach Salad
fresh spinach, crumbled bacon, crumbled egg, red onion, homemade spinach dressing and homemade croutons
The Greek
romaine lettuce & spinach, artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, feta cheese, cucumber, tomato, pepperoncini & red onion. topped with your choice of gyro meat or chicken. served with greek vinaigrette & pita bread
Chicken Pesto
romaine, grilled chicken, pesto-marinated artichoke hearts and red onion. tossed in house made pesto ranch dressing
Antipasto
romaine, salami, provolone, black olives, pepperoncini, red onion, tomatoes, cucumbers and homemade croutons
Buffalo Chicken
hand breaded buffalo chicken tenders, romaine, tomato and red onion. served with our ranch dressing
Grilled Pear
fresh grilled pear, goat cheese and candied walnuts on a bed of fresh greens. served with our balsamic vinaigrette and garlic focaccia bread
Wedge $4.95
iceberg wedge, house-made blue cheese dressing, blue cheese crumbles, bacon, red onion, grape tomatoes

Pasta Special
Baked Rigatoni With Sausage $10.95
tube shaped pasta tossed in a blend of bechamel and hearty tomato sauce with spicy italian sausage and melted mozzarella. baked to order
Pesto Rigatoni With Chicken $10.95
tube shaped pasta tossed in pesto cream with grilled chicken, artichoke hearts, and melted mozzarella, topped with fresh tomato and pesto. baked to order

Lunch Specials
our signature sandwiches served with soup or fries. substitute greek fries or any of our specialty salads for a small additional charge. lunch only
Buffalo Chicken Sandwich $9.95
chicken tenders, dusted, fried and then rolled in your choice of buffalo sauce. mozzarella cheese, ranch dressing, iceberg lettuce and tomatoes served on a ciabatta roll
Gyros (beef Or Chicken) $9.95
a chicago tradition: fresh cucumber and yogurt tzatziki sauce, tomatoes, red onion on fresh-baked flat bread
Italian Beef Sandwich $9.95
top round of beef roasted in-house with tons of spices, sliced thin and served on a baguette roll. order yours juicy (dunked), cheesy or with hot giardiniera peppers. available at dinner
Chicken Pesto Sandwich $9.95
grilled marinated chicken tenders, sliced tomato, red onion, mozzarella, basil leaves and pesto aioli served on a ciabatta roll

Pizza By The Slice
choose thin or deep crust cheese, traditional, pepperoni or combination. lunch only
One Slice $3.95
Two Slices $6.95
Add House Or Caesar Salad $2.00
Add Antipasto, Grilled Pear Or Spinach Salad $3.00

Beverages
Coke
Diet Coke
Sprite
Barq's Root Beer
Lemonade
Mr. Pibb
Shirley Temple
Roy Rogers
Milk, Apple Juice $2.50
Mineral Water, (san Pelligrino) $2.95
Tea, Iced Tea, Coffee $2.50
Red Bull, Red Bull Sugarfree $3.00

Kids
Chicken Tenders $4.99
three hand-breaded, deep fried chicken tenders with fries
Kids Rigatoni $4.95
bowl of rigatoni noodles tossed in butter and topped with grated parmesan. marinara sauce on request

Desserts
Chocolate Chip Pizza $5.95
chocolate chip cookie, baked in a deep dish pan, topped with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream. (serves 2- 3)
Ice Cream Sundae $3.95
individual size sundae. vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, ghirardelli chocolate or caramel sauce and a cherry
Mini Beignets $4.95
tasty new orleans inspired dessert made with our own fresh dough, deep fried, rolled in cinnamon sugar and served with home made salted caramel sauce

Thin Crust Pizza
thin crust pizza, sliced in squares, is actually the most popular pizza enjoyed by chicago locals. the crust is wafer thin and has no rolled edge. the toppings are placed under the cheese and the pizza is cooked on the stone deck of a very hot pizza oven, resulting in a crust that is thin, light and crispy. the browning of the cheese and areas of chocolate brown/black crust is a sign of the authenticity of this pizza
Chicago Fire Combo
italian sausage, pepperoni, green pepper, onion and mushrooms
The Great Chicago Fire
hot italian sausage, giardiniera peppers, habanero sauce and jalapenos
The Greek
white sauce, artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, red onion, fresh tomato, gyro meat, feta cheese, pepperoncini. tzatziki on the side.
Veggie
onion, green pepper, mushroom, black olive and artichoke hearts
Pesto Chicken
grilled chicken, pesto cream, fresh tomato, artichoke hearts, garlic and red onion
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
buffalo chicken tenders, red onion, tomatoes, bechamel and buffalo spiced tomato sauce. ranch or bleu cheese dressing on the side
Traditional
fresh tomato, basil, garlic, olive oil, parmesan and mozzarella cheeses

Deep Dish Pizza
the rich, flaky crust is pressed into and up the sides of a deep pan. the cheese goes down first, sealing the crust. the toppings are then placed over the cheese and covered with our sauce, made from premium plum tomatoes. allow 35 minutes to prepare. available for pre-order via hostess or phone
Chicago Fire Combo
italian sausage, pepperoni, green pepper, onion, mushroom
Veggie
onion, green pepper, mushroom, black olives and artichoke hearts
Stockyard
garlic sausage, pepperoni, salami, canadian bacon
Pesto Chicken
pesto cream, fresh tomato, grilled chicken, artichoke hearts, garlic and red onion

Stuffed Pizza
stuffed pizza is the big brother of deep dish. this pizza is a gourmet feast! the bottom crust is laid in the pan followed by extra cheese and toppings. then, a second crust is placed on top and the whole pie is covered with our sauce, made from premium plum tomatoes. allow 40 minutes to prepare. available for pre-order via hostess or phone
Spinach & Mushroom
rich spinach and cheese mixture with fresh mushrooms and garlic
Chicago Fire Combo
italian sausage, pepperoni, onion, green pepper, mushroom
Chicken & Garlic White Pizza
grilled chicken, spinach, mushrooms, garlic and ranch spiced bechamel sauce
Veggie
onion, green pepper, mushrooms, black olives and artichoke hearts
Stockyard
garlic sausage, pepperoni, salami, canadian bacon
Chef's Pizza Special
ask your server about our chef's latest creative pie!

Build Your Own Pizza
red sauce, white sauce or pesto cream. italian sausage (fennel, garlic or spicy), pepperoni, canadian bacon, bacon, salami, chicken, black or kalamata olive, green pepper, anchovy, jalapenos, mushrooms, onion, pineapple, garlic, fresh tomato, spinach, artichoke hearts, goat cheese, feta cheese
Thin Crust Cheese
Deep Dish Cheese
Stuffed Cheese
Extra Ingredient
Gluten Free Cheese

La Esquina Criolla Details

Service options
Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great coffee
Serves local specialty

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Comfort food
Healthy options
Late-night food
Quick bite
Small plates
Wine

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Table service

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
Groups
Tourists

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids

Parking
Free street parking
Paid street parking
Parking

La Esquina Criolla Photos

La Esquina Criolla Location

La Esquina Criolla

New York Queens County Elmhurst Corona Avenue

94-67 Corona Ave., Elmhurst, NY 11373, USA

La Esquina Criolla Reviews

An average rating of ★4.5 from 981 user reviews.

parrilladaskirt steaksangriabutcherfood and servicesteakhouseappetizersteak sandwicheschoripanshort rib

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

I've been coming to this non-presumptive Argentinian steak house since the 90's. It has probably been around since the mid to late 70's or even before that. And that's because they have retained the repeat clients and new one's because of how good their steaks and prices are. Their steaks are "scrumptuous." I have a sirloin steak with mashed potatoes and the Russian salad with a glass of red house wine, and I leave very satisfied each time. And can't wait till the next time that I can go for a juicy perfectly cut and quality steak cooked over fire.
June 15 · Luis Briones
On behalf of The Center for the Women of New York, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to La Esquina Criolla for their generous and delicious donation of empanadas to our Taste of the World at Fort Totten gala.La Esquina Criolla’s empanadas were, as always, a huge hit—flaky, golden pastry wrapped around savory, well-seasoned fillings. Each bite was packed with authentic flavor and made with the kind of care and tradition that keeps guests coming back for more. It’s no surprise that their empanadas have become a beloved staple at our event!We’re so grateful for La Esquina Criolla’s ongoing support and dedication to our cause. It’s because of wonderful local businesses like theirs that we’re able to raise essential funds to support women across New York. Their continued generosity makes a real difference in our community.We highly recommend La Esquina Criolla for their consistently delicious empanadas and their big-hearted commitment to giving back. Thank you for helping make our event a success yet again
September 11 · Yin Lau
I gave a 3 stars review mainly for the food. I ordered Parrillada Completa para 1 and Ensalada.First come appetizer bread + butter and I have no idea what it was, sliced meat. That was really good.Then, the main course Parrillada Completa came. The steak is okay, cant complaint, but the rest was very standard. They didnt come with any salsa, i was expecting they came with green or red sauce.Well i was very highly anticipated because got recommended by my Argentinian friend, but probably this is just not for me. Maybe i will give another chance to order another dish next time.
September 09 · Miss N
Love this place, I come here for years and I always recommend 👌 ❤ for meat lovers. Sangria is awesome food im surprised they don't have a bigger spot but I guess that's how they keep such a great quality. To the owner a siber hand shake 😆. Felicidades y gracias por su local y buen servicio y calidad de comida.
May 21 · Luis Rivas
This place has great steak! I had the entraña for two, they cook the steak to your liking. The give you bread and and chorizo parrillero as an entry. The price is not expensive for the amount of food and service. The chimichurri is delicious! 5 stars for sure. My family comes here all the time.
June 17 · Nadia Dominguez