Mister Cangrejo

- 83-17 Northern Blvd, Queens, NY 11372

Introduction / Overview: A Taste of Colombia in Queens

For New Yorkers seeking a culinary journey to South America, Mister Cangrejo offers a dedicated Colombian restaurant experience right in the heart of Queens. This eatery is known for delivering authentic Colombian flavors, particularly those from the Pacific coast, and features an extensive menu of hearty, traditional dishes known as Tipicos. While the ambiance can be lively and is sometimes noted for being chaotic, the consensus remains that the food itself is "awesome," "amazing," and genuinely reflective of Colombian taste.

The restaurant provides a Casual, Cozy, and Trendy atmosphere, making it a popular spot for Groups and also suitable for Solo dining and families, as it is considered Good for kids. It aims to transport diners to Colombia with its authentic menu and vibrant setting. Specialties include national dishes like the famous Bandeja Paisa and comforting stews such as Cazuela De Frijoles. The bar onsite is a major draw, featuring Great cocktails and a full array of alcoholic beverages.

Mister Cangrejo is a place where one can enjoy Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert, offering a mix of Comfort food alongside lighter Small plates and appetizers. While there are noted inconsistencies in the in-house service and atmosphere, the quality of the Colombian cuisine remains the core reason why locals choose this spot.

Location and Accessibility

Mister Cangrejo is centrally located in a bustling part of Queens, making it a convenient destination for residents across the borough and beyond. The location is easily identifiable and sits within a major neighborhood for Latin American cuisine.

Address: 83-17 Northern Blvd, Queens, NY 11372, USA

The restaurant's position on Northern Boulevard in the 11372 zip code places it between Jackson Heights and Corona, areas renowned for their authentic international food scenes.

For accessibility, the restaurant offers:

• Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: Ensuring that the dining experience is available to all patrons.
• Parking Options: New York diners have access to both Free street parking and Paid street parking in the surrounding area, offering flexibility depending on the time of day.

Services Offered

Mister Cangrejo offers a comprehensive set of services designed to accommodate the varied needs and schedules of its New York clientele, from quick service to social outings.

• Multiple Dining Options: Patrons can choose to Dine-in with Table service, utilize the convenient Takeout option, or opt for Delivery, including No-contact delivery for added peace of mind.
• Reservations Accepted: The restaurant Accepts reservations, which is advisable for Groups or during peak dining hours, especially considering its lively weekend atmosphere.
• Full Bar Service: Features a well-stocked Bar onsite offering a full selection of Alcohol, Beer, Hard liquor, and Wine, and is particularly noted for serving Great cocktails.
• Entertainment and Atmosphere: The setting is promoted as being great for a night out with friends, often featuring Sports viewing, and a lively atmosphere that contributes to its Trendy appeal.
• Menu Variety: Offering a wide range of Colombian food, from main courses and platters to Quick bite items, Small plates (Entradas), and traditional Coffee.
• Payments Accepted: Facilitating easy transactions via Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Features / Highlights

The primary highlight of Mister Cangrejo is its unwavering commitment to authentic Colombian flavors, which often focuses on the Pacific coastal region. While service has been noted as a potential weak point, the quality and variety of the food are consistently praised by those seeking a genuine culinary experience.

• Authentic Tipicos Platter Selection: The heart of the menu lies in the Tipicos. These massive, flavorful main courses are the essence of Colombian comfort food, including the famous Bandeja Paisa ($22.75) and the rich Cazuela De Frijoles ($24.25), which are essential choices for anyone wanting traditional, large-portioned Colombian fare.
• Signature Steak Cuts: The menu features several prime steak options cooked a la parrilla (on the grill), such as the flavorful Entraña A La Parrilla (Grilled Skirt Steak, $40.25) and Churrasco A La Parrilla ($35.25), appealing to meat lovers. Options like Bisteck A Caballo ($25.25) and Carne Asada ($21.75) are also available.
• Excellent Cocktail and Bar Program: The restaurant is highly rated for its bar offerings, specifically its Great cocktails, making it a top choice for social gatherings and those who enjoy pairing their traditional Colombian meal with quality alcoholic beverages.
• Appetizer Variety (Entradas): Offering a true taste of Colombia's Pacific coast and street food culture, the menu includes traditional appetizers like Ceviche De Camarón ($16.75), Chunchulla Con Arepa ($16.00), Tostones Con Guacamole Y Chicharrón ($18.50), and Calamares Fritos ($16.75), which serve as excellent Small plates or starters.
• Specialty Chicken and Pork Dishes: Beyond the beef and stews, there is a variety of well-prepared chicken dishes, such as Pechuga En Salsa De Champiñones (Chicken Breast in Mushroom Sauce, $21.25) and Pechuga Empanizada (Breaded Chicken Breast, $21.25), alongside pork options like Chuleta De Cerdo (Pork Chop, $22.75).

Contact Information

For New York residents looking to reserve a table, place a takeout order, or inquire about the menu, Mister Cangrejo can be reached at the following:

Address: 83-17 Northern Blvd, Queens, NY 11372, USA

Primary Phone: (718) 205-7000

Mobile/Alternative Phone: +1 718-205-7000

What is Worth Choosing

While acknowledging the mixed feedback regarding the in-house service and occasionally chaotic environment, the strong positive reviews of the food make it clear that Mister Cangrejo is worth choosing for its uncompromisingly authentic Colombian flavors and substantial portions. If you are looking for an immersive cultural experience and prioritize food quality above all else, the following choices are highly recommended:

The Essential Colombian Meal: The Bandeja Paisa ($22.75) is the unofficial national dish of Colombia and an absolute must-try. This large platter is a hearty meal, perfect for satisfying deep Comfort food cravings. For a coastal experience, the stews and seafood appetizers are highly praised by those familiar with the cuisine.

For the Adventurous Eater (Entradas): To truly sample the authenticity, choose from the traditional appetizers like Chunchulla Con Arepa (fried beef chitterlings with corn cake, $16.00) or Tostones Con Guacamole Y Chicharrón (fried green plantains with guacamole and crispy pork belly, $18.50). These are authentic street food staples that deliver on flavor.

For a Steakhouse-Quality Colombian Dinner: Opt for one of the substantial grilled meats like the Entraña A La Parrilla ($40.25). These dishes are known for their preparation and quality, providing a premium meal option. Alternatively, the combination plate Mary Tierra ($45.25) offers a blend of meat and seafood, appealing to those who want variety.

If Service is a Priority: Given the noted struggles with in-house table service, your best bet is to maximize the quality of the food while minimizing interaction. Ordering Takeout or Delivery is a smart strategy to enjoy the "awesome" and "amazing" food—the consistent highlight—without the potential friction of slow service. This allows New Yorkers to enjoy the great flavors of Colombia from the comfort of their home or office.

In short, choose Mister Cangrejo for the food: the authentic, large, and delicious Colombian plates are what you come for, ideally on a night when you're prepared for a very casual, possibly loud, and spirited experience, or when choosing to enjoy the convenience of their fast Delivery service.

Mister Cangrejo

83-17 Northern Blvd, Queens, NY 11372, USA