Pata Cafe

- 56-14 Van Horn St, Elmhurst, NY 11373

In the heart of Elmhurst, a neighborhood in Queens renowned for its deep Southeast Asian culinary roots, stands Pata Cafe—a true local jewel for authentic Thai cuisine. Often described by patrons as an "authentic hole-in-the-wall Thai place," this mother-daughter-owned establishment offers a warm, cozy, and distinctly personal dining experience that transports New Yorkers straight to the street food culture of Thailand.

Pata Cafe specializes in fresh, vibrant, and flavorful comfort food, with a focus on regional Thai dishes that are frequently hard to find elsewhere in the city. The atmosphere is casual and inviting, making it a perfect spot for individuals, families, and groups looking for a genuinely delicious meal in a low-key setting. Its commitment to quality ingredients, generous portions, and reasonable pricing, coupled with notably warm and friendly service, has earned it a reputation as a real discovery in the competitive Queens food scene and a destination for serious Thai food lovers.

Pata Cafe is nestled within the vibrant Elmhurst community, making it accessible to local residents and those exploring the culinary offerings of Queens’ “Little Thailand.”

The specific address is: 56-14 Van Horn St, Elmhurst, NY 11373, USA.

Neighborhood Setting: The cafe is situated on a more residential block, giving it an under-the-radar charm compared to the main thoroughfares, though it remains conveniently located near major routes like the Long Island Expressway (LIE).

Parking: A significant convenience for a New York eatery, Pata Cafe benefits from Free Street Parking availability in the surrounding area, allowing guests to easily find a spot for a relaxed dine-in experience or a quick pickup.

Accessibility: The restaurant features a Wheelchair Accessible Entrance, ensuring a welcoming environment for all patrons seeking to enjoy its cozy atmosphere.

Pata Cafe balances traditional table service with essential modern convenience options, ensuring a smooth experience whether you choose to dine in or enjoy your meal at home.

• Full Dining Service: Offers Table Service for Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner in a casual and cozy setting, welcoming both individuals and Groups.
• Reservations Accepted: Guests can minimize potential wait times, particularly during peak hours, as the restaurant actively Accepts Reservations.
• Flexible Off-Premise Options: Provides easy Takeout and efficient Delivery services, making it simple to enjoy their authentic flavors anywhere in the Elmhurst region.
• Payments: The cafe accepts Credit Cards for convenient transactions, although it is worth noting that some long-time customers mention Venmo and cash as viable options, reflecting its small, local business nature.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The atmosphere is Family-Friendly and Good for Kids, positioning it as a comfortable neighborhood staple for all ages.
• Comfort and Amenities: Despite its "hole-in-the-wall" designation, the cafe provides necessary amenities, including a clean Restroom.

Pata Cafe’s standout features are rooted in the authenticity and quality of its cuisine, which frequently garners high praise from customers.

• Authentic, Street-Style Cuisine: The food is highly praised for being authentically Thai, with customer reviews noting that the salads "made me think of the Thailand street vendors" and specific menu items are considered New York Times Recommended or recognized by the Michelin Bib Gourmand (Ga Prao Kai Dow).
• Signature Noodle Dishes: The noodle offerings are a major draw, with Pad Thai and Pad Se-ew being menu staples. Customers single out the Drunken Noodles and the Shrimp Tom Yum Noodle Soup (noted for its unique sweetness from coconut milk) as being "the best I ever had in NY."
• Vibrant Salad Selection: The popular Papaya Salad (Som Tum Thai) and its regional variation Papaya Salad with Preserved Crab and Pickled Fish (Tum Poo Plara) are main attractions, alongside the highly recommended glass noodle salad (Yum Woon Sen).
• Exceptional Beverage Program: The restaurant has a Great Tea Selection, offering a satisfying range of drinks that include Thai Iced Tea and Thai Iced Coffee, often noted as being delicious and creamy.
• Focus on Freshness and Value: The menu features high-quality comfort food and healthy options, available as quick bites and small plates, with prices repeatedly noted as very reasonable for the quality and portion sizes.

To plan your next visit, make a reservation, or order Thai comfort food for delivery, please use the following contact details for Pata Cafe:

Address: 56-14 Van Horn St, Elmhurst, NY 11373, USA

Phone: (347) 469-7142

Mobile Phone: +1 347-469-7142

For New Yorkers seeking genuine, unpretentious Thai food, Pata Cafe in Elmhurst is a must-visit. What makes it worth choosing is the unwavering commitment to authenticity and the personalized, warm service. In a city where Thai restaurants are plentiful, Pata Cafe stands out by replicating the street-vendor experience and flavors that resonate deeply with those familiar with true Thai cuisine.

The combination of affordable prices—especially with main dishes like Pad Thai and Drunken Noodles often reviewed favorably for their quality—and the highly accommodating nature of the mother-daughter staff ensures a pleasant dining experience every time. Whether you are craving the fiery kick of a regional Papaya Salad, the comforting richness of Tom Yum Noodle Soup, or simply a delicious Thai Iced Tea, Pata Cafe delivers authentic flavor in a cozy, neighborhood setting, proving that the greatest culinary jewels in NYC are often found in unassuming, smaller venues.

Pata Cafe

56-14 Van Horn St, Elmhurst, NY 11373, USA