Tasty Cow

- 249-04 Horace Harding Expy, Queens, NY 11362

Nestled on Horace Harding Expy in Queens, New York, Tasty Cow stands as a local culinary secret, offering a deeply authentic and flavorful taste of Cantonese Chinese cuisine. This is not your typical Americanized Chinese takeout spot; instead, it is a specialist destination revered by those in the know for its traditional approach, particularly its mastery of slow-cooked and braised meats. The restaurant’s name hints at its specialization, featuring an extensive menu dedicated to various beef cuts, including brisket and offal, prepared using time-honored techniques that bring out rich, comforting flavors.

Tasty Cow is highly regarded for its commitment to authenticity, a characteristic prized by New York’s diverse and discerning food community. Locals consider it a genuine "hole in the wall" gem, the kind of place you only discover through a trusted friend or family recommendation—the hallmark of truly authentic local eateries. The focus is squarely on signature Cantonese dishes, with the braised beef brisket and the assorted marinated meat platter being among the most celebrated offerings. This focus on tradition makes Tasty Cow an essential destination for those seeking a true taste of Guangdong Province cooking in the heart of Queens.

The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, perfect for an unpretentious and satisfying meal. It’s an ideal spot for everything from a quick, solo lunch to a full family dinner, with services designed to accommodate the varied schedules of New Yorkers. While some menu items may cater to specific traditional tastes, the foundation of the cooking—hearty, savory, and slow-cooked—aligns perfectly with the definition of comfort food, making it highly appealing, especially as the weather cools in New York.

Despite one isolated review mentioning a small portion and a dish lacking flavor, the overwhelming sentiment among repeat patrons and food enthusiasts is positive, particularly regarding the specialty meats which are the restaurant's core identity. This indicates that ordering from the highly recommended "House Special" and "Specialties Dishes" sections, which highlight the braised and marinated cuts, is the best way to experience the quality Tasty Cow is known for.

Tasty Cow is located in a convenient and accessible area of Queens, situated right on a major thoroughfare, which is a key advantage for local New York diners who often travel by car.

• Address: 249-04 Horace Harding Expy, Queens, NY 11362, USA

The restaurant’s location on the Horace Harding Expressway (part of the Long Island Expressway service road system) makes it easily reachable for drivers coming from various parts of Queens and Nassau County. A significant feature for this area of New York is the dedicated parking available, which removes the stress of searching for a spot in a busy borough.

• Parking is available via a complimentary free parking lot.
• Additionally, paid street parking options are also available nearby.

While public transportation routes are available in the area, the provided parking options indicate that Tasty Cow is particularly well-suited for a clientele that drives, a welcome convenience in the eastern Queens region.

Tasty Cow provides flexible and accommodating service options to meet the needs of its Queens patrons, whether they prefer to dine in or take their meal home.

• Dine-in: Guests are invited to enjoy their meal in the casual, comfortable on-site dining area.
• Takeout: All menu items are available for convenient takeaway, perfect for enjoying authentic Cantonese food at home.
• Accepts Reservations: For families or larger parties, the option to book a table in advance is available, making dinner planning easier.
• Popular for Lunch and Dinner: Catering to both the mid-day rush and evening meals, offering quick bites and full dining options.
• Good for Kids: The restaurant provides a family-friendly environment.

The strengths of Tasty Cow lie in its specialized, authentic menu and its customer-friendly amenities, making it a standout Chinese restaurant in the Queens landscape.

• Authentic Cantonese Cuisine: Highly praised by customers as a very authentic Cantonese dining experience, focusing on traditional braised meats and offal preparations.
• House Special Braised Meats: Specialties include Beef Brisket Casserole, Braised Beef Hoof, and Beef Entrails Casserole, showcasing deep, savory Cantonese cooking traditions.
• Must-Try Roast Pork: The Brown Sugar Roast Pork is repeatedly highlighted in customer reviews for its unique, delicious balance of sweet, savory, and fatty flavors, often served with a slice of lime for a perfect pairing.
• Flexible Dining Options: Popular for solo dining, but equally accommodating for family meals due to the large, shareable platters like the Assorted Marinated Meat Platter.
• Convenient Parking: Offers the highly desirable amenity of a free parking lot, a major convenience for a Queens location, alongside available paid street parking.
• Varied Menu Formats: The menu offers full specialty dishes, noodle soups, lo mein (without soup), and various dishes served over rice, ensuring a quick bite or a full meal is available to suit any need.

For orders, reservations, or general inquiries, patrons can reach Tasty Cow using the following contact details:

• Address: 249-04 Horace Harding Expy, Queens, NY 11362, USA
• Phone: (718) 819-8006
• Mobile Phone: +1 718-819-8006

For residents of New York, particularly those in Queens and Nassau County, Tasty Cow is worth choosing specifically for its dedication to authentic, high-quality Cantonese braised and marinated meats. This establishment fills a niche often overlooked by standard Chinese restaurants, offering a level of traditional preparation that satisfies the demand of "authenticity geeks" and those who simply appreciate deep, satisfying flavor.

If you are seeking genuine Cantonese "comfort food," the "House Special" section is the key. The slow-cooked beef brisket, whether enjoyed in a clear broth noodle soup, in a rich casserole, or served simply over rice, is its foundational dish and a known crowd-pleaser. However, the most compelling reason to visit is arguably the Brown Sugar Roast Pork, a dish repeatedly praised in customer testimonials for being a truly unique and delicious experience—a testament to the kitchen's specialized skill. This sweet-and-savory masterpiece makes a visit to this Queens location a culinary necessity.

The practical amenities—namely the free parking lot and the acceptance of reservations—also greatly enhance the dining experience, making it a stress-free option for a community where convenience is paramount. Whether you are grabbing a quick and flavorful lunch of Beef Brisket Rice Noodle Rolls or settling in for a hearty dinner featuring the Assorted Marinated Meat Platter with family, Tasty Cow offers an authentic, high-value, and deeply satisfying Chinese dining experience right here in New York.

Tasty Cow

249-04 Horace Harding Expy, Queens, NY 11362, USA