The Migrant Kitchen - US Open

- 12 Meridian Rd, Corona, NY 11368

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers and visitors attending one of the city’s most anticipated annual sporting events, the dining experience at the US Open is often just as much a highlight as the tennis itself. Among the celebrated food vendors, The Migrant Kitchen - US Open stands out as a concept that is more than just a place to grab a bite; it is a social impact enterprise committed to an exciting culinary mission. This fast-casual restaurant brings a dynamic and flavorful fusion of Middle Eastern and Latin American cuisine to the heart of Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens, offering a taste of global New York right at the stadium grounds.

The Migrant Kitchen began as a pop-up initiative with the core goals of hiring migrants, showcasing migrant cuisine, and highlighting their physically moving kitchen. Though they now have permanent locations across NYC, their spirit of borderless, creative cuisine continues in this special US Open location. The restaurant is a unique blend of cultures, much like the city it calls home, with a founding team from Palestinian, Mexican, and Jewish backgrounds, a diversity reflected beautifully in its innovative menu. Their presence at the US Open allows thousands of fans to experience this distinctive flavor profile, which masterfully incorporates spices and techniques from two rich culinary traditions.

It is important to note that The Migrant Kitchen’s model is built on social good, utilizing its success to provide training, social mobility, and culinary growth for its employees, many of whom are migrant women working out of a state-of-the-art facility in Queens. A portion of their proceeds is often dedicated to supporting their initiative of serving meals to food-insecure communities throughout New York City. Dining here means supporting a restaurant that puts community service at the center of its operation.

Location and Accessibility

The Migrant Kitchen - US Open is situated within the expansive grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, specifically in the area designated for food and concessions during the tournament. This popular food destination is located at 12 Meridian Rd, Corona, NY 11368, USA, placing it directly within the action of the US Open festivities in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens.

As a venue operating primarily during the US Open, accessibility is tied directly to attending the tournament. Patrons must have a valid ticket to the event to access the dining area where the restaurant is located. Given its position within the Food Village or a similar concession area, the primary mode of transportation is typically the public transit routes leading to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, such as the 7 subway line to Mets-Willets Point or the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR).

Once inside the grounds, the location is part of the fast-casual dining experience, designed for quick and convenient service for tennis fans who want to grab a delicious meal without missing too much of the action. The vibrant atmosphere is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner between matches, allowing for a dynamic dining experience amid the energy of a world-class sporting event.

Services Offered

The Migrant Kitchen - US Open is structured to provide efficient service for the high volume of patrons at the tournament. Their offerings focus on providing convenient and flavorful meals and snacks.

• Takeout: As a fast-casual spot, the restaurant's model is geared towards quick and easy takeaway, perfect for tournament attendees looking to eat on the go or find a comfortable spot in the grounds.
• Dine-in: Seating options are generally available in the common food court or dining areas of the US Open, allowing patrons to sit and enjoy their meal on-site.
• Lunch and Dinner Service: The restaurant is popular for providing options throughout the main dining hours, accommodating both a midday meal and an evening bite.
• Solo Dining: The fast-casual nature of the offerings makes it an ideal spot for individuals attending the Open who are looking for a satisfying, quick, and flavorful meal.
• Credit Card Payment: For convenience, the establishment accepts credit cards, streamlining the transaction process for a smoother experience.

Features / Highlights

The Migrant Kitchen - US Open is distinguished not just by its food but by its mission and the unique combination of global flavors it presents to the New York public.

• Signature Fusion Menu: The menu is a highlight, featuring an inventive and delicious blend of Middle Eastern and Latin American cuisine. This fusion translates into dishes that are both familiar and excitingly new.
• Notable Menu Items: Popular and signature items may include Hand-Pressed Empanadas, often featuring Latin fillings like Chicken Tinga, or Arab-inspired fillings like Slow-Roasted Lamb. Other favorites include Chicken Mole, Chicken Shawarma Sandwiches, and Lamb Tortas, providing a wide range of options from bowls to sandwiches.
• Social Impact Mission: The restaurant operates with a strong commitment to social good, prioritizing the hiring and professional development of migrant workers and actively feeding food-insecure communities across NYC. Dining here directly contributes to this impactful mission.
• Seasonal and Event-Specific Presence: Its existence as a concession during the US Open makes it a unique, limited-time dining opportunity. This exclusivity creates buzz and makes visiting a highlight of the tournament experience.
• Focus on Small Plates: The menu includes small plates and individual, fast-casual meals that are perfectly suited for the dynamic, on-the-go environment of the US Open.
• Cultural Inclusivity: The food proudly reflects the diverse cultural backgrounds of its founders—Palestinian, Mexican, and Jewish—using food as a form of "Gastro-Diplomacy" and celebration of immigrant contributions to New York City’s culinary landscape.

Contact Information

As a temporary, event-specific vendor at the US Open, direct contact and operational details may vary with the annual tournament schedule. However, the general location and any available contact information are as follows:

Address: 12 Meridian Rd, Corona, NY 11368, USA (Located within the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center grounds during the US Open)

Phone: Contact information for the US Open concession is often limited during the event, but general business inquiries can sometimes be routed through The Migrant Kitchen's main NYC operations.

What is Worth Choosing

When faced with the numerous dining options at the US Open, choosing The Migrant Kitchen offers a uniquely rewarding experience. What makes this establishment particularly worth selecting is the opportunity to savor creative, high-quality, and culturally rich food that you simply won't find anywhere else in the venue, all while supporting a profound social mission.

If you are a New Yorker who appreciates culinary innovation, the fusion of flavors here—Middle Eastern spices and dips combined with Latin American staples like empanadas and mole—is a must-try. The menu is structured around fast-casual convenience, yet the dishes are far from ordinary. A signature item like the Lamb Torta or a hearty Slow-Roasted Pork Bowl can provide the energy and flavor burst needed for a long day of watching tennis. The Chicken Mole Burrito is another fantastic choice, perfectly encapsulating the rich, complex flavors of authentic Mexican mole sauce in a portable format. Even the simpler offerings, such as their hand-pressed empanadas, are elevated with carefully crafted, flavorful fillings that reflect the restaurant’s blended heritage.

Beyond the delicious food, the social ethos of The Migrant Kitchen provides a feel-good dimension to your meal. You are contributing to a business model that actively hires and trains immigrant employees, offering them valuable professional opportunities and supporting the fight against food insecurity across the city. This commitment to social good is a powerful reason for a local user to choose The Migrant Kitchen over other commercial options. While some customer feedback suggests a high price point, this is generally reflective of the premium dining environment at the US Open, which features celebrity chefs and high-quality concepts. For those who prioritize flavor, cultural significance, and a community-focused mission, The Migrant Kitchen offers a memorable and worthwhile dining experience during your time at the US Open.

The Migrant Kitchen - US Open

12 Meridian Rd, Corona, NY 11368, USA