Tienda Guatemalteca

- 143-07 Hillside Ave., Briarwood, NY 11435

Introduction / Overview

In the rich tapestry of Queens’ diverse culinary scene, Tienda Guatemalteca offers New Yorkers a truly unique experience that goes beyond a standard restaurant. Located in the bustling Briarwood and Jamaica area, this establishment operates as a hybrid: part grocery store, part cultural center, and part authentic Guatemalan eatery. For residents of New York seeking a genuine taste of Central American cuisine and culture, stepping into Tienda Guatemalteca is a transportive experience. It is often referred to locally by its affectionate nickname, La Chapincita, and represents a vital community hub for the Guatemalan diaspora in Queens.

This unique venue provides not only a hot-food counter serving comforting, home-style meals, but also a dedicated grocery section filled with specialized products that are hard to find elsewhere in the city. The dual-purpose nature of the business ensures a steady flow of customers throughout the day, whether they are stopping in for a quick, hearty lunch, stocking up on necessary groceries, or hunting for a specific cultural item. The atmosphere is authentically casual and welcoming, making it an excellent spot for a neighborhood gathering or a solo venture into genuine Central American flavors. It has gained popularity particularly during the lunch hours, where locals know to find freshly prepared food options perfect for a mid-day break.

Tienda Guatemalteca prides itself on bringing the flavors of a great country directly to the New York community, offering a genuine slice of Guatemalan tradition right here in Queens. From satisfying plates of comfort food to small, delightful quick bites and unique baked goods, this place is a destination for those who value authenticity and community spirit in their dining experiences.

Location and Accessibility

Tienda Guatemalteca is situated on a major artery in Queens, making it a highly accessible spot for people traveling through the Jamaica and Briarwood neighborhoods. Its address is centrally located, benefiting from the area's robust public transportation network.

The physical address for the establishment is: 143-07 Hillside Ave., Briarwood, NY 11435, USA.

This location is near the intersection of 143rd and 144th Streets on Hillside Avenue. For New York residents relying on public transit, the proximity to various bus lines and the F subway line nearby makes for a convenient trip. For those driving, the location is a notable landmark in the commercial strip, although street parking, typical of Queens neighborhoods, can be challenging at peak hours. Its position in Briarwood ensures that it serves not only the local residents but also commuters and those working in the vicinity who are seeking an authentic and flavorful lunch option. The accessibility of the location is part of what makes it a local favorite for both quick stops and sit-down meals.

Services Offered

The range of services at Tienda Guatemalteca is designed to cater to the diverse needs of its community, combining the functionality of a grocery with the convenience of a restaurant.

• Dine-in Service: Customers have the option to sit and enjoy their authentic Guatemalan meal in a casual atmosphere.
• Takeout: Fast and efficient service for those who need to grab a meal on the run.
• Delivery: Meals can be delivered to surrounding areas, providing added convenience for home dining.
• Hot-Food Counter: A dedicated area in the back of the store serves freshly cooked, menuless hot meals, typically available during lunch and dinner hours.
• Grocery Sales: Sells a wide variety of imported Guatemalan products, specialty ingredients, and traditional beverages like Tiky pineapple soda.
• Cultural and Apparel Sales: Offers a selection of items from Guatemala, including traditional clothing for girls and boys, and popular items like the Guatemalan national soccer team’s shirt.

Features / Highlights

Tienda Guatemalteca is distinguished by several key features that make it a standout destination in Queens for authentic cultural immersion and delicious food.

• Dual Functionality: Successfully merges a fully stocked Guatemalan grocery store with a functioning restaurant, offering the best of both worlds for shopping and dining.
• Authentic Cuisine Focus: Specializes in true Guatemalan comfort food, often reflecting home-style cooking and traditional recipes not commonly found elsewhere in the city.
• Popular for Lunch: Recognized as a prime spot for a hearty and satisfying midday meal, often featuring a menu of the day that shifts based on availability and tradition.
• Variety of Offerings: Provides a range of meal sizes, including full comfort food plates, quick bites for a snack, and smaller plates to sample different flavors.
• Baked Goods: Features a selection of pastries and bakery items, sometimes sourced from specialized Guatemalan bakeries, adding a sweet component to the offerings. One customer highlighted the "Yummy Pastries and Bakery items" available.
• Cultural Merchandise: Acts as a resource for the local community by stocking popular and traditional Guatemalan goods, such as national soccer apparel and unique cultural textiles.
• Family-Friendly Vibe: The casual atmosphere and nature of the offerings make it welcoming and "Good for kids," allowing families to dine comfortably.

Contact Information

To contact the business or inquire about services, please use the following details:

Address: 143-07 Hillside Ave., Briarwood, NY 11435, USA

Phone: (718) 206-3627

Mobile Phone: +1 718-206-3627

What is Worth Choosing

When visiting Tienda Guatemalteca, New Yorkers should approach it as a cultural and culinary discovery. What is most worth choosing is an item that reflects the heart of Guatemalan cuisine—the kind of authentic, comforting meal you might not find at a generic Latin American restaurant. Since the hot-food counter often operates without a printed menu, the best strategy is to look at what is being served that day and choose the traditional stews, tamales, or other main plates being prepared fresh. Items like tamales, rellenitos, or salpicón are excellent choices if available, as they represent staple Guatemalan comfort foods.

Based on customer experiences, the bakery and pastry items are also a must-try. One delighted customer mentioned finding a "Delish World" of pastries and a "Drinkable Oatmeal Breakfast," suggesting that even a simple stop for a drink can lead to discovering delicious, authentic treats and beverages. Trying one of the pastries alongside a traditional drink is a perfect quick bite or afternoon indulgence. Furthermore, for those looking for a taste of Guatemala to take home, the grocery section is highly worth exploring. The customer review highlighting the "big variety of things from Guatemala," including specialized groceries and cultural clothes, underscores the store's value as a source for unique imports.

Ultimately, the value of choosing Tienda Guatemalteca lies in its unpretentious authenticity. It is a genuine local institution in Queens, offering a combination of flavors and culture that provides an affordable, casual, and family-friendly dining option. Patrons are encouraged to ask about the day's hot plates, as this is where the freshest and most traditional comfort food is likely to be found. Whether you are craving a hearty lunch, a sweet pastry, or a piece of Guatemalan culture, this dual-purpose shop offers an enriching and satisfying experience.

Tienda Guatemalteca

143-07 Hillside Ave., Briarwood, NY 11435, USA