Unisphere Café by The August Tree

- Corona, NY 11368

For New Yorkers exploring the historical landmarks and cultural institutions of Queens, finding a coffee shop that offers more than just a standard brew is a welcome discovery. Unisphere Café by The August Tree is precisely that, a unique culinary and caffeine haven nestled within the Queens Museum in the heart of Flushing Meadows Corona Park. This spot is far from a simple grab-and-go kiosk; it's a thoughtfully curated, friendly space that serves as an excellent retreat for museum-goers, park visitors, and local residents seeking a delicious moment of respite.

The café distinguishes itself by offering a fascinating blend of traditional espresso-based beverages alongside specialty drinks and treats inspired by global flavors, particularly Filipino and Southeast Asian cuisine. Imagine sipping a colorful Ube iced coffee while gazing out the window at the iconic Unisphere—the perfect Queens experience. The atmosphere is casual, welcoming, and offers ample seating, making it an ideal place to recharge, whether you are taking a break from exploring the world-famous Panorama of the City of New York or simply need a quiet spot for a midday meeting. The staff are known for their warm and friendly demeanor, enhancing the relaxed, inviting vibe that patrons praise highly.

Location and Accessibility

Unisphere Café by The August Tree is situated inside one of Queens’ most significant cultural anchors: the Queens Museum.

Official Address: Queens Museum (New York City Building), Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Corona, NY 11368, USA.

The café's location within the historic New York City Building means it benefits from the excellent accessibility of Flushing Meadows Corona Park. It is easily reachable via public transportation, which is vital for many New Yorkers. The Queens Museum is accessible by the 7 subway train (Mets-Willets Point station, followed by a short walk or transfer), as well as several bus lines. For those driving, the park is conveniently located near major highways, though parking availability should always be checked in advance.

Crucially, the café is located right off the main floor of the museum, providing spectacular views of the Unisphere through its windows. This stunning visual backdrop elevates the experience from a simple coffee stop to a truly memorable New York moment. For museum visitors, its placement near the exhibits makes it a natural and essential stop for a mid-visit break.

Services Offered

The Unisphere Café provides a comprehensive cafe experience, focusing on high-quality coffee and a varied selection of savory and sweet treats that often reflect the diverse culinary landscape of Queens itself.

• Specialty and Classic Coffee Service: Offering a full range of espresso-based drinks, including the classic Americano, Latte, Cappuccino, and Mocha. Patrons should note that the café specializes in espresso, not traditional drip coffee.
• Unique Global Specialty Drinks: A key highlight is the selection of globally inspired beverages, such as Oaxacan Hot Chocolate, Organic Golden Milk, Vietnamese Coffee, White Chocolate Ube, and Kuro Goma, all typically offered at a uniform price.
• Baked Goods and Pastries: The menu includes unique items like Filipino pastry, Pandesal Rolls, Crinkles, Tiramisu, Alfajores, and various Focaccia flavors (olive, pesto, rosemary). They also frequently offer vegan and gluten-free bars, brownies, and scones.
• Full Lunch Menu: Beyond snacks, the café serves satisfying lunch fare, including paninis (like Grilled Chicken and Paris Ham with Gouda), soups (such as Tomato Basil and Butternut Squash & Apple), lasagna (Beef and vegetarian Eggplant options), and unique offerings like Japanese Chicken Fried Rice and Bacalao with Pandesal.
• Snack and Beverage Vending: For museum visitors needing quick refreshment outside of café hours, vending machines are also available.
• Dine-in and Takeout: The cafe accommodates guests with comfortable seating for those who wish to stay and relax, or quick service for takeout orders.

Features / Highlights

The Unisphere Café is more than a convenience spot—it's an integral part of the Queens experience, boasting several distinct features that set it apart.

• Iconic Queens Location: Being situated inside the Queens Museum, with direct, scenic views of the Unisphere, makes this café a uniquely New York destination. It offers a moment of reflection surrounded by Queens history and global culture.
• Filipino and Global Culinary Influences: The menu stands out for its incorporation of delicious, non-standard cafe items, such as Pandesal Panini with cheese, Ube Iced Coffee, and the Pandesal Rolls. This is a culinary nod to the richly diverse community of Queens.
• Excellent Visitor Experience: Customer feedback consistently highlights the "very friendly guy working at the counter" and the spacious, relaxing environment. It is praised as a "lovely place to spend some time," offering a true respite.
• Focus on Specialty Drinks: The café has embraced unique coffee and latte flavors, moving beyond the ordinary with drinks like the White Chocolate Ube, Organic Matcha, and Vietnamese Coffee, catering to adventurous New York palates.
• Substantial Lunch and Vegetarian Options: The availability of hearty meals like paninis, two types of lasagna, and fresh soups (with vegetarian-friendly choices clearly marked) ensures that the café can serve as a full lunch spot, not just a coffee break location.

Contact Information

For New Yorkers planning a visit to the Queens Museum or looking for a great spot in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, here is the essential contact information for Unisphere Café by The August Tree.

Address: Queens Museum, New York City Building, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Corona, NY 11368, USA

Phone: (917) 536-1436

It is always recommended to check the Queens Museum's operating hours, as the café's hours typically align with the museum schedule (generally Wednesday through Sunday).

What is worth choosing

A visit to Unisphere Café by The August Tree should prioritize the unique cultural and culinary experience that the café proudly offers. To get the full flavor of this Queens establishment, skip the basic order and try one of their signature items.

Start with a specialty drink. The White Chocolate Ube or Vietnamese Coffee are highly recommended choices. The Ube, with its striking purple color and sweet, nutty flavor, is a modern, delicious tribute to Filipino ingredients, and the Vietnamese Coffee offers a strong, rich, and sweet pick-me-up. For a healthy option, the Organic Golden Milk provides a warm, comforting, and healthful alternative.

For food, a savory order of the Pandesal Panini with cheese (or the more adventurous Pandesal Roll with Asiago & Haloumi) is an excellent choice, as Pandesal is a delightful Filipino bread that offers a soft, slightly sweet contrast to the savory filling. Alternatively, the Butternut Squash & Apple Soup is a creamy, warming favorite, perfect for a cooler day in the park. Finally, make sure to grab one of their Filipino-inspired Crinkles or a classic Alfajores cookie for a sweet finish.

The Unisphere Café by The August Tree is a charming fusion of art, history, and excellent global-inspired coffee and cuisine, providing a necessary and delightful amenity in one of New York City's most storied parks.

Unisphere Café by The August Tree

Corona, NY 11368, USA