White Bear

- 135-02 Roosevelt Ave, Flushing, NY 11354

When New Yorkers talk about the essential culinary experiences in the city, especially those seeking authentic, high-value Chinese food, the conversation inevitably leads to Flushing, Queens. And at the heart of Flushing’s vibrant food scene is a legendary spot that transcends its modest, "hole in the wall" appearance: White Bear. Recognized universally by locals, food critics, and tourists alike, White Bear is the destination for one of the most famous and highly-craved small plates in the entire borough, or arguably, all of New York City: their signature Wontons with Hot Sauce, famously known as "The Number 6."

White Bear is not a conventional sit-down Chinese restaurant with elaborate decor; it is a quintessential Flushing experience—a beacon of delicious, authentic, and incredibly affordable comfort food. The focus here is entirely on quality, speed, and flavor, delivered with the no-nonsense efficiency that New Yorkers appreciate. It is a true dumpling restaurant specializing in expertly prepared wontons and other freshly made dumplings, alongside a satisfying menu of noodle and rice dishes that anchor its reputation as a local food institution.

The enduring appeal of White Bear lies in its simple, focused menu and commitment to delivering exceptional value. In a city increasingly defined by expensive dining, White Bear offers generous portions of high-quality Chinese comfort food at prices that are accessible to everyone, making it incredibly popular with college students, local residents, and food enthusiasts making the pilgrimage to Flushing. Customers rave about the perfect balance in the famous Wontons with Hot Sauce—tender wrappers giving way to well-seasoned pork and vegetable filling, all blanketed in a flavorful, spicy chili oil topped with preserved vegetables, ginger, and garlic. The flavor profile is described as having a kick that spice lovers adore, but one that remains balanced and addictive.

Whether you are stopping by for a quick lunch, grabbing dinner to enjoy in the nearby park, or making a special trip for the city's best wontons, White Bear embodies the energy, diversity, and incredible culinary richness of Queens. It is a cultural landmark in Flushing’s Chinatown, a testament to how simple, expertly crafted food can become a culinary phenomenon in the Big Apple.

### Location and Accessibility

White Bear is located in the bustling heart of Flushing, Queens, a major transportation hub and the epicenter of authentic Chinese cuisine in New York City. The physical location is:

Address: 135-02 Roosevelt Ave, Flushing, NY 11354, USA

The restaurant is situated on Roosevelt Avenue, near the intersection of Prince Street, placing it just steps away from the main commercial activity of Flushing Chinatown. Its accessibility is one of its major advantages for New Yorkers:

• Public Transit Access: The location is extremely accessible via the 7 train to the Flushing–Main St station, which is the final stop and a short, easy walk from the restaurant.
• Cross Street: The entrance is often cited as being near Prince Street, making it easy to locate amidst the busy streets.
• Parking: While street parking in Flushing can be challenging, the proximity to various parking garages and public transit options ensures it remains highly accessible for all visitors.

Operating hours may vary slightly, but generally, White Bear is known to operate during peak lunch and dinner times, often opening as early as 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM and closing around 6:00 PM or 8:00 PM on most days, serving a steady stream of customers throughout the day.

### Services Offered

White Bear focuses on simple, efficient service to handle the high volume of customers drawn to its famous dishes, prioritizing speed and freshness.

• Takeout: The most popular option, allowing customers to quickly grab their orders and enjoy them on the go or in a nearby seating area or park.
• Delivery: The restaurant offers delivery options, catering to local residents and businesses who want their comfort food delivered directly.
• Dine-in: Limited, casual dine-in space may be available, though the spot is often described as a "take-and-go" location due to its small size and high demand.
• Serving Local Specialty: The establishment is a celebrated local food landmark, known specifically for its unique and highly-rated wontons.

### Features / Highlights

White Bear’s fame is built on a few core strengths that make it a uniquely New York culinary destination.

• The Legendary Number 6 Wonton: Their Wontons with Hot Sauce (The #6) is the quintessential dish, celebrated across NYC for its perfect texture, pork and vegetable filling, and signature chili-onion sauce with a generous garnish of pickled ginger.
• Exceptional Value: Provides high-quality, generously-portioned meals at one of the best price points in the city, with dumplings and wontons often costing less than $10.
• Cash-Only Policy: Operates as a traditional cash-only business, a classic characteristic of many highly-authentic, high-volume, and no-frills establishments in NYC’s Chinatowns.
• Authentic Dumpling Expertise: Specializes in expertly prepared dumplings and wontons, offering varieties like Chinese Cabbage W. Pork, Dumpling W. Leek, and the premium Pork, Shrimp, and Sea Cucumber filling.
• Broad Chinese Comfort Menu: Beyond its famous dumplings, the menu includes satisfying staples like various Wonton Soups, Noodle dishes (e.g., Noodle W. Peking Style, Fried Noodle W. Veg, Pork), and Rice Cakes.
• Vibrant Atmosphere: The casual, bustling "hole in the wall" environment and location in the dynamic heart of Flushing's Chinatown offers an immersive and authentic New York food experience.

### Contact Information

To experience the famous wontons, New Yorkers can find White Bear and place their orders using the following information:

Address: 135-02 Roosevelt Ave, Flushing, NY 11354, USA

Phone: (718) 961-2322

### What is Worth Choosing

For any first-time visitor or returning fan, there is only one mandatory choice at White Bear that defines the entire experience:

The absolute must-try item is the Wonton W. Hot Sauce, universally referred to as "The Number 6" on the menu. This dish is what makes White Bear a legend. It features perfectly tender, soft-skinned pork and vegetable wontons drenched in a complex, flavorful, and slightly spicy chili-onion sauce, often garnished with crunchy pickled ginger and minced garlic. Customers consistently highlight the excellent balance of flavor and spice, making it a delicious, addictive comfort food that justifies a trip to Flushing. A generous portion often includes around 12 wontons, offering incredible value.

Beyond the legendary Wontons, a few other menu items are highly recommended to round out the experience:

• Traditional Dumplings: The Chinese Cabbage W. Pork dumplings are a perfect example of their dumpling-making skill. Steamed to a perfect, tender texture, they are juicy, moist, and a great way to taste the quality of their basic fillings.
• Noodle Dishes: For a heartier meal, try the Noodle W. Peking Style or the Beef Brown Sauce W. Noodle. These are substantial, savory dishes that showcase White Bear’s skill with classic Chinese comfort recipes beyond just the dumplings.
• Budget-Friendly Bites: Given the famously low prices, the Cabbage Pork W. Rice or one of the various soups, such as the Wonton Soup, are excellent options for a quick, filling, and incredibly cheap bite that epitomizes the "cheap eats" culture of Flushing.

A crucial reminder for all visitors: White Bear operates on a Cash-Only basis. Be sure to bring cash to fully enjoy the fast, satisfying, and iconic culinary experience this Queens establishment offers.

White Bear

135-02 Roosevelt Ave, Flushing, NY 11354, USA