Jackson Heights’ 37th Avenue: The Culinary Avenue Powering NYC’s Summer Street Food

• Jackson Heights’ 37th Avenue features over 40 street food vendors each summer weekend.
• Cuisines represented span at least 15 countries, including Colombia, Nepal, and Thailand.
• The 37th Avenue Open Streets program launched in 2020, formalizing its food scene.

The rise of 37th Avenue as a summer street food destination is rooted in Jackson Heights’ unparalleled diversity. According to the U.S. Census, more than 167 languages are spoken in this Queens neighborhood, and in the summer, that polyglot spirit comes alive through food. Flanked by sari shops, halal butchers, and Colombian bakeries, the avenue transforms into a living map of global flavors, with vendors like Arepa Lady and Mom’s Momo cart now NYC culinary legends.

The formalization of the Open Streets initiative in 2020 marked a turning point for Jackson Heights’ 37th Avenue. Under the leadership of groups like the 82nd Street Partnership and with support from Council Member Shekar Krishnan, the city closed the avenue to vehicles on weekends. This created an open-air market with ample room for food carts, pop-up tents, and—uniquely—spontaneous musical performances, making the thoroughfare a magnet for both foodies and families.

The avenue’s culinary offerings are as diverse as its residents. A single stroll might include Ecuadorian hornado, Tibetan tingmo, Filipino halo-halo, and Bengali fuchka, with each dish prepared by vendors who have often built followings worthy of brick-and-mortar restaurants. The intersection of Roosevelt Avenue and 75th Street, in particular, has become a veritable “little Lima” on Saturdays, with Peruvian anticuchos grilling over open flame.

What sets Jackson Heights apart from other food enclaves is its democratic energy. Vendors are as likely to be grandmothers who began with backyard recipes as they are entrepreneurs testing new concepts. And the crowds—locals, outer-borough pilgrims, and tourists—make 37th Avenue a place where New Yorkers and the world meet over a paper plate of elote or a steaming bowl of thukpa. It is this convergence that has crowned 37th Avenue as the city’s summer street food epicenter.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit 37th Avenue for street food?

The most vibrant scene is on weekends from late May through September, typically from noon to 8pm. Saturdays are especially busy, with Open Streets programming and the highest number of vendors. Arriving in the afternoon offers the fullest selection and a festive atmosphere.

What types of cuisine can I expect to find on 37th Avenue?

37th Avenue features cuisines from South America, South Asia, East Asia, and the Caribbean. Expect Colombian arepas, Tibetan momos, Mexican tamales, Filipino snacks, and more, with at least 15 countries represented by local vendors each summer.

How did the Open Streets program impact Jackson Heights’ street food scene?

Launched in 2020, Open Streets transformed 37th Avenue by closing it to cars on weekends, allowing more vendors, greater pedestrian flow, and outdoor dining. This made street food safer, more accessible, and drew increased crowds, cementing the avenue’s reputation citywide.