Jackson Diner
“I've loved the one up in Queens for years, but having one in downtown Manhattan is a dream come true.”
“We ended up getting samosa chaat, chicken tikka, mango lassi, and a few varieties of curry.”
“Masala dosa made right there, goat curry, tandoori chicken, everything is amazing.”
Jackson Diner
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Caters: Yes
PokéStop Nearby: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
8 reviews
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I have always enjoyed my meals at the Jackson Diner. I do much prefer the larger, newer location although they probably have been here for well over a dozen years. I was disappointed that the buffet was only available during the day and I had to miss it. I started my dinner with one of my favorite soups, the Mulligatawny. It was made with much care, but was a little on the creamy side for my taste, and lacking a little kick to it. I then had the Chicken Curry Kauai, which was well prepared, and included a nice mixture of boneless white meat, and thigh cuts. Again, the sauce was a little on the heavier, creamy side for my tastes. I have to make another trip to try the cheap lunch buffet, which has always been my favorite in this bustling, Indian Jackson Heights neighborhood.
One of my favorite Indian venues in Jackson Heights. The food and service have always been spectacular. I've been coming here for over 5 years and I have no complaints. The chicken tikka masala with some garlic naan and a mango lassi will leave you in good standing.
Being a fan of their buffet, I would have to say that I genuinely like this place. The aroma of Indian herbs infuse into your hair and fabrics adorned which makes you recall your tasty experience even after you have left. I remember wandering down the street hungry and unknowingly walked into this restaurant with friend. I came here for the buffet which was decently priced. I was disappointed that I could barely fit anymore after my first plate, but then I said it is still a very good deal especially, since I like Indian food and want to try it all. I should mention that they also have cocktails which were mostly $10 and under. Every time I arrive, there has not been a wait, and I find the service great. Plus, it close to the train station which definitely matters if you are going in the freezing cold. It is 17 degrees outside! One thing I wished was that it was open later than 10:30 pm!
Jackson Diner offers an non-stop, wear-sweatpants-to-lunch AYCE buffet from 11:30-4:30pm for $11.95. I love soul feeding conversations with good friends and dipping JD's fluffy naan into rich curry. We must have sat and ate for 3 hours. Very inexpensive lunch for the quantity.
Jackson Diner's best dishes were the creamy spinachy Saag Paneer with firm chunks of tofu, their crispy made-to-order Masala Dosa and the creamy cartilaginous Goat stew.
I had the Tandoori chicken, vindaloo, Chana Masala, Saag Paneer, Masala Dosa, Kheer Rice Pudding, Goat stew, and Naan.
Tip: Arrive around 11:30 or 12pm. It gets really busy around 2:30 and 3pm.
And the Kheer Rice was chewy broken-down-rice with a hint of cinnamon, making the rice pudding a slightly sweet dessert. Very nice way to end a 3 hour lunch.
Review solely reflects on their buffet lunch.
First of all, almost everything is great here for lunch. It will be easier to point out what I personally didn't like as much. The first item on that list would be the naan. Totally limp and unflavored. People who prefer soft bread would enjoy the mushy texture. I can see the argument for having the naan being under-flavored, since it will be dipped in the various sauces. But I like it being flavored and the sauces adding that extra different flavor (savory, curry, spicy, etc). The next item to nitpick on is the chicken tandoori. Way over cooked and tough imo. Flavor is excellent and the onion slices are grilled exceptionally, just sitting on the hot plate slowly being grilled (mix the onions into the various sauces).
Other than those two, everything else is excellent. The times I went, they always had goat (my favorite). On weekends, the difference in going at noon vs 1pm is huge. Goes from empty to being packed.
One of my Indian co-workers who lives in Queens told me to come here when I asked her for some Jackson Heights recommendations. The space is lofty and bigger than I expected. Quite the mixed crowd inside, which had me a little cautious at first for some reason. The menu is not huge, and seems a little watered down to be honest but there's some good picks. The food was better than expected. Although not the best you'll ever have, it's maybe above average. Unfortunately the service is not very existent here, but the food is still above average at least.
I actually liked their buffet! Ok, you have to come knowing that it's a buffet and alter your expectations to match. You can't expect the best Indian food of your life.
You can expect yummy Indian food of a wide variety. I especially liked the saag paneer and the make-your-own chaat. I liked, too, that they have kheer. It's a perfect way to end the meal (so save a bit of room in your stomach!).
It's not a bad deal for all-you-can eat, and it affords you the option of having a little bit of all of the most classic Indian dishes. It's not spicy, though – expect more northern style food.
Overall: I would definitely come back if I'm in the area and am both starving and indecisive.
This is iconic Jackson Heights… Of yesteryear. Food is bland – major spices missing. It's just not what it was decades ago. Or even 7-10 years ago.
Haveli in Kew Gardens is even a step up. That's my chosen average lunch buffet spot in Queens.
Overall – I'd say skip it if you have a desi palate. Even the achar was bland.