The Queens Kickshaw
“cappaccino made right, grilled gouda black bean sandwiches, best secret vegetarian shop unknown to anyone until they do.”
“This is hipster hive central but what they're pouring is the real deal in terms of coffee.”
“The prices are high for the area, but worth it for locally sources ingredients – including delicious cider and craft beers.”
The Queens Kickshaw
Takes Reservations: Yes
Delivery: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: 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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Cute, friendly, and popping place. I'm not sure if it's always that busy or if they were extra busy because they were just featured on the Food Network Snapchat Discover story the day before. I was super excited to try the Gouda, an ooey gooey, fancy grilled cheese, but it did take almost an hour for it to come. After about 30 minutes after ordering, I was server a grilled cheese, but not the one I ordered. So I had to wait a little longer! It was delicious and the mini salad complimented it perfectly. Everyone was so nice and compensated for my time by offering my grilled cheese as complimentary. Good place! Maybe just best to go when they're not so busy.
I don't get it. And I kind of suspected I wasn't going to get it, but heard about the new menu (burrata with an egg in it?!) and had to give it a shot.
The egg in the burrata is a magic trick, it looks impressive. But I did not enjoy eating it. I expected the egg to be slightly runny but the yolk was more solidified than not. The entire thing came with two very crunchy pieces of bread and dressed greens, everything in a bowl. I didn't like trying to eat a hunk of burrata with greens, I really feel all it needs with it is a nice loaf of bread. Everything was covered in overpowering lime and dill, I didn't think those flavors did the cheese any favors. But the burrata itself was the thing I struggled with the most…this was not creamy, it was not spreadable. It was gummy and tough.
Since they're known for their grilled cheese though I decided to try that: gruyere with caramelized pickled onions and dijon. I have never had an onion that was both caramelized and picked before, and I don't think I ever want to again. The sweetness and that brine just create something that does not mesh.
The service was top notch, I absolutely loved my bartender who answered all of my questions and was very friendly.
My first thought when I was looking over the menu was, "I wish Boston had a place like this." I am incredibly grateful that I was able to visit The Queens Kickshaw recently while visiting… I know some people have commented on the vegetarian only brunch fare, however, this is my dream. I hesitate to write this, but we didn't have to wait…for Sunday brunch… in NY.
No wait + yummy brunch + vegetarian spot = heartthrob
One note is that someone in our party ordered a Michelada and not impressed. She was unable to finish it. I glanced around the place as we were leaving and noticed many other glasses of the stuff had been barely touched. Though it is not my personal experience, based on the recommendation of my friend, perhaps order a different cocktail!
I've been here twice now, both times with co-workers. Once it was for lunch in the middle of winter. I remember we all had a grilled cheese and tomato soup and NOTHING hits the spot more than that when there's multiple feet of snow on the ground. I also came here for drinks with co-workers as one of us was departing and their beer selection is incredible. From what I've heard, this is the same owners as Wassail in Manhattan and that totally makes sense. I love the feel of this place and how it's seamlessly a coffee shop, with people dispersed throughout the place quietly reading and working and an amazing beer bar. It fits whatever you need, for any weather, any time of day.
5 star + bonus haiku:
whisper in my ear
the delicate delights of
asian fusion fare
this place is gorgeous to look at (if you like the comfy rustic posh aesthetic) and is filled with nice people who radiate job satisfaction and genuine professionalism.
now that i have dairy and gluten sensitivities (bigggg bummer yelp pals!), i am so thankful for the variety that nyc offers. this place is delightful, chill, relaxing, and yummers!!
vegetarian (not vegan) and super generous & thoughtful in addressing my food probs.
my meal:
— the japanese plum popcorn is subtle and wonderful.
— chili mead from south africa: wow! i balked at the price but then saw the glass. a decent price consider this is huge (it's like a goblet… or my hands are tiny. i mean, both points accurate, really. lol)
— modified gouda grilled cheese… gluten free bread + swap the gouda for grilled japaenese pickled egg!
— orange rosemary olives are so soft and succulent and perfect!
BONUS: i see lots of outlets which make me think this place would be great for an afternoon coffee + snack computing session. annnnnd coat/bag hooks at the wooden bar seats (such a thoughtful addition for customers!)
def recommend this place for people who want to treat themselves to a casual but fancy self-date!
Had the pleasure of coming here about 5 years ago when friends of my then boyfriend opened up the Queens Kickshaw. I was impressed then with the gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, cold brewed coffee, and delicious desserts. I was particularly in love with owner Ben's bread pudding. I don't normally like bread pudding but I craved for this bread pudding because it was soft, moist, and not too sweet. They also made really good matcha beverages with real matcha powder.
Fast forward to 2016, we were dining in Astoria and decided to come to QK for dessert. There were 2 options for dessert: chocolate pudding with Mast brothers Madagascar dark chocolate, whipped cream and crispy feulletine pieces, and the Hibiscus cheesecake with a sliced strawberry and hibiscus sauce with a delicious graham/nut crumb in a Ball mason jar. Both were delicious and with the $7 paid for each. Sadly they no longer have the bread pudding on the menu.
If I lived in NYC, I would be going to QK more regularly for their comfort food, great drinks, and atmosphere.
(25/100)
Finally made it here to try the grilled cheeses. Delicious… and they just added some mushroom shoyu based ramen to the menu.
Everything on the menu is totally vegetarian, which doesn't seem to be billed anywhere. It was surprisingly good but damn I was hoping for some pork or some beef in something.
The Queens Kickshaw is a trendy, modern and cozy restaurant in Astoria. Take the N/Q train to Broadway in Astoria and walk 5 minutes to get here.
It's a beautiful restaurant and great for nice lunches and brunches. The food comes out very lovely and insta-worthy if that's your thing.
I got the gouda grilled cheese for $11. It was delicious and used funky ingredients like jalapeno vinagrette and guava jam. The entrees are not heavy, so if you're particularly hungry or wanting to go all-out, I'd recommend getting a couple appetizers for the table. It gets loud at The Queens Kickshaw, so I wouldn't recommend it for a quiet meal.