Dine and Discover Queens: Francisco Diaz and Patrick H. Duong of Addictive Wine & Tappas

It’s “Dine and Discover Queens” time! “Dine and Discover Queens” is a monthly spotlight on some of the best restaurants around the borough! This month’s featured eatery is Addictive Wine and Tapas Bar, located at 32-64 87th Street in Jackson Heights. Francisco Diaz and Patrick H. Duong are the owners of the establishment. To learn more, go to https://addictivewinebar.com/

Can you share a bit about your restaurant journey in Queens?

Since opening in 2015 on 87th Street and Northern Blvd., we had been doing great until COVID hit in 2020. It was the most challenging time for restaurant owners. We closed for 6 months, but then we were fortunate to cook for World Central Kitchen (WCK) during those times to distribute meals to hospitals, clinics, fire departments, and WCK meal distribution sites. We cooked over 56,000 meals during the pandemic. This helped us keep our restaurant, keep our employees, and pay rent.

Are there any community events or initiatives in Queens that your restaurant has been part of? How do you get involved in the surrounding community?

We initiated a book exchange program in our wine shop back in 2017. Queens customers in both our restaurant and wine shop are encouraged to bring their used books in exchange for another book. We highly encourage reading. Last year, along with other participating restaurants, we traveled to Albany to cook for our State Senate. It was one of our most memorable moments.

Are there dishes or drinks that have become beloved by the Queens community, or anything on your menu you would like to highlight?

Last year, we produced two wines from Spain, Addictive CAVA and Addictive Tempranillo. Both wines are available at our wine shop and restaurants. In addition to being a chef, Francisco Diaz is also a sommelier. Both our wines have become the number-one sellers in Queens and Manhattan. Highlighted tapas are totortilla espanola, albondigas, salmon ahumado, and chorizo al vino. We also have a happy hour menu from 4 to 6 PM everyday. We host wine tastings at our wine shop on Fridays and Saturdays.