Get to Know Jamaica
The commercial hub of Southeast Queens, Jamaica’s namesake evolved from the word Yameco meaning "beaver" in the language spoken by the Lenape, the Native Americans who lived in the area at the time of first European contact. Its main commercial thoroughfare, Jamaica Avenue, has changed over time but never shifted from its role as the heart of Jamaica.
Once a major Native American and early settler trade route, it is now a vibrant cultural and commerce destination where popular retailers like H&M, Starbucks, and Burlington Coat Factory rub shoulders with independent small businesses such as New York City’s oldest bicycle store Belletti Bikes and black and women-owned businesses such as Make Me Over Beauty Bar, reggae music destination VP Records, and Rincón Salvadoreño restaurant, one of dozens of delicious Salvadorean restaurants.
In the aftermath of a comprehensive rezoning in 2007 and several other exciting economic development initiatives, including the construction of multiple new hotels, restaurants, and mixed-use apartment buildings, there is an exciting modern element to Jamaica’s skyline, complementing longstanding historical treasures including King Manor Museum, Jamaica Center for the Arts, Jamaica Performing Arts Center and the Grace Episcopal Church. CUNY’s esteemed York College and several government and nonprofit offices add to Jamaica’s daytime worker population. Residents are diverse, but like elsewhere Southeast Queens, the base is primarily African-American.
Get there: The Jamaica Center: Parsons/Archer station is where the E, J, and Z trains meet various bus lines. The Jamaica stop on the LIRR is nearby and connects to both midtown Manhattan and Atlantic Ave in Brooklyn. Jamaica Station also serves the AirTrain to and from nearby John F. Kennedy International Airport.
The Black Spectrum Theatre Company presents plays relating to the African Diaspora with an emphasis on the African-American and Caribbean-American experiences. Its 325-seat theater is located within Roy Wilkins Park. Address: 177th Street and Baisley Boulevard; www.blackspectrum.com.
Black Spectrum Theater Company
Jamaica Center for the Arts & Learning “JCAL”, and its sister organization, the Jamaica Performing Arts Center “JPAC” offer a variety of classes and workshops (art, dance and more) for the community, two free-admission galleries with rotating art exhibitions (JCAL), several community cultural festivals, including, but not limited to: Jazz Fest and the Queens International Children’s Festival, and a multifunctional, state-of-the-art, 400-seat theater that hosts everything from concerts to fashion shows to galas (JPAC). Addresses: JCAL is located at 161-4 Jamaica Ave | www.jcal.org & JPAC is at153-10 Jamaica Ave | https://www.jamaicapac.org/.
King Manor Museum and Rufus King Park:
Rufus King (1755 - 1827) was a framer and signer of the United States Constitution, a U.S. Senator, and a passionate anti-slavery advocate throughout his life. He and his family lived at King Manor for over three generations, developing it as a successful 160-acre working farm. Today, King Manor is a historic house museum located inside the 11.5 acre Rufus King Park dedicated to preserving and interpreting King’s legacy and early American life in Jamaica, Queens through annual festivals, family programming, concerts, and workshops. Admission to the must-see museum is free! https://www.kingmanor.org/
Resorts World Casino New York City is the first and only gaming and entertainment destination in the five boroughs with more than 6,500 games on three separate levels, including slots, video poker, roulette and electronic table games. The venue also features world-class entertainment and fine dining. Bus access to the Address: 110-00 Rockaway Blvd; www.rwnewyork.com.
Where to Eat:
A CHURRASQUEIRA - 9529 Sutphin Blvd -
718.523.5293 | achurrasqueira.com
Portuguese fare and drinks in a warm, intimate space with frequent live music.
Clams at A Churrasqueira
EL COMAL - 148-60 Hillside Ave -
A traditional Salvadoran restaurant that makes homemade, griddle-cooked Pupusas, made from a thick corn tortilla that can be stuffed with different things such as beans, cheese, pork, or other fillings.
HALALBEE'S - 182-26 Hillside Avenue -
718.559.0111 | halalbeesburgers.com
Organic gourmet burgers, sides and shakes. Shakes to die for. All halal.
and the Nourish spot—definitely highlight this one too—black and female owned. https://www.instagram.com/thenourishspot/?hl=en
NURIAÂS - 13816 Jamaica Ave -
718.206.2181 | nuriasrestaurant.com
The best in Queens for cheap Salvadorean eats.
O LAVRADOR - 138-40 101st Ave -
718.526.1526 | olavradorrestaurant.com
Traditional Portuguese cuisine served in roomy surrounds with mosaics, marble arches and a cozy bar.
Rincón Salvadoreño - 92-15 149th St -
718.526.3220 | rinconsalvadorenojamaica.com
The best pupusas in town with the first Salvadorean restaurant to open in New York City. Homemade and made to order every time.
Sybil’s Bakery - 159 - 24 Hillside Avenue -
718.297.2359 | sybilsbakerynyc.com
One of the first establishments to cater to the needs of a fast-rising Guyanese and Caribbean presence in New York with patties and meat pies
THE DOOR - 16307 Baisley Blvd -
Upscale establishment turning out jerk chicken, oxtail, escovitch and other Jamaican specialties.
More Info:
The Jamaica Center Business Improvement District “BID”, Sutphin Boulevard BID, and 165th Street Association all offer comprehensive dining and shopping directories on their websites for those wishing to explore the neighborhood at greater depth.