New York City Elmhurst, Corona, And Flushing

Tai Pan Bakery, 37-25 Main St., between 37th and 38th St. If you think you can't get anything worthwhile for a dollar, you need to visit Flushing's finest, the Tai Pan Bakery. You'll find stacks and stacks of pastries and small sandwiches, most of them for only a buck. A small coffee ($1) or a large coffee ($1.50) may be worth the splurge. Pastries come in all shapes and sizes, from the familiar danishes and sweet rolls, to the more exotic Roasted Pork Pineapple Bun. The bestseller is the egg custard tart. Pastries $1-3. Coffee $1-1.50. Cakes $12-22. Hot food $2.50-4.50. Open daily 7:30am-8:30pm. Does not take credit cards. Wheelchair access.
The Lemon Ice King of Corona, 52-02 108th St. For 65 years, the people of Queens have lined up year-round for a taste (or a large helping) of the Lemon Ice King's famous shaved ice. If lemon is not your thing, the king has plenty of other options to choose from including banana, chocolate, coffee, pistachio, rainbow. There are around 40 flavors total! Smaller sizes are traditionally eaten straight out of a paper cup, without the interference of a spoon. Shaved ice $1.50-3. Open daily 10am-midnight. Does not take credit cards. Wheelchair access.
Rincon Salvadoreño, 92-15 149th St., at Jamaica Ave. Just like eating in the rainforests of El Salvador..if rainforests were made of plastic. Even if the flowers and plants aren't real, you'll still be so struck by the vibrant colors of this restaurant that you'll find yourself reaching for your camera. The food matches the decor in its vibrant authenticity; savor tamales, plantains, enchiladas, and tortillas, and for those who have trouble deciding on one, they offer a variety of mixed plates ($8-11.50). $20 min. for credit cards. Small plates $0.50-3, larger plates $2.50-23. Beer $4-7. Wine $4. Open M-F 6am-11pm, Sa-Su 9am-11:30pm. Wheelchair access. Serves alcohol.
United Bros Fruit Market, 32-24 30th Ave. As you walk down 30th Ave. in Astoria, you will be confronted by mounds of beautiful fruits and vegetables, just waiting to be plucked from the stands. Exotic fruits like mangoes (2 for $1) and papayas ($2 per lb.), more run-of-the-mill produce such as broccoli ($2 per head) and apples ($1.49 each), it's all here and it's all ripe for the picking. The market is open 24hr., so whether you're just starting out or stumbling home from the bars, you can have delicious fruit whenever you want it. Bananas $0.79 per lb., apples $1.49 per lb, papaya $2 per lb., mangoes 2 for $1, quinces $3.49 per lb., sweet corn 5 for $2, broccoli $2 per head, potatoes $0.59 per lb., herbs $1-3 per bunch. Open 24 hr. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access.
Hing Long Supermarket, 41-22 Main St. If somebody blindfolded you and dropped you in the middle of this supermarket, you probably would have no idea you were still in the United States. Most of the signs are in Chinese, as is the majority of the conversation. This is the perfect place to get all of your favorite Asian treats—like mochi, pocky, and exotic produce—for low prices! Shrimp $4.29-6.69 per lb. Noodles $1-2 for 10-15oz. Produce $1.29-1.79 per lb. Mochi $1.59 for 7.4oz. Pocky $4 for 4.47oz. Open daily 7:30am-11pm. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access.
Kum Gang San, 138-28 Northern Blvd. (www.kumgangsan.net), Any hour of the day or night, you can find people at Kum Gang San enjoying their sushi (a la carte $2.50-$10, maki $9-$21), barbecues ($18-$50), or Gook (Korean soup, $11-12). The fun doesn't stop after you finish your meal either. Before they go, all guests receive a small dish of ice cream and a miniature piece of buttered corn on the cob. Appetizers $8-18. Entrees $11-50. Sushi maki $9-21. Wine $8-9. Mixed drinks $7-8. Open 24hr. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access. Has outdoor seating.
JuJu's Hot Spot, 135-14 Jamaica Ave. Stopping into JuJu's Hot Spot is like taking a quick Caribbean vacation. You can almost taste the beaches and sun in the curry shrimp ($10) and jerk chicken ($6-8). A favorite among regulars is the oxtail, served with rice and beans ($10). Try a homemade lemonade or ginger beer ($1.50-$2) with your tropical feast and end with some pineapple cake before heading back to the States. Breakfast $3-6. Entrees $6-12. Lunch special $3-5. Sides $.75-3. Juices $1.50-3.50. Open M-Sa 8:30am-10pm, Su 8:30am-7pm. Lunch special M-F 11:30am-2:30pm. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access.
Jackson Diner, 37-47 74th St., between 37th and 38th Ave. Not so much a diner as it is an Indian restaurant, this Jackson Heights restaurant specializes in Northern Indian cuisine such as Tandoori Chicken ($12) and Seekh Kabab ($15). The one exception to the Northern Indian spread, is the dosa (from $5), a rice flour pancake that hails from Southern India. At the lunch buffet ($10), you can watch the creation of these giant pancakes before your very eyes! “Indian Cocktails” such as the Mango Martini ($7.50) add a kick to any meal at the “diner.” Lunch buffet $10. Appetizers $4-10. Entrees $10-24. Desserts $4.50. Cocktails $6.50-8.50. Beer $5-8. Open M-Th 11:30am-10pm, F-Sa 11:30am-10:30pm, Su 11:30am-10pm. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access.
Uncle George's Greek Taverna, 33-19 Astoria Blvd., at 34th St. (www.unclegeorges.us), It is said that Uncle George himself proclaimed the need to, “Give them lots of good food for a low price!” As far as Greek restaurants in Astoria go, Uncle George definitely does give you a decent bang for your buck. Hits include the Gyro Platter ($8) and stuffed grape leaves. Appetizers $4-12. Entrees $8-$17.75. Wine carafe $3, half kilo $6, kilo $12. Beer $3.50-4.50. Open daily 24 hr. Does not take credit cards. Wheelchair access.
Elias Corner, 24-02 31st St. At Elias Corner, there are no menus: only a reputation for fresh, delectable seafood. As an appetizer, try an order of octopus or shrimp. Their most popular fish are the St. Peter's and Bronzini, followed closely by the Red Snapper. Eating on the patio, you can almost imagine that you are by the seaside enjoying the morning's catch. Salads $3-9. Appetizers $11-18. Seafood $17-29. Sides $4-6. Wine $5. Open dailly after 4pm-midnight. Does not take credit cards. Wheelchair access. Has outdoor seating.
Zorba's Souvlaki Plus, 29-05 23rd Ave. (www.zorbasnyc.com), They have souvlaki ($2.50-$5.50), tzatziki ($3), biftekia ($8.75), and the rest of your Greek favorites, and they have them cheap. But they also have hamburgers, wraps, panini, salads, soups, pizza, desserts, and breakfast, served all day. Let's give Zorba's a round of applause. Sandwiches, wraps, burgers $3.25-$8.75. Souvlaki $2.50-$5.50. Greek plates $8.75-$11.50. Breakfast $1-7. Salads $4-$8.50. Desserts $2-3. Open daily 11am-7pm. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access. Has outdoor seating.
Tournesol, 50-12 Vernon Blvd. (www.tournesolnyc.com), Not your typical French restaurant. Every dish served at this charming bistro, from the Grilled Calamares with Cucumber and Avocado Salad ($8.50) to the Duck Leg Confit with Plum Salad ($16), is a work of culinary art. The wine list is intimidating, to say the least, with an extensive array of wines from France and around the world. Monday through Wednesday, they offer a tempting prix-fixe menu featuring an appetizer, an entree, and a dessert. Appetizers $7.50-$12. Entrees $14-18. Daily specials $20-25. Brunch $7-15. Wine $7-15. Open M 5:30pm-11pm; Tu-Th 11:30am-3pm and 5:30pm-11pm; F 11:30am-3pm and 5:30pm-11:30pm; Sa 11am-3:30pm and 5:30pm-11:30pm; Su 11am-3:30pm and 5pm-10pm. Has outdoor seating.