969 NYC Coffee

For New Yorkers seeking an authentic taste of Japan beyond the conventional, 969 NYC Coffee in Jackson Heights stands out as a delightful discovery. Far more than just a coffee shop, this hidden gem offers a unique blend of Japanese culinary delights, from incredibly flavorful ramen and savory onigirazu to a variety of healthy and hearty options. It's a place where the passion for Japanese cuisine shines through in every dish, earning it enthusiastic recommendations from those who've experienced its charm.

What truly sets 969 NYC Coffee apart is the evident "love in the food," as noted by patrons. From the rich, robust broth of their pork ramen, packed with fresh vegetables and tender pork, to their unique "sushi sandwiches" (onigirazu), every item on the menu promises a memorable experience. While it operates as a small, often one-man show, the dedication to quality and flavor is undeniable, making it a highly recommended spot for those with time to savor a genuinely delicious Japanese meal in Queens.

969 NYC Coffee is conveniently located at 3761 80th St, Jackson Heights, NY 11372, USA. This address places it within the bustling and culturally rich neighborhood of Jackson Heights, Queens. The area is well-connected by New York City's public transportation system, making it highly accessible for residents across the boroughs. The Roosevelt Avenue/Jackson Heights subway station, serving the E, F, M, R, and 7 trains, is a major transit hub, providing easy access to the restaurant. Numerous local bus routes also serve the vicinity, ensuring convenience for patrons.

Situated on 80th Street, the cafe offers a cozy and inviting presence in a vibrant part of Jackson Heights. While it's a fantastic spot for an in-person visit, 969 NYC Coffee also caters to the busy New York lifestyle with convenient takeout options. Although direct online ordering through proprietary platforms isn't explicitly detailed, the nature of many Japanese cafes and the "grab and go" appeal of their signature items like onigirazu suggest it's designed for efficient service for those on the move.

969 NYC Coffee offers a diverse menu that goes beyond typical coffee shop fare, focusing on authentic Japanese comfort food and unique culinary creations. Their offerings are designed to be both delicious and satisfying, with a focus on fresh ingredients. Key services and menu categories include:

• Authentic Ramen: A standout feature, particularly their pork ramen ("Tokosu Ramen"), praised for its extremely flavorful broth, perfectly cooked noodles, and generous portions of tender pork, bamboo shoots, scallions, and a half egg.
• Onigirazu (Japanese Rice Sandwiches): A local claim to fame, these "sushi sandwiches" feature pressed vinegared sushi rice wholly wrapped by nori (seaweed) instead of bread, with a dozen or more delicious fillings like chicken or pork tonkatsu, corned beef, spam, mango with avocado, corn croquette, and various seafood options including fried oyster and soft-shell crab.
• Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls): Traditional Japanese rice balls, molded into charming shapes (sometimes hearts, symbolizing the owner's love for NYC), filled with savory ingredients like salmon salad, kimchi pork, and chicken teriyaki.
• Lunch Specials: Affordable and hearty lunch options including Tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) with salad and rice, Chicken Katsu, Corn Croquette, Cream Croquette, Spicy Chicken, and Spicy Pork, typically served with rice.
• Sushi Rolls: A selection of classic sushi rolls such as Salmon Avocado Roll, Spicy Tuna Avocado Roll, Eel Avocado Roll, and California Roll, as well as unique options like "Special Fish Roll" and the "Oda Special" (Inaris with shrimp/salad).
• Japanese Teas & Coffee: A full range of hot and iced coffee beverages, including espresso, latte, cappuccino, and mocha, alongside a wide selection of Japanese teas like Sencha, Matcha, Genmaicha (roasted brown rice green tea), Ginger Lemon Honey tea, and Jasmine tea.
• Healthy Options & Salads: The menu includes a variety of healthy food options and fresh salads such as Edamame Salad, Kinpira Salad, and Seaweed Salad.
• Other Japanese Dishes: Additional offerings include Yakisoba, Chicken Fried Rice, and Japanese Curry.
• Hand-Held Snacks: Portable snacks like chicken and pork sandwiches, distinctively wrapped in rice and seaweed.
• Dine-In Option: The cafe offers a cozy and inviting space for customers to sit and enjoy their meals, making it suitable for casual dining.
• Takeout Service: Designed for convenience, the "grab and go" nature of many items makes it an excellent spot for quick pickups.

969 NYC Coffee possesses several distinctive features that make it a compelling destination for New Yorkers seeking authentic Japanese flavors:

• "Amazing Food" with Flavorful Ramen: Consistently praised for the high quality and intense flavor of its food, particularly the pork ramen with its rich broth and fresh ingredients.
• Unique Onigirazu Selection: Their "onigirazu," or sushi sandwiches, are a local specialty and a major draw, offering a diverse range of fillings and a unique, portable dining experience.
• Variety of Healthy Options: Customers appreciate the availability of healthy food options, including fresh vegetables in their ramen and diverse salads.
• Authentic Japanese Owner: Owned and often operated by Mitsumine Oda, who brings years of experience from high-end Tokyo restaurants, ensuring authenticity and a personal touch.
• Cozy and Inviting Atmosphere: Described as a "cozy cafe" with a "welcoming ambiance," it provides a comfortable setting for enjoying a meal or a coffee.
• "Taste the Love in the Food": This sentiment from a customer review perfectly encapsulates the passion and care put into each dish, making the dining experience truly special.
• Excellent Beverage Selection: Beyond Japanese food, they offer a wide array of coffee and Japanese teas, including various matcha options, catering to diverse drink preferences.
• Affordable Lunch Specials: Their lunch menu features popular dishes like Tonkatsu and Chicken Katsu at very reasonable prices, offering great value.

While 969 NYC Coffee is known for its already accessible pricing and generous portions, they also offer specific deals to enhance value for their customers. As promotions can be seasonal or vary, it's always best to check directly. However, based on available information, potential promotions include:

• Happy Hour Specials: The restaurant website mentions "Happy Hour Specials," suggesting opportunities for discounted beverages or select food items during specific hours.
• Affordable Lunch Specials: Their dedicated lunch menu items, such as Tonkatsu or Chicken Katsu with salad and rice for $5.00, are inherently promotional due to their excellent value.
• Combo Deals: While not explicitly stated as "promotions," the variety of their menu, especially with onigirazu and sushi rolls at competitive prices, encourages customers to create their own value combos.
• In-Store Promotions: As a smaller, owner-operated establishment, there might be unadvertised in-store specials or daily deals that regulars discover.

For the most current information on any promotions or specials, New Yorkers are encouraged to visit the cafe, check their social media if available, or call them directly.

To experience the delicious food and welcoming atmosphere of 969 NYC Coffee, here’s how you can reach them:

Address: 3761 80th St, Jackson Heights, NY 11372, USA

Phone: (646) 203-7304

969 NYC Coffee is an exceptional and highly suitable spot for New Yorkers, particularly those in the Jackson Heights area, who are looking for authentic, delicious, and well-priced Japanese food. Its dual identity as a Japanese cafe and a culinary hidden gem allows it to cater to a wide range of needs – from a quick, satisfying "grab and go" onigirazu to a flavorful ramen meal for a leisurely lunch or dinner. The consistent praise for the "amazing food," particularly the rich ramen and unique onigirazu, highlights its culinary excellence.

While some customers note a potential wait time due to it being a smaller establishment, the consensus is that the quality and taste of the food are well worth it, embodying the "taste the love in the food" sentiment. This spot is perfect for busy New Yorkers who appreciate quality ingredients and authentic flavors, delivered with a personal touch. Its accessible location in Jackson Heights makes it a convenient and highly recommended destination for anyone craving a genuine Japanese culinary experience.

969 NYC Coffee

3761 80th St, Jackson Heights, NY 11372, USA