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Catch up on 8 newly opened restaurants in Queens this weekend

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Photo by John Demato/johndemato.com

Several new restaurants have popped up in Queens and whether you’re looking for a burger and fries or traditional Japanese tea and dessert, the “World’s Borough” has many options for curious diners.

Take a look at some dining options that have emerged in the last few months:

  • Flattopps, 33-06 Ditmars Blvd.

Flattopps, a new restaurant in Astoria from the same owners as Queens Comfort, is offering plates with a hip-hop-themed menu. The Gucci Mane Burger, named after the rapper who released multiple records during his two-year prison term, includes a beef patty with raspberry jam, Cap’n Crunch-crusted bacon, Gruyere and French toast brioche.

Other options include the Murda Burger, Pastrami Bombs, apricot short rib sliders and the Fat Beets burger. Though the restaurant won’t officially open until July 16th, a soft-opening took place two weeks ago and the restaurant is open most days from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Yelp/Mike C.
Photo courtesy of Yelp/Mike C.
  • Sol Bar & Grill, 40-09 Bell Blvd.

Are you ready to add some spice to your life? Sol Bar & Grill will open on June 25 in Bayside and will offer hors d’oeuvres, tortas and tacos. Patrons will also be able to visit one of Sol’s two bars to sip on a cool Mojito or a glass of tap wine. Burn off those food calories by getting down on the dance floor at the upstairs Luna Lounge, where a DJ will blast upbeat music.

Photo courtesy of Sol Bar & Grill Facebook page
Photo courtesy of Sol Bar & Grill Facebook page
  • The Bad Old Days, 1684 Woodbine Ave.

Though this new joint in Ridgewood is a bar, The Bad Old Days serves the best pulled pork, according to regulars. Wings and vegetarian options like black bean tacos and chickpea sliders are also available. The decor includes rows of books, shelves of knickknacks, cozy couches, a faux fireplace and a friendly crew of regulars.

All photos: Maria Gotay/QNS
Photo courtesy of Maria Gotay/QNS
  • The Breakfast Shack, 30th Ave. corner of Athens Square Park

If you’re looking for something a little different than the traditional brick-and-mortar breakfast stop, visit The Breakfast Shack, a food truck that opened on June 20th.

Joe DeMato, a Bayside native, is bringing his version of breakfast and brunch to Astoria’s Athens Square Park in a food truck serving everything from staples like pancakes, omelettes, French toast and home fries, to specialty items such as bourbon-braised short ribs over cheesy jalapeno grits.

  • Tornado Crepes, 1808 Weirfield St.

If you’re crazy for crepes, Tornado Crepes in Ridgewood will satisfy your craving. Savory or sweet, Tornado Crepe’s menu is full of tempting options for a treat or full meal.

From the sweet side, favorites include The Tornado (crushed Oreos, marshmallow, banana, chocolate ice cream and syrup), The Red Mango (fresh strawberries and raspberries, strawberry ice cream and mango syrup) and Purple Rain (blueberries and strawberry with vanilla ice cream, blueberry syrup and almonds).

The savory offerings include The Shrimp Avocado (shrimp, avocado, spinach, carrots and edamame), The Sausage (sliced sausage, spinach, carrots, corn and avocado) and The Vegetarian (avocado, spinach, carrots, edamame, corn and sesame dressing).

Photo by Maria Gotay/QNS
Photo by Maria Gotay/QNS
  • Mayanoki, 41-26 27th St. 

This pop-up sushi restaurant in Long Island City is emphasizing responsible fishing as it focuses on serving serving sustainable and local sushi. Mayanoki was started in 2012 by friends David Torchiano, an Astoria resident, and Josh Arak.

You will not find farm-raised tuna or salmon at Mayanoki, but you will find arctic char, striped bass, amberjack, oysters, squid and uni. Torchiano buys the fish from purveyors such as Greenpoint Fish & Lobster Co. and The Lobster Place in Chelsea Market.

Reservations are made in advance and a $75 ticket includes 12 or 13 courses served nigiri-style and a glass of wine or saki. The pop-up follows an omakase format, which means customers will not choose from a menu but rather be served selections by Chef Mitsuru.

Photo courtesy of Mayanoki
Photo courtesy of Mayanoki
  • Nippon Cha, 39-34 Bell Blvd. 

Are your taste buds tingling for authentic Japanese matcha tea and dessert? Nippon Cha in Bayside offers several varieties of matcha, an organic ground powder of carefully grown and processed green tea. To satisfy your sweet tooth, their desserts will include matcha rice-flour dumpling parfaits, matcha ice cream, cheesecake and chocolate. Soups and tofu are also available, but udon is for eat-in only.

Photo courtesy of Nippon Cha
Photo courtesy of Nippon Cha
  • Shake Shack, 71-26 Austin St.

The fourth Queens location of the popular burger eatery Shake Shack opened in Forest Hills last month.

In addition to Shake Shack classics, the Forest Hills location offers three frozen custard concretes called Queens Bee (vanilla custard, marshmallow sauce, Liddabit Sweets honeycomb candy and strawberry purée), Hill of Beans (vanilla custard, Stumptown coffee beans, salted caramel sauce, chocolate truffle cookie dough and chocolate sprinkles) and the Austin Street Treat (chocolate custard, peanut butter sauce, sugar cone cookie and banana).

Several drink options are also offered, including Brooklyn Brewery ShackMeister® Ale, Blue Point, Captain Lawrence, Ithaca Beer Co. as well as Shack-exclusive Shack Red® and Shack White® wine.

Photo courtesy of Shake Shack
Photo courtesy of Shake Shack