Despite the challenges that COVID-19 brought upon the food industry, restaurants continue to pop up on or near Bayside’s Bell Boulevard, which has become known for its endless culinary options.
Earlier this year, locals have witnessed the launch of several eateries including Neptune Diner, Belly Pancake House and Jongro Rice Hotdog. Since then, more restaurants have cropped up on the scene and others plan for openings later this year.
SoBol, 39-22 Bell Blvd.
This açaí bowl chain opened its Bayside location on July 14, 2021, and kicked off its first day with free açaí bowls. SoBol started in 2014 and sells açaí and pitaya bowls, green bowls and fruit smoothies, promoting its message that “eating healthier alternatives should never be a chore.”
Açaí berries (pronounced AH-sigh-EE) grow on an eponymous palm tree native to South America and the the Caribbean. Before becoming popular, the fruit was a staple around the Amazon river delta for centuries.
The Bayside outpost joins two existing Queens locations in Bay Terrace and Astoria and is one of nine stores in New York.
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The Lazy Cow, 42-07 Bell Blvd.
This new gastropub had a soft opening on July 14 of this year and by August, was named one of the hottest new Queens restaurants by Eater.
Its menu boasts a combination of bar favorites elevated by ingredients like black truffle, caviar, bone marrow and burrata. The inside of the restaurant is adorned with eclectic bovine artwork, elegant chandeliers and marble table tops.
The Lazy Cow’s official opening weekend is on Friday, Aug. 20, and Saturday, Aug. 21. Customers must show proof of vaccination at the door for indoor dining but the restaurant’s outdoor patio is available for all diners. Patrons will also get one free drink with purchase.
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Kyura Men, 38-35 Bell Blvd.
This ramen chain with locations in Asia and the United States is set to open on Bell Boulevard in September. The Bayside location joins two other New York City-based shops in Flushing and Union Square and will serve as the company’s flagship location in North America.
Kyura Men in Bayside will be operated by Gary Lin, owner and franchisee for the company in North America. The company also plans to expand to Long Island City this month.
The restaurant offers variations on the classic Japanese noodle dish, appetizers like gyoza and popcorn chicken and also bubble teas, smoothies and juices through TBaar.
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Tacuba, 213-41 39th Ave.
The Bayside outpost of Tacuba is set to open just off of Bell Boulevard and joins two other New York City locations in Astoria and Hell’s Kitchen.
This Mexican cantina is a joint venture between chef Julian Medina and partners Louis Skibar and Brian Sobhan. Medina and Skibar are known for opening up eateries like Coppelia, El Fish Shack and Toloache, which make up the Toloache Restaurant Group.
Gotham Mag reported that Tacuba Bayside is set to open in November at the site of the now-closed Aperitif Bistro. The restaurant’s menu will reflect the menus of its sister stores, serving up a range of tacos with handmade tortillas, tortas and classic Mexican entrees.
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