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83-38 Parsons Blvd
Jamaica, NY 11432
(718) 523-1381

Johns Pizzeria  

Category: Pizza
Neighborhood: Briarwood

4.0 star rating
11/26/2011
You know what's great? Pizza. You know what's better? Pizza actually made by Italians.

In a neighborhood with few pizzerias in the first place, few, if any, are actually staffed by Italians. John's is one of those few. Hell, to be honest, they not be Italian at all -- but let's pretend they are. Either way, they take pride in their craft.

Their regular slice isn't the best I've ever had, but that's not why I go. Their Sicilian and grandma slices are one of the best. Like Fritz P. said --the garlicness of the grandma slice is just right and hits the spot. While the Sicilian is large, hearty, and tastes delicious.

One of my primary concerns about moving back to the neighborhood I lived in while in college was food. When I moved back to Long Island after graduating, I had pretty good options. But since I've returned to Jamaica, several new business have popped up, places are getting renovated, old favorites are becoming new favorites, and I'm discovering new neighborhood haunts.

John's must have been recently renovated. Because I don't remember it being this snazzy 3 years ago when I lived in the neighborhood. That said, it looks great, and the pizza is awesome. You're not going to find a better pizzeria for miles. So, you might as well stop searching and stop by.

The one downside: For Christ's sake, please change the channel from NY 1. Who the hell watches that anyway?!

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16216 Union Turnpike
Fresh Meadows, NY 11366
(718) 380-2700

Cornerstone Diner  

Category: Diners
Neighborhoods: Hillcrest, Flushing

4.0 star rating
11/26/2011
I'm finding it fascinating that people have had bad experiences here. I live about a mile and half away and have made Cornerstone my Sunday brunch spot. Pathetic I know, but being from Long Island, I have a soft spot for diners.

Oh Imperial...how I miss you so.

But I digress. I've been coming here consistently since I moved back to the neighborhood -- after having lived only blocks away while in school. I think the prices are perfectly reasonable. I've had burgers, waffles, bacon, eggs, and corned beef hash several times. The food is good, the prices are fair, and the service is prompt.

I'm always catching up on football thanks to the dining room televisions, and the decor in the space is generally very nice.

Before Cornerstone, I had been frequenting a nearby diner called Avenita that has since been de-throned. Cornerstone's food is comparable in price and quality (if not better), the eating area is cleaner/updated, and to top it off, there's a parking garage underground.

Unless you have a car, you can't begin to understand how valuable a parking garage is for a restaurant in any of the boroughs. Again, being from Long Island -- and as someone who didn't get a license or a car unit he was 21 -- limited street parking is a new concept. So, not being hassled with parking makes Cornerstone all the better.

I've eaten at MANY diners. I recommend this one.

Listed in: My Neighborhood

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70 7th Ave
New York, NY 10011
(212) 255-7385

Asian Bistro  

Category: Asian Fusion
Neighborhood: Chelsea

3.0 star rating
11/26/2011
I don't know about this place. I had a mixed experience with them. I suppose the best way to sum it up is similar to what Bo L. left in their review: Food quality was good, but the service was mediocre.

That's not to say the service was bad. It was just okay. The food arrived at the table promptly, even though what was supposed to be a lunch takeout ended up turning into a sit-down -- thanks to the fine print of a Groupon I used.

I suppose it came down to feeling like I was being left out of the table by the waiter. My co-worker, who was paying in cash, was seemingly getting a little more attention than I was. He got his spring rolls ahead of me (even though my meal also came with spring rolls), and I felt he was generally more attentive to every other table. Again, not bad service. Just okay. I could have had a fluke experience.

That said, the food was brought out quickly, and tasted good. If you're looking for a good lunch deal in Chelsea, Asian Bistro isn't a bad choice.

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137 4th Ave
New York, NY 10003
(212) 677-7300

Dos Toros Taqueria  

Category: Mexican
Neighborhoods: Greenwich Village, Union Square, East Village

5.0 star rating
11/26/2011
I've been here twice. I'd say the first time was better than the second, since the shredded beef was juuuuuust salty enough. It was orgasmic. I'm a mexican food junkie, and I've got to say, this is probably one of the best burrito joints you can hit up in Manhattan.

It's super small, and probably packed with NYU students during the day -- but if you have a partner-in-crime, and are strategic about scoping out the seating situation, you'll nab a table.

If you're reading this review and Dos Toros is even an option, end your search and start here. You won't be disappointed. I'm telling you. Best burritos EVAR!

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162-16 Union Tpke
Flushing, NY 11366
(718) 591-0333

New Tokyo  

Category: Japanese
Neighborhoods: Utopia, Hillcrest, Flushing

4.0 star rating
11/26/2011
I used to live in this neighborhood when I was in college. At the time, the building complex that this quick-eatin' sushi spot resides in was still being built. I have since moved back to the neighborhood (Can't you tell I loved school that much...?) and decided to try out New Tokyo.

As the previous reviewer said, it's a small spot. And don't go in expecting a whole lot of fan-fare. It's sparse, with about four eat-in tables. Realistically, this is a take-out joint, which serves the need I have for it. Having a car is a godsend.

I'm not going to say that it's the best sushi spot I've ever had. And you can easily see that they don't take hours preparing each roll. I wanted a sushi fix, and I wanted it fast. They delivered. I've had the Spicy Dragon Roll, and some other one that I'm failing to remember. Nevertheless, I wasn't disappointed.

For a neighborhood sushi spot in Jamaica/Flushing, that's quick on service, cheap on prices, and hits the spot, I can't think of a better option.

I haven't had it, but the Lunch Special looks like a great deal.

Listed in: My Neighborhood

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248 W 35th St
New York City, NY 10001
(212) 920-4833

LaptopMD  

Categories: IT Services & Computer Repair, Electronics Repair
Neighborhood: Midtown West

5.0 star rating
3/29/2011
I just left this place after having to get my cracked iPhone 3GS screen replaced. After mentioning Yelp (a special they have that's also being offered if you check-in on Foursquare) I received 10% off the $59 repair. Though, after tax, I spent nearly $60 anyway. Regardless, it's the best price that I've seen by far, and beats the hell out of Apple's reportedly $99-$200 (depending on who you talk to).

The wait time was short, about 15 minutes, and the transaction was smooth. I was in, out, and back on the train to Long Island in no time. Which reminds me of how conveniently located it is: Right down the street from Penn Station.

I can't speak much to their computer repairs, but if their iPhone repairs are any indication, then they probably won't disappoint.

I highly recommend them.

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E 4th St at Broadway
New York, NY 10012
(212) 228-7000

Blink Fitness  

Category: Gyms
Neighborhoods: Greenwich Village, NoHo

4.0 star rating
3/28/2011 1 photo
I'm only on the 2-day trial right now, but they've already got me sold. I plan to sign up for a membership this week. I currently belong to what is probably the nicest Dolphin Fitness location in the "network", out in Rockville Centre. And even that doesn't hold a candle to this place.

I don't go to the gym for classes or towel service (something Dolphin doesn't provide anyway). That said, Blink is perfect for me. It gives me everything I need and nothing I don't use. It's the perfect situation, and it has the price to match. I'm moving out of Long Island and closer to the city soon, so I was going to have to quit Dolphin eventually anyway. I thought I was getting a good deal at $25/month when I signed up nearly two years ago, and was dreading having to shell out $90/month for a passport membership to NYSC. When I remembered Blink, I didn't hesitate to try it out.

The price may be cheap at $20/month, but the equipment is not. I was pleased to find state of the art cardio and weight lifting machines (at least in comparison to Dolphin), and a chic modern design that resonated with the closet interior designer in me. I won't rehash everything the other reviewers said (iPod hookups, TVs, etc.), but I will say that there is good reason for all the complaints about the locker room. It IS tiny. When I arrived at about 7:45, the guys in the locker room were practically on top of each other. The locker room situation probably could have been thought out a little better, but I suppose it's better to have more floor space.

Despite coming in during "peak hours", there were quite a few treadmills still available, which was a great sign. I get the impression that this place can get pretty packed, but thankfully the earliest I'd be getting there would be well into the peak times.

By and large, this is a great gym. It's cheap. It's chic. And it's new. Perhaps I'm speaking from a pauper's perspective, having only experienced my one gym on long island, but something just feels right about Blink to me.

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133 B W Sunrise Hwy
Freeport, NY 11520
(516) 442-2668

IHOP  

Categories: Diners, Breakfast & Brunch

3.0 star rating
1/24/2010 1 photo First to Review
IHOP is IHOP. There's certainly nothing wrong with this location and the food isn't bad at all. Why isn't it four stars then? Well, that would put it on par with some of the other restaurants I've left reviews for that had four stars, and I don't come away with the same orgasmic feeling that I do when I leave those places.

The food itself is what you'd expect from any other IHOP: satisfying. I happen to be a fan because it's good, affordable food and the hot chocolate is a sugary cup of awesomeness. That, and they opened this new location a block from my home. So, I can walk on over whenever I feel like.

Don't go if you're expecting the most amazing cuisine of your life. But if you're looking to fill your belly, and leave with a smile on your face, all at a reasonable price, this'll do the trick.

Being as this is a brand new location (at the time of this review), the interior is still very clean and the staff is especially friendly. Though, it's weird being served by people I went to high school with. I expect the service quality to drop after a year, when they're old news. Though, I sincerely hope the interior doesn't become unbearably depressing like the Valley Stream location.

The hours, however, could be later in order to better compete with another late-night eatery in town, Imperial Diner, which is a longtime favorite of Freeport's denizens. I'm curious to see how the two, who are within walking distance of one another, will affect each other's business. It's the story of David and Goliath.

The inclusion of a calorie conscious menu (IHOP for Me) is also a godsend in a place like this.

All-in-all, it's IHOP. If you've had it once, you've had it a million times. If you aren't a fan of the House of Pancakes, this location isn't going to change your mind. But if it was a childhood favorite, like it was for me, then it won't disappoint.

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313 Merrick Rd
Rockville Centre, NY 11570
(516) 678-6710

Panera Bread  

Category: Bakeries

4.0 star rating
1/21/2010 1 Check-in Here First to Review
As far as fast food sandwiches spots are concerned, Panera's easily the best. Even the comparable Cosi, which seems to be a Manhattan exclusive, doesn't hold a candle to the food at Panera.

Sure, It's a little on the pricey side if you're used to getting your used to getting your sandwiches at your local deli, but it's not without good reason. The ingredients are fresh and the service is friendly. Not to mention the wifi is free.

There's a Starbucks and Quiznos on the next block, but I'd never think of going there instead.

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8128 Lefferts Blvd
Kew Gardens, NY 11415
(718) 846-2849

Dani's House of Pizza  

Categories: Pizza, Italian
Neighborhood: Kew Gardens

5.0 star rating
1/15/2010
Dani's is not for everyone. But it's definitely for me. The reason I say that is because not everyone will like the pizza sauce. I happen to LOVE sweet sauce. I actually add a good amount of sugar to my sauce when I make pasta at home. That said, Dani's was a godsend for someone like me. The sauce is so sweet it's hard not to inhale the slices.

That leads me to the point that acts as a double-edged sword. The slices, are pretty light and airy. Even the Sicilian slices, which is what I got. I downed three slices before I was satisfied. This can come as a good thing to those who don't want really heavy pizza weighing them down as they walk out the door, but it also means more money out of your pocket if you're looking for a filling meal.

Thankfully, the prices are very competitive. It's hard to find affordable pizza these days, and for a place to still charge $2 a slice (both regular and Sicilian) is great. According to a sign I read inside, it's even cheaper on Wednesdays ($1.50).

If you're a fan of sweet pasta sauce, Dani's is the place to go! Highly recommended!

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1 List

My Neighborhood

My local diner, sushi spot, cafe, pizza joint,…
1.  Cornerstone Diner
I'm finding it…
2.  New Tokyo
I used to live in this…
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"Cabin Fever's a Bitch"

Review votes:
34 Useful, 5 Funny, and 10 Cool

Location

Jamaica, Queens, NY

Yelping Since

August 2008

Things I Love

cheeseburgers, italian food, hip-hop, R&B, my iPhone, my Mac, technology, burritos, Mexican food, watching movies

Find Me In

Queens, Chelsea, Lower East Side

My Hometown

Freeport, NY

My Blog Or Website

http://www.rockmeamade...

When I'm Not Yelping...

I'm writing witty copy.

Why You Should Read My Reviews

because I'm smarter than you

My Second Favorite Website

http://www.macrumors.com

My First Concert

Linkin Park

My Favorite Movie

Gladiator

My Last Meal On Earth

Meatloaf

Don't Tell Anyone Else But...

I kinda cheated on my SATs

Most Recent Discovery

Avenita's been de-throned as my favorite neighborhood diner.

Current Crush

Nonya Bisnis