Jackson Diner

7/30/2016

My dad and I came here hungry for an early dinner, and we ordered a LOT of food. Decided to start by sharing a samosa chaat while each having a mango lassi - all amazing. The lassi in particular tasted pretty darn close to how my mom makes it, while the chaat was made with a REALLY good and reasonably-sized samosa.

Main course was an order of naan, an order of chicken tikka, and a goat curry (from their "curry specials" section). All were really well-seasoned, barring the fact that the tikka was slightly salty (it still was my favorite - it's that good).

Now that was a LOT of food. Like a LOT. Thankfully we were able to pack it, and it was all reasonably priced in my opinion. Next time I find myself in Jackson Heights I will definitely stop by.

9/28/2016

I was craving for some authentic Indian masala and came to Jackson Diner because they had the most yelp review in the neighborhood. I was a little surprised that we spent $70 for a dinner for two!

We ordered a baby lamb chop for appetizer ($11). It was 3 baby lamb chops on a skillet. The lamb chops were tasty and crispy, but I think it was a little over priced.

For the entrée, we had the Indian style BBQ mixed grill ($17) with a side order of lemon rice ($4), and a lamb masala ($16) with a side order of naan ($4). The masala was amazing, very flavorful and creamy, I wish it was slightly bigger though, it was enough to go with my rice and naan. On the other side, the mixed BBQ didn't look not taste too good. All the meat was extra salty. It came with a piece of chicken leg, chicken skewer, and a sausage. I could have gotten unlimited amount of the BBQ in all the other Indian restaurant next door for $11.95 all you can eat.

For dessert, we tried the Indian ice cream ($4), that was the highlight of the meal. It's not like tradition western ice cream. It's more popsicle/ice texture with a rich taste of condense milk. There was some pink chewy string like toppings on the ice cream which was something I never had but fun to eat.

Overall, the dinner was alright. I don't think it was that much better than the $11.95 all you can eat in the other Indian restaurants next door.

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  Lemon rice and naan

  Lemon rice and naan
• See all photos from Ven H. for Jackson Diner

9/18/2016

Food: 3.5/5.0
Service: 3.5/5.0
Value: 4.0/5.0
Decor: 3.0/5.0
Overall: 3.5/5.0

Decent buffet offering at $11.95/head, ending at 4:30pm.  Four meat options with several veg choices, cooked probably on par for take-out which imo is solid positioning for an AYCE.  Now that I think about it, there was not a dosa station that others have referenced.  Very good service due thanks to a very observant waiter.  The place was maybe half full on a Saturday mid-afternoon, but street parking was tough per usual in Jackson Heights.  Doesn't quite get to a fourth star in my view but close.

9/14/2016

• 1 check-in

I went during dinner (so no buffet), but I have to say that I was pretty disappointed.

My goat curry (which was the most recommended dish from other reviewers on yelp) had a ton of tiny bones in it that it totally ruined my experience. And moreover, the meat did not fall from the bone very easily.

Additionally, my dinner companion had some digestive discomfort after the meal and throughout the evening.

I've been here before and really enjoyed my time, but this most recent experience (first time in many years, actually) was sorely lacking.

Perhaps the lunch buffet is a better option, though...

4/4/2016

• 1 check-in

Review solely reflects on their buffet lunch.

First of all, almost everything is great here for lunch. It will be easier to point out what I personally didn't like as much. The first item on that list would be the naan. Totally limp and unflavored. People who prefer soft bread would enjoy the mushy texture. I can see the argument for having the naan being under-flavored, since it will be dipped in the various sauces. But I like it being flavored and the sauces adding that extra different flavor (savory, curry, spicy, etc). The next item to nitpick on is the chicken tandoori. Way over cooked and tough imo. Flavor is excellent and the onion slices are grilled exceptionally, just sitting on the hot plate slowly being grilled (mix the onions into the various sauces).

Other than those two, everything else is excellent. The times I went, they always had goat (my favorite). On weekends, the difference in going at noon vs 1pm is huge. Goes from empty to being packed.

3/6/2016

• 1 check-in

Jackson Diner offers an non-stop, wear-sweatpants-to-lunch AYCE buffet from 11:30-4:30pm for $11.95. I love soul feeding conversations with good friends and dipping JD's fluffy naan into rich curry. We must have sat and ate for 3 hours. Very inexpensive lunch for the quantity.

Jackson Diner's best dishes were the creamy spinachy Saag Paneer with firm chunks of tofu, their crispy made-to-order Masala Dosa and the creamy cartilaginous Goat stew.
I had the Tandoori chicken, vindaloo, Chana Masala, Saag Paneer, Masala Dosa, Kheer Rice Pudding, Goat stew, and Naan.

Tip: Arrive around 11:30 or 12pm. It gets really busy around 2:30 and 3pm.

And the Kheer Rice was chewy broken-down-rice with a hint of cinnamon, making the rice pudding a slightly sweet dessert. Very nice way to end a 3 hour lunch.

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  Dolsa- made to order

  Dolsa- made to order
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  Saag paneer, naan, chickpeas

  Saag paneer, naan, chickpeas
• See all photos from Doreen L. for Jackson Diner

10/15/2016

Found this place in Queens and was not disappointed. Service was very attentive and the food was hot and fast! Myself and my dining companions had a craving for good Indian and Jackson was exactly what we were looking for. If you go, order the yogurt and herb marinated tandoor roasted chicken. I can't remember the name of the dish, but it was some of the most tender chicken I've ever had.

10/19/2015

• 4 check-ins
• ROTD 2/10/2016

My favorite place in Jackson Heights, Queens to have authentic Indian food.
I absolutely love their vegetable samosas for appetizer and their lamb vindaloo with basmati rice as my main meal.

Their serving portion is just perfect for a hungry person.
If you plan on having a taste of alcohol with your meal, definitely order a King Fisher.

Don't worry about the space, lots of room for a big party if you are planning on having a group lunch or dinner.

Should you prefer to go on a Friday night, they usually have live music.

They are located very close to public transportation such as the 7/E/F/R/M trains and cabs can be easily accessible.

While you are there, I'd recommend you window shop and see what the Bollywood community offers with their exotic jewelry, clothing, music, and vegetable supermarkets.

The staff is absolutely lovely and the prices are reasonable.

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• See all photos from Gatangalie S. for Jackson Diner

4/6/2016

This is iconic Jackson Heights... Of yesteryear. Food is bland - major spices missing. It's just not what it was decades ago. Or even 7-10 years ago.

Haveli in Kew Gardens is even a step up. That's my chosen average lunch buffet spot in Queens.

Overall - I'd say skip it if you have a desi palate. Even the achar was bland.

7/15/2016

We used to come to the Jackson Diner regularly. But the food is beyond repair at this point. The mixed grill might have been called "ye old leftovers recooked on the grill." The other dishes were similarly overcooked beyond any edible consistency (Bharta and Malai Kofta). It is simply not acceptable to serve a meal that is $30 per person and have everything feel like a catering leftover. Sad. There are much better Indian restaurants in Manhattan around 23rd Street and Lexington, & then also around East 6th Street (Village) as well. Your money is better spent elsewhere. Having said that, the brunch here tends to be better as the cooks are working to refill the trays all morning. But that does not excuse tonight's (cooked to oblivion) dinner.

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  Saying goodbye forever to Jackson Diner

  Saying goodbye forever to Jackson Diner

7/31/2016

Jackson Diner has the most quality and delicious indian food you will find lln New York. This is coming from someone who has tried many mid and top tier indian restaurants in Manhattan. My family has been coming here for over 25 years and most recently, last night. We usually always get take out (probably every 6 weeks) but we decided to dine in last night. The food is amazing but the staff... Not so much.

They place a jug on your table but don't bother actually pouring the water out for you. It's kind of annoying to drag and pass this huge water jug around the table and having to pour it yourself with dirty hands because the waiters are too lazy to come around to your table. They also take dishes away and ask to take your plate away while you are still eating. It was so annoying. I am still enjoying this delicious food.... Come back in 10 minutes. BTW the restaurant was 90% empty so no there was no dinnertime rush that we needed to clear out asap. The appetizers was also weak...the chana was hard in my Samosa chaat and the Samosa was nothing great. But then again, I don't come here for the Samosas.

Food: 5/5
Service: 1/5

The malai Kofta, saag paneer, dal makhani, kadai paneer are the best you will find in nyc. Despite the terrible service ( that would otherwise put me in a sour mood) I have to give this place the 5 stars it rightly deserves. But take my advice and order it to go and enjoy the Indian goodness in the comfort of your own home.

6/5/2016

I have always enjoyed my meals at the Jackson Diner.  I do much prefer the larger, newer location although they probably have been here for well over a dozen years.  I was disappointed that the buffet was only available during the day and I had to miss it.  I started my dinner with one of my favorite soups, the Mulligatawny.  It was made with much care, but was a little on the creamy side for my taste, and lacking a little kick to it.  I then had the Chicken Curry Kauai, which was well prepared, and included a nice mixture of boneless white meat, and thigh cuts.  Again, the sauce was a little on the heavier, creamy side for my tastes.  I have to make another trip to try the cheap lunch buffet, which has always been my favorite in this bustling, Indian Jackson Heights neighborhood.

10/18/2016

I have experience of eating in several places. I wanted to check this place and I saw its difficult to eat even less than moderately. I do not know exactly why but little bit food will compel you to feel that you are full. Buffet is to provide good food with reasonable price. I am not sure; but, if baking soda is used too much then it is not good for people who are having high blood pressure.

10/17/2016

Love the food, period. Fresh and consistent. Disclaimer: I have never eaten from the buffet -- only dinner from the menu, on site and delivery too. My issue with Jackson Diner, and mind you I've dined there many times, is that the waitstaff is exceedingly unfriendly. They lack warmth and even basic congeniality. I've had the pleasure of eating great Indian food prepared by Indian chefs around the world (including Geneva, Switzerland, which believe it or not has one of the best Indian restaurants one could hope to find), and I've never experienced such an indifferent, rather cold waitstaff as at Jackson Diner. On several occasions, during the rather standard NYC 8-9 dinner hour, the waitstaff displayed impatience and rushed us through our dinners as they clearly wanted to clean up and go home. Hours of operation are just that, my friends, and any good restaurant accommodates diners past closing time, within reason. The proprietors would do well to understand that an inclusive, welcoming and friendly ambiance is key to food service. Food is what brings people together, and though I continue to patronize JD, I eat the great food but rarely linger.

11/21/2015

• 1 check-in

I actually liked their buffet! Ok, you have to come knowing that it's a buffet and alter your expectations to match. You can't expect the best Indian food of your life.

You can expect yummy Indian food of a wide variety. I especially liked the saag paneer and the make-your-own chaat. I liked, too, that they have kheer. It's a perfect way to end the meal (so save a bit of room in your stomach!).

It's not a bad deal for all-you-can eat, and it affords you the option of having a little bit of all of the most classic Indian dishes. It's not spicy, though - expect more northern style food.

Overall: I would definitely come back if I'm in the area and am both starving and indecisive.

12/2/2015

After years of wanting to try this place, I finally did. I called them on a Friday night maybe 45 minutes before they closed and asked if it was okay, they said "absolutely, please come". We race to Jackson Diner for Mission: Indian Friday.

I've passed by this place many times, the venue is huge. Like cafeteria huge. The prices here are quite reasonable, we still did manage to over order though.

It was a few months back so I don't remember too much. Definitely grab a King Fisher and the lamb kebab but the star for me is.. Chicken Tikka Masala and have the make it spicy.

Don't be stupid like me and wait 5 years, go!

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  Look at that smoke

  Look at that smoke
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  That overhead Indian goodness view

  That overhead Indian goodness view
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  Appetizer Sampler

  Appetizer Sampler
• See all photos from Patrick W. for Jackson Diner

5/13/2016

One of my Indian co-workers who lives in Queens told me to come here when I asked her for some Jackson Heights recommendations. The space is lofty and bigger than I expected. Quite the mixed crowd inside, which had me a little cautious at first for some reason. The menu is not huge, and seems a little watered down to be honest but there's some good picks. The food was better than expected. Although not the best you'll ever have, it's maybe above average. Unfortunately the service is not very existent here, but the food is still above average at least.

5/9/2016

The worst. Service is a -5. Waitress took us to the table and disappeared without even giving us water. We had to flag down a second server for water and then yet another server to get us a menu. Then we decided we'd do the buffet cause it seemed too good to be true at 11.95 all you can eat.

Lesson learned here is that if something seems too good to be true then it probably sucks. Like the food here. Every item in the buffet was either overcooked, or bland. Skip this place....Jackson heights and Murray hill both have better Indian restaurants.

12/15/2015

One of my favorite Indian venues in Jackson Heights. The food and service have always been spectacular. I've been coming here for over 5 years and I have no complaints. The chicken tikka masala with some garlic naan and a mango lassi will leave you in good standing.

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  Chicken tikka masala, tofu vindaloo, chicken kadai, sizzling chicken tikka and lots of garlic naan.

  Chicken tikka masala, tofu vindaloo, chicken kadai, sizzling chicken tikka and lots of garlic naan.

9/2/2016

Yummy lunch buffet including a salad, protein, rice, spinach and nan bread.  I've been here at least 4 different times and each time the food was delicious!