Mahjong Cafe & Bar is a Hong Kong style restaurant. It attempts to encapsulate the classic HK taste and atmosphere. From the decor to the food, they’ve certainly nailed it! As for the food and drink, their HK style milk tea is very good and authentic. It’s accurately prepped and brewed (using the proper, traditional filter and strainer). Their Chicken Steak with Black Pepper Sauce over Spaghetti is also very good. The thick sauce has just the right amount of spiciness, and the chicken steaks are very tender. Overall, it stays true to the HK spirit especially when you order the classic dishes and drinks!
Overview
Tucked away on 37th Avenue in Flushing, the lively streets lead you to Mahjong Cafe & Bar 麻将茶餐厅&酒馆, a spot that has become more than just another place to grab a drink. Located at 135-15 37th Ave, this diner-style bar blends traditional Chinese charm with a casual New York vibe, making it a local favorite for late-night gatherings and friendly dinners. From the outside, the neon signage hints at the buzz inside, while the warm lighting and relaxed décor welcome you into a space designed for both comfort and energy.
What sets this place apart is its menu, which isn’t afraid to cross boundaries between authentic Cantonese dishes and modern bar bites. One evening, I tried their sizzling clay pot rice paired with a cold cocktail, and the balance of flavors was spot on. The menu rotates specials often, which keeps regulars coming back, and portions are generous without compromising quality. Based on reviews from local diners, the fried chicken wings and spicy hot pot are dishes people travel across boroughs for, especially when shared among friends over drinks.
Beyond the food, the bar culture here deserves its own spotlight. Unlike typical cocktail lounges, Mahjong Cafe & Bar 麻将茶餐厅&酒馆 thrives on its communal spirit. You’ll see groups of friends playing actual mahjong at the back tables, a tradition that connects the restaurant’s cultural roots with its modern dining concept. The staff, many of whom speak both English and Mandarin, make the place approachable for everyone, whether you’re a first-timer exploring Flushing or a regular who already has a favorite drink.
Looking at locations around Flushing, it’s easy to find bars that specialize in either authentic cuisine or nightlife, but this spot ties the two worlds together. In a neighborhood known for its variety, having a café and bar that doubles as a cultural hangout adds depth to the dining scene. For anyone exploring Queens, this place is not just about grabbing a meal—it’s about experiencing a slice of community life. The blend of authentic flavors, welcoming service, and lively atmosphere makes it a standout destination that reflects the evolving food culture of New York.
Good to know
From the business
✓ Identifies as women-ownedService options
✓ Kerbside pickup ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Live musicPopular for
✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Organic dishes ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Breakfast ✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Counter service ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ Gender-neutral toilets ✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ CosyCrowd
✓ GroupsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairsParking
✓ Paid street parking ✓ ParkingPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 298 reviews
Cash only - make sure you have enough before go in Budgeted breakfast options similar to Hong Kong style options. The real kicker is their milk tea which is very similar to Hong Kong if you know, you know. Quick with food and amazing restaurants design
I've visited a handful of times for lunch and dinner with friends. Every time I've eaten here the food is great. Overall everything I've tried has been delicious. Some of the highlights are their French toast and HK style milk tea. The pineapple bun with butter is good too, it usually comes out warm and nicely toasted which helps melt the slab of butter into the bread. Service is ok, can be more consistent but nothing terrible. It's a casual eatery, don't expect service to be amazing and you won't be disappointed.
The Asian Equivalent to Comfort eating at diners. You really go here to experience a bit of slow life or a quick bite to eat. It's a diner just Hong Kong style! For people familiar it has some standouts like the braised pork or their rice dishes. Some of the classics are the HK Tea for 4.50 which is a great price. Not the best tea but not the worst either. I really recommend the braise pork with spaghetti, it was really tasty and filling. The Classic HK toast could be better, but I wouldn't get it unless you craved it. Service is normal, nothing outstanding but it is quick. Quality is above average for some dishes as a diner has an expansive menu. Decor is mahjong themed and it's cute but you can tell it has that bar functionality. Decent pick for some quick bites or a trip to memory lane with the food.