Colombian Whole Red Snapper and Empanadas in Jamaica Queens
A Queens spot serving classic Colombian dishes alongside bakery treats like empanadas and tres leches cake.
Why this stop works ✨
El Rinconcito Paisa runs a second-floor room on 139th Street in Jamaica, Queens, a Colombian restaurant with a bakery counter built in. The kitchen turns out well-seasoned plates, from sides of rice and beans to a whole red snapper that lands as the table centerpiece.
If the menu is new to you, the staff are happy to walk through it, which makes the bigger plates less of a gamble. On the way in or out, the bakery side stocks empanadas and tres leches for a quick handheld or a sweet finish. A full Colombian sit-down and a bakery counter in one spot is a rare two-for-one.
At 4.0 stars across 388 reviews, the seasoned cooking and the helpful staff carry the reputation. Come hungry with a group, split the red snapper over rice and beans, and grab a couple of empanadas for the road on the way out.
