My favorite food in the entire 5 boroughs is a chicken burrito (breaded chicken) with green sauce is from here. I just can't even believe how good the food is here and how I would choose that chicken burrito over any sit down meal anywhere in Manhattan. The burrito is so balanced because it was has beans, chicken, rice, veggies, so much stuff in it that it's worth every penny! The green sauce with the chicken is out of this world!!! The service is always great as it seems to be family owned, but they are well integrated with the community as there is always a line outside the door on the weekends. I've had the chicken quesadillas also which look more like tacos and they are equally as good! It's bodega so there isn't much to say about ambiance, it's the same as every bodega but cleaner and great options to choose from for dessert. This is definitely my go to place when I'm staying in Astoria and that neighborhood is so lucky they have this place nearby! read more

St James Deli - Ginormous chicken burrito which the most delicious thing on the planet when coupled with the green sauce - Mexican Near Me - Astoria, New York

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The tacos here are pretty solid. I wouldn't say they are the best tacos I have ever had but they do have a lot of meat, filled with toppings and is very fresh. It is difficult to park in the area and it is only a deli for take out; there is not seating. I would recommend to order ahead of time since they do take a while to make your order. Their prices are reasonable. Would give it a try. read more

St James Deli - Mexican Near Me - Astoria, New York

Have heard about their tacos from people in the neighborhood & recent social media attention. I finally went to try them (even though I already have my favorite taquerias in the neighborhood). Wish I had a better review, this business is very much one of those NYC hidden gems. But sad to say that I was really disappointed in the food, and even went back for a second time to compare. Both times I got the quesadillas ($12 crispy tacos with cheese). The first time I called in and picked it up in 20min. The crispy shells were just OK, they're a little thick and got hard and chewy. The Oaxacan cheese was a big hard blob at the bottom. I warmed them up in my toaster oven and that still didn't do much. The cheese doesn't melt much, I was expecting a combination of light crispy cheese pulls. Figured that it was an off night and since I ordered around 9 PM, the cooks might've been tired. Went back recently, closer to dinner time on a Friday and ordered at the counter so I can get the food and ready to eat. There isn't a comfortable place outside the store to set my container on and eat, or any nearby stoops. I walked back towards my apartment and saw a bench in front of a store and decided to eat one right away for top quality! The shells were a bit more delicately made and less like leather, but overall the taco was (weirdly) lukewarm and cheese was not warm/cooked. I got one steak, one chorizo, and asked to just have one regular steak taco. Not sure if they used cecina (salted beef) instead of regular steak, but the meat was barely seasoned and too well done. The crumbled chorizo was very flavorful and filled the taco to the brim, a bit oily. I enjoyed this the most, but I don't think the crispy taco or cheese made too much of a difference. The first time I went, I think I got beef, chicken, and al Pastor. The Al Pastor was good also. The rest of the meats didn't have much seasoning and weren't cooked very thoughtfully. The sauces are great though! Especially the light green creamy one. The red one is a smokey hot sauce. Ask for all the sauces! Maybe this is why there's not as much attention to the meat? They weren't too busy for my walk-in, with a light steady stream of both walk-in and phone orders. My wait was about 10 minutes. The staff was super nice, a lot of younger workers; not sure if they're family members of the owner. They seem to know a lot of their regulars and it's a nice neighborly atmosphere. I've also read that the original owner opened up a similar deli and Taqueria a few blocks away. Maybe these good reviews were for the old owner? Sadly, I probably won't be back for either regular taco or the crispy taco quesadillas. If you order, stick to Al pastor or chorizo. read more

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I went here cause I read the reviews. The food wasn't bad, but it wasn't the greatest either. The prices were steep, compared to some carts I regularly visit. Still not bad, but i honestly feel like I can make the same kind of tacos and quesadillas at home, for about a 1/3 of the price. Great for on the go and if you didn't have time to cook, but I will say, if you have the time, you can definitely make some of the stuff here at home! read more

Food is so good, conveniently open late for after partying, short wait time. A must go to spot if you are a taco lover

Green sauce, green sauce, greeeeeeeeeen sauce. This is my favorite taco spot in Astoria, and there are certainly many to choose from. This place is unassuming, it looks like a regular bodega from the outside, but for those in the know, you can find some fantastic Mexican food. I am partial to the al pastor and chicken tacos, but I also loved the chicken burrito. The people are so nice inside, though there isn't really a place to sit and if you order in store you'll have to stand around a while to wait. (It's being made fresh!) But, this place was good enough for my pregnant tush to stand around and wait for my meal, and that was no easy feat. read more

Ordered: 3 Quesadillas (chicken, beef, and spicy chicken) (~$12): with onions, cilantro, lettuce, powdered cheese Postobon (~$2): apple soda Aya's take: So many people rave about this place and as an Astoria native, I had to finally give it a try. This is your typical bodega but with a full Mexican menu! Friendly staff and overall quick service (I probably waited no more than 10 mins). The Quesadillas were crispy and bursting with flavor. I absolutely loved the salsas, especially the white one; it looks like an avocado crema sauce. An absolute must! It took the whole meal to the next level. Well-priced and filling. Highly recommend! read more

St James Deli - 3 Quesadillas (chicken, beef, and spicy chicken) (~$12) & Postobon (~$2) - Mexican Near Me - Astoria, New York

I tried the breaded chicken (milanesa) quesadilla like everyone raved about, and it was indeed good. You can buy one for $4, and I got 2, which was a good amount for me. The quesadilla is really different from most that you've eaten - almost like a hard taco shell, but fried instead. It comes with 2 packets of green sauce, which I supplemented with my own hot sauce. As an aside, this place is on restaurant.com, but when I tried to use the giftcard, they had no idea why their eatery was on the site. read more

St James Deli - Quesadilla milanesa - Mexican Near Me - Astoria, New York

I heard that this place has the best tacos in town so I had to go try them! The store inside was a regular nyc corner deli, had menus inside and some special menu by the register. I got carnitas and pollo and spicy pork tacos and then a tamale. The pork tacos were VERY good, and I loved how they gave us all the sauces on the side so I could try them all out. Chicken taco was okay. It was just chicken on taco. And mole tamale was exactly what I wanted and I don't know but it felt authentic. For such an inexpensive pricing and authenticity, I was very happy with the visit. I would definitely visit again to get more pork tacos and tamale and maybe other things too! read more

An awesome, inexpensive meal, a neighborhood gem. Food - An awesome lunch for a great price, the quesadillas with green sauce are sublime. Service - Basic but serves the purpose. Ambiance - It could use some updates, but seems clean, it feels authentic. read more

I had a coworker recommend this place. Told me they were the "best tacos" he's had. He lives in Jersey and said when he comes to the city it's a must soooo I tried it. I was pretty disappointed. I got two chicken quesadillas to play it safe, and everything I had just tasted old. Almost like the chicken has just been sitting out all day, dry. The reviews also speak highly about this place so maybe I just came on a bad day? I'd be willing to go back, it would be clutch to have a place like this available. Pros: Massive menu Cost effective Friendly staff Cons: No dining - carry out only Not fresh Dry read more

St James Deli - Pollo Quesadilla - Mexican Near Me - Astoria, New York

This place makes amazing tacos!! Like omg whe you really want that comfort food feeling def go to this place! The absolute freshest and tastiest Mexican grub! Every single time i go it seems to get more amazing. So affordable for the superior product compared to the competition and the staff are the most amazing people. Best local taco and burrito place around. All fresh ingredients made to order. You can immediately taste the quality difference over all the chains around. Always a good experience when I go here. Delicious food! read more

St James Deli - Mexican Near Me - Astoria, New York

This is hands down the best taco spot in queens. I love this place and everyone I have introduced to this spot has also loved this place. The crispy taco shell isn't usually my fave at other taco spots but this place makes it different! Soo fresh and crispy! The green and red sauce is delicious. It's a hole in the wall taco spot with pretty good service. You just order at the window now post-covid. read more

St James Deli - Tacos (Aka Quesadillas at the store) - Mexican Near Me - Astoria, New York

If i can add 0 star i would. I ordered a chicken taco. I was expecting it to be authentic Mexican tacos but no nothing about it was authentic. They used old Roman lettuces, the breaded chicken you'll find at your local deli and instead of limes they gave me lemons. I mean just HORRIBLE! I wouldn't recommend it to my dog! read more

This was my first time ordering from this place that my friend recommended and the food was great. Although they messed up most of my order. I ordered: 1. Chorizo torta ( sandwich): a little spicy 2. 2 cheese tacos ( received one) 3. 2 chicken tacos ( my favorite) 4. 2 chicken empanadas ( didn't receive) The person working there told me everything was in there and said each item that was supposed to be in there. She charged me for everything and didn't receive like half of my order and did not get my money back. I don't think I'll go there again but the food that I was able to try was good. read more

St James Deli - Chicken tacos - Mexican Near Me - Astoria, New York

The tacos are TRASH !!! The steak was salty and all around no flavor !! Ordered nachos and whyyyy was it just SLICED AMERICAN cheese , lettuce and the Mexican cheese . No pico , no guaac , sour cream nothing ! And the chips are stale ! And what Mexican restaurant uses sliced cheese on nachos !!! And to top it all off it's overpriced for the quality . Tik tok hyped this place up and it's trash !!! As a lifelong Astorian I can say they used to be good but that was years ago now just gross . I don't know if they're catering to gentrification or what but it was horrible ! Never going back read more

St James Deli - Nasty nachos !!! See sliced American cheese that don't even melt - Mexican Near Me - Astoria, New York

Great Mexican food, by a wonderful team of women oftentimes. Customizable menu items, pretty fresh. Empanada was slightly off in taste, as if the fryer needed fresh oil. Beans are not vegetarian. Great service, answered all questions and kind. read more

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It's a no for me. If you enjoy dry, lettuce filled tacos and fried quesadillas then maybe this place works for you, but I left feeling underwhelmed and disappointed I wasted my calories on this meal. The steak tasted like it had been reheated, not fresh at all. The tacos each had 2 flour tortillas (too much) all I tasted was flour dough and lettuce again the steak was old and had no flavor. The chicken was "chicken cutlet" no seasoning just bland with lettuce on top. I mean cmon this is queens so many other taco spots. Skip this one, don't let the reviews fool you. read more

St James Deli - Steak and Chicken tacos - Mexican Near Me - Astoria, New York

The most underrated and hole-in-the-wall taco joint in all the best ways. Tucked inside the bodega, you can find the best quesadillas I've found in NYC. I ordered the beef steak quesadillas - the portion sizes were hefty. Service was nice. 3 for $12 - great deal! read more

Best chicken quesadillas -- green sauce is incredible. Food is so fresh and chicken is so good.

3.8-ish stars or so. St. James Deli has the best tacos in this corner of Astoria. Pictured are the carnitas on the left and the one al pastor on the right. The soft shell isn't heavy and the tacos are filled with a good serving of meat. I've also had the chorizo con huevo which was interesting, it has an egg in it. Not my favorite taco ever. Unfortunately though, their burritos - although delicious, is filled with just too much rice. You'd think you're getting this massive burrito, a good size but too much rice missing. And dang, I know we're in the COVID19 times but I am pretty sure the prices of the tacos must've increased. Because $10.50 for 3 tacos from a deli... almost the same price as some of the generic Mexican spots in Astoria. But if you need something to grub on late late late at night, I'm pretty sure that these guys are 24hrs. There are also some snacks and drinks in there that you won't find at Rite-Aid. read more

St James Deli - 2 carnitas tacos on the left and 1 al pastor on the right - Mexican Near Me - Astoria, New York

These shits so crazy omg It's really nothing else to say go buy them they valid felt like I was in Mexico eating these read more

Found this place when I was staying In Long Island city for the weekend. The Food was really good and filling. Had a lot of selections

Heard good things! Was told tacos were the best around, Quite disappointed Both Al pastor and tinga not great , I make better myself and I never seen a taco for the first 20+ years of my life read more

When passing by, one wouldn't think That this Cute lovely family owned Deli, Provides One of the best Tacos in queens. I love getting the steak quesadillas along with the green sauce, and it's Lovely when fresh. Chicken quesadillas are also a great choice. read more

Order the quesadillas, I get grilled chicken sooooo good. I dream about them every taco Tuesday. Be kind to the team and they will be kind to you. come for the food not for the look lol! It's basic inside, sometimes my bf and I will Order go to the fancy bar across the street and split a beer while we wait for our food. they stay open 24 hrs and you can't beat the price or the taste! The quesadillas are basically hard shell tacos FYI read more

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LOVE ME SOME QUESADILLAS. This is our new late night spot. You definitely want to call ahead. The wait is usually 15-25 mins. The quesadilla isn't what you'd think, it's a fried taco with cheese, lettuce, cilantro and more cheese. We usually get the carnitas or chicken. You can't eat there. So we usually eat in the car. The green cream sauce is great and they give you more then enough. The empanada is really good as well. read more

I was really excited about trying the quesadillas to see if they lived up to the hype. The Al pastor didn't taste like the traditional al pastor I love, but it was very tasty. Loved the texture of the quesadilla, the crema was amazing. The chicharron taco on the other hand wasn't what I expected, it was soggy. I just assumed that it would be a crunch chicharron, it was literally like boiled pork skin. Not what I expected or Wanted. Other than the failed chicharron taco, I enjoyed the quesadilla! read more

St James Deli - 2 Al Pastor quesadilla & a Chicharron taco - Mexican Near Me - Astoria, New York

Ah yes.... the hidden kitchen masqueraded under the premise of a hole-in-the wall deli. Yes, you can get most of the regular stuff you'd get from a convenience store here. Yes, it's also super cramped and feels like 100 degrees inside. Travel shampoos, lotions, chocolates, newspapers, avocados, beer, coffee... you name it. What you don't see until you walk inside is the kitchen. It's in the kitchen where you get the main appeal. Really really good Mexican food. And authentic too, just like you're eating it at someone's home in Mexico! Tacos, flautas, quesadillas, tortas, enchiladas, burritos, tostadas, empanadas.... The key though is the quesdaillas. Unlike the quesadillas you will google, these are street-side quesadillas. They look more like crunchy tacos. But man, these tasted so good. I got 2 vegetarian quesadillas with cheese, avocado, lettuce, and tomatoes... topped with some queso fresco. These were supremely filling. On top of that, I added the special green sauce (verde) which is spicy, but adds that extra kick! Now the deli looks unassuming from the outside and inside and, yes, you don't really see much seating at all (there's some in the back, I think). Yes, it takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare. However, the food is the main selling point. The quesadillas are a must try. For 2/$7, you cannot go wrong for lunch. read more

St James Deli - Amazing! - Mexican Near Me - Astoria, New York

St. James is a Astoria establishment and now they moved to 36th ave and 35th st. Lets all go support them while getting our fave munchies!!! read more

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Very disappointing. We ordered a quesdilla and a burrito with chicken and black beans. When we got home the quesdilla had been prepared as a c tacos and the shell was inedible. I will not be back. On top of that the owner was very surely and not very friendly read more

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Love their freshly made quesadillas! Call ahead to avoid the 15-20 minute wait. Other than that you won't regret it. For 5 quesadillas it came out to around $20 read more

OK it's time to admit what I do for a living. I am the head of MI6, the British Secret Service (international division). My codename is "M". I have a gadget person named "Q" and a bunch of "double O" agents who are more like "multiple O" agents from my experience but that's beside the point. My code number is "0069". My best agent is 007-and-a-half, he's a bit of a druggie but he's a fantastic marksman and all-round bright spark. His name is Bong. James Bong. I sent Bong to the capital of India on a mission recently. I communicated this to my superior in NYC with a three word telegram. I abbreviated the word "sent" to "st" for brevity, and I'm not very good at spelling Indian city names. The telegram read "St James Deli." Unfortunately it was intercepted by the Mexican Secret Police currently working in Queens with one of their many Cartels to distribute white powder and such. They're posing as taco makers and breakfast chefs in Astoria. They needed to name their fake restaurant, saw my telegram, and thought it was the perfect name for a business. And now you know... the true story... about how this business got its name. Don't tell anyone. Or the taco gets it. Not your taco. Well yes your taco if you want but I wasn't specifically referring to... okay never mind. What to get: Chorizo & Egg Taco (Chorizo con Huevos taco) And what: Anything with Chorizo and Egg from here is f***ing heavenly, and their green sauce too. Get Chorizo and Egg on a roll like Eric said. He knows his shizz. What else: If you're still hungry, I know a girl in Astoria who will let you eat her taco too And what else: I offer you some girl's taco and you still aren't satisfied. Srsly I came here on a Queens food tour, and have been back many times, most recently in April for my 5th visit. They have all kinds of hot grilled deliciousness 24 hours a day, and my fave item... Chorizo Egg tacos. Or a Chorizo Egg roll even. Hell yes. Garland: Some guy owns two other delis (NY Avenue Deli and TN Avenue Deli). He's buying St. James Place Deli so he can build a hotel. Orange you glad I told you that? I included this joke to prove that I don't have a monopoly on humour in my reviews. Now please. Move directly to the next paragraph. Do not pass gas. Do not collect tacos. What I love about St. James Deli: (1) It's open 24 hrs and that is f***ing awesome - like finding out the rash is nothing and you don't actually have an STD, or at least not a bad one (2) The servers are friendly, even in the middle of the night - speaking of friendly in the middle of the night, you should check out the Astoria girl I told you about (3) The Chorizo & Egg taco is juicy, greasy, salty and delicious - and speaking of juicy delicious salty grease, I have some right here if you want some (4) It's in an overpriced neighborhood (Astoria - the only overpriced part of Queens maybe) and yet it's dirt cheap - not that dirt is necessarily cheap, for example I know a girl that is very very dirty and does not come even remotely cheaply, or at all in fact, unless you make quite the investment (5) They makes tacos that both real Mexican taco lovers love, and non Mexicans who don't understand tacos, also love - so it appeals to everyone of all genders and races, and house pets too - kind of like my bedroom techniques (6) There isn't really a number six, but I really want to get to seven because of seventh heaven and these tacos really are heavenly (7) The name allows me to do a James Bong review, and also make a long numbered list that is reminiscent of Judi Dench's "M": a bean-counter, an accountant, more interested in her numbers than Bong's instincts, who she sees as a dinosaur, a relic of the cold war. Bong's boyish charms are lost on her... lost in her taco maybe? What I don't love about St. James Deli: (1) Well, um... (2) I... I mean... well... (3) ... (4) Nothing. Positively nothing - just like my most recent STD screening results (5) Although wouldn't that be negatively nothing? (6) No matter, the numbered list can stop now (7) I said stop the motherf***ing numbered f***ing list you f***ing idiot. So without further ado, I'd like to crown this the longest review in history that really only talks about tacos. Congratulations for reading this far. You just wasted another 4 and a half minutes of your life. Now check out memes and "hottest athletes of 2015" slideshows for the next 55 min 30 secs. You're welcome. Ooh, I said secs. This review will self destruct in 7 seconds. We're seven seconds away. But just as long as I stay. I'll be waiting. And when a child is born into this world, it has no concept of the tone of skin its living in And there's a million voices And there's a million voices to tell you what you should be thinking So you better sober up for just a second We're se... (Boom) (Review Explodes) (Silence) (Taco falls to the floor) (Chorizo and Egg fall out of taco onto said aforementioned floor) (Tragic music plays) (Credits roll) read more

Little did I know that I could get cheap authentic Mexican food so close to me AT ANY TIME I want. I was surprised to find a pretty great Mexican place nearby but it's not inside a deli. More importantly, it never closes and I seriously considered going there on Christmas just to get a torta. There's not a lot of space there but there's a little back counter that you can sit down and eat at. I wonder if you can buy a beer and drink it there...something to think about for next time but even if the answer is no there's always Jarritos that you can pull and they'll bring you a giant squeeze bottle of their green sauce which is a creamy, slightly spicy addition that I haven't seen anywhere else. Cheap, quick, tasty and they have everything else you could want there on top of it. read more

St James Deli - Mexican Near Me - Astoria, New York

The_quesadillas_here_are_THE_BOMB_and_its_what_my_peoples_of_Astoria_mainly_go_here_for. And_do_not_forget_their_creamy_green_spicy_(personally, pretty mild to me)_SAUCE. Open_24_hours. The_end. read more

I was recommended this place by a local and they recommended I try the chicken quesadillas with everything on it. So I did , and this deli has deffo become a taco spot for me. read more

I was fooled by the reviews here. Ordered 2 chicken tacos. Didn't realize they were breaded. Which would have been fine if they weren't so bland. Honestly, enjoyed the lettuce more than the rest of the taco. And I don't really like lettuce. Hard pass for me. read more

The Al pastor quesadillas highly recommended It's so good and worth the drive from Long Island ! read more

This is a Hidden Gem in astoria, looks like your typical deli until you go to the back. So this place has their own way of doing it, they call their green sauce (white sauce) , which doesnt really matter because it is amazing! Their Quesodilla looks like a Taco, but it's the best Quesodilla/taco you've every had! Top it off with some green sauce . Fried chicken with everything , the best surprise is the melted cheese! Easily one of the best spots for a quesodilla/taco spot in astoria!! read more

St James Deli - Chicken cutlet Quesadilla Pollo Empanizado - Mexican Near Me - Astoria, New York

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Has been my taco spot for yearssss. Best tacos ever hands down. I order the "quesadilla" but it's not your typical quesadilla it's like a crunchy taco with melted cheese. Most authentic tacos you're gonna find around queens. 10/10!! read more