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    St James Deli

    4.3 (153 reviews)
    Closed 12:00 am - 7:00 AM

    St James Deli Photos

    ST JAMES DELI ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - St James Deli

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    Joyce C.

    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.

    3 Quesadillas (chicken, beef, and spicy chicken) (~$12) & Postobon (~$2)
    Aya E.

    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!

    Quesadilla milanesa
    Austin K.

    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.

    Pollo Quesadilla
    David M.

    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

    Jeremy W.

    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!

    Tacos (Aka Quesadillas at the store)

    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.

    Chicken tacos
    Allyson B.

    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.

    Menu

    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.

    Steak and Chicken tacos
    Olivia S.

    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.

    Nasty nachos !!! See sliced American cheese that don't even melt

    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

    2 carnitas tacos on the left and 1 al pastor on the right

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    12 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    14 years ago

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    4 years ago

    When I say these quesadilla tacos are to die for! I drive all the way from NEW JERSEY at-least twice a week for them. HIGHLY recommend.

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    16 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Best tacos ever! The white sauce (which is actually greenish lol) is amazing. 24hrs so you can get food anytime .. soo good

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    15 years ago

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    14 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Best mexican deli in astoria. Get the chixken tinga burrito with extra white sauce and you will be hooked. The place is an institution.

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    8 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Prolly some off the best tacos I had in a while. Ordered the lengua, tinga, chorizo, pork, and cheese empanada and all was on point.

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    13 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    6 years ago

    The quesadilla tacos or whatever they are called are one of a kind. Definitely a hiding gem this place

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    6 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    6 years ago

    Chicken cutlet tacos with green sauce is amazing!! Must try. Good service. Also had the steak tacos, I was very pleased

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    5 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Always delicious & people come from all over. Very convenient because it's open late (window service). The Quesadillas are too die for.

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    15 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    9 years ago

    Order the quesadillas - they are more like a hardshell taco, but taste amazing. Can't recommend it more.

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    9 years ago

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    6 years ago

    This is a hidden gem ! Great food and a sweet staff. Highly recommend the Tostadas and don't forget the green crean sauce !!

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    10 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    Page 3 of 4

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    Tacos El Vagabundo

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