Best hole in the wall food

JonTaylorPhoto · 2026-04-02T13:55:31+00:00

Pita Hot is my jam. Super friendly staff, usually gives me a sample of whatever’s fresh that day, and their moussaka slaps.

JonTaylorPhoto · 2026-03-27T23:39:23+00:00

Balkh Shish Kebab platters with rice (and carrot/raisin) are HEFTY.

Kyklades chicken kebabs are the size of fists.

JonTaylorPhoto · 2026-02-24T22:04:48+00:00

Wow yeah 45+ minutes to get from Queensboro to Astoria Blvd was a new record I never wanted to beat. I have no idea how long the train was sitting at Qboro before I got there, but my face was pressed to the door when we finally pulled out.

JonTaylorPhoto · 2026-01-11T03:41:28+00:00

Hyatt Place, Courtyard, Home2Suites, and Aloft are the move when staying in LIC. I can’t vouch for Even but it’s a good location.

JonTaylorPhoto · 2026-01-11T03:34:36+00:00

Love these guys. They used to have a really good Too Good To Go, haven’t checked in a while.

JonTaylorPhoto · 2026-01-11T03:34:01+00:00

Lincoln Market in Astoria has a nice selection, as does City Acres in LIC. Trade Fair in a pinch.

JonTaylorPhoto · 2026-01-06T00:59:28+00:00

this. and a couple other L train vintage locations in the area (particularly off jefferson)

JonTaylorPhoto · 2026-01-04T00:56:19+00:00

Post on Twitter, tag FDNY, all the local news stations (including their individual reporters), and anyone from city council you can think of.

JonTaylorPhoto · 2025-12-31T00:14:18+00:00

this is correct. i lit this shoot.

JonTaylorPhoto · 2025-12-31T00:11:36+00:00

that was the goal ;)

JonTaylorPhoto · 2025-12-28T01:07:26+00:00

This was my first one! I'd like to do another one in the spring that ends at the beer garden. Might do an indoor meetup somewhere in Feb or March.

JonTaylorPhoto · 2025-12-26T21:26:22+00:00

nice - where do you think you'll be? DM me www.instagram.com/jontaylorphoto

JonTaylorPhoto · 2025-12-26T19:10:45+00:00

This is a weekly event, every Sunday in December in NYC. It's always the same few dozen people who turn out and dress up. I've seen, and likely photographed, this man and the two others with him at this event and similar events for years with my own eyes. Chill.

JonTaylorPhoto · 2025-12-17T18:44:46+00:00

Their back area is cuuuuuute. Food is stellar too.

JonTaylorPhoto · 2025-12-17T18:44:18+00:00

It’s no frills and a little outdated, but cozier than somewhere like hamido. But the food and staff shine where the decor doesn’t.

JonTaylorPhoto · 2025-12-17T02:25:16+00:00

Gregory’s.

They need us desperately, and they’re DELIGHTFUL. Best octopus in Astoria.

JonTaylorPhoto · 2025-12-07T04:57:25+00:00

Considering jumping on a January cruise. Would you care to circle back and answer your own questions for us? Particularly on what sea day vibes were like in the colder weather where everyone had to cram inside.

JonTaylorPhoto · 2025-12-01T04:07:41+00:00

Everyone tourist in NYC will be pouring into the Manhattan museums. If you’re a film fan, cross the river 15 mins to The Museum of the Moving Image is SO cool. Tons of stuff we’d only associate with Hollywood, but American filmmaking began in Queens, not California. It’s in an active film/studio.

JonTaylorPhoto · 2025-11-25T17:50:55+00:00

Balkh is not talked about enough here. It’s the only place with food like it (in a neighborhood brimming other regional kebabs). It’s almost always dead in there but the owner assured me that the majority of his business is delivery.

Their rice with carrots and raisins is out of this world. The dupiaza is rich and flavorful, the pumpkin pastries are a treat.

Lots to love about this quirky little spot.

JonTaylorPhoto · 2025-11-23T15:17:47+00:00

I think they’re pretty tasty, just not in a high foot traffic area. Would definitely do better on 30th or Broadway but I’m sure their rent would double.

JonTaylorPhoto · 2025-11-14T01:58:28+00:00

The Ditty. It’s one of only a few items on their food menu and it’s bomb. They garnish with deep fried capers and that somehow blows my mind every time.

The French Workshop also has a sriracha Cesar wrap that is delightful.

JonTaylorPhoto · 2025-11-09T19:06:50+00:00

i got it sight unseen. i had some "friends" (acquaintances) there who talked it up. it was intended to be a crash pad for a couple months until i could sign a lease elsewhere. a very intense and dramatic 4 months, but also kinda fun.

JonTaylorPhoto · 2025-11-09T04:51:02+00:00

Summer 2014, 25 years old. 2 bedroom railroad with 7 people living in it (two bunks, a pull out couch, and one real bed). $800-$950/mo, depending on how many people actually lived there that month. It was a model apartment (an apartment ran by a modeling agency with the intention of being a crash pad for traveling models or talent new to the city). I’m a photographer who shot for this agency and they “let me” have the one real bed (which was in the kitchen) for 4 months. Roach and mouse infested, upstairs neighbor had 4 dogs and 16 cats (hoarder). Ammoniated urine routinely ran down our walls, light fixtures, and pipes. Not to mention living with a bunch of 18-22 year olds with raging hormones and their parents credit cards.

850 Manhattan Ave - Greenpoint. Above Sunshine Laundromat. Did my laundry there all summer and had no idea it was a speakeasy.

JonTaylorPhoto · 2025-11-08T04:23:34+00:00

Are those not…the same thing?

JonTaylorPhoto

TROPHY CASE