A Look Inside Forest Hills' New Starbucks

 I recently checked out our new Starbucks on the north side of Queens Blvd. A really nice comfortable new spot...

A Peek Inside the New Starbucks

 The new Starbucks on the north side of Queens Blvd., next to the CVS, is now open. It looks to be quite a bit larger than the one it replaces which was near the former Duane Reade.

The Good News and the Very Bad News

 The good news, especially for those who live in the largely residential area to the north of Queens Blvd. in the center of the neighborhood: You're getting a new Starbucks, right next to the 71st Continental Ave. subway stop, between the new bank and the CVS. Here's some pics of the outside and inside under construction. I heard that the Starbucks on the southside of 71st Continental will be closing, but that is not confirmed yet. 

And the Very Bad News - Banter, probably the neighborhood's best all-around restaurant, has permanently closed. I was crushed to learn of this. I know they had recently even tried building some major barriers inside the place to allow for safe indoor seating. So, it seems like they were giving it their all but just couldn't hold on any longer because of the challenges the pandemic has presented. I loved this place so much. It will be hard to replace it. I only hope when the pandemic begins to end five or six months from now, the owners think about opening something new in the neighborhood. 

Five Forest Hills Businesses That Should Expand

Red Pipe

1. Red Pipe Cafe
Forest Hills' only indie cafe is charming, delightful, delicious and cozy. And while the coziness is certainly part of its charm, a bigger space with more room to spread out wouldn't hurt one of the neighborhood's finest spots.

2. La Boulangerie
Our best bakery offers delectable eats, from sandwiches, to salads, to breads and soups. And the space, like Red Pipe, is authentic, cozy and inviting. But also usually crowded. It could easily double in size and maintain its French mystique.

3. Starbucks (71st Continental)
Why not? We're home to one of the tiniest Starbucks on Earth.

4. Mr Vino's Cucina
I recently had a sandwich from this tiny gourmet food shop on Austin St. and it was terrific—fresh and delicious. This shop has the potential to be so much more than just a gourmet food/craft beer emporium. I can see it as a sit-down lunch place with light casual top-notch sandwiches and salads, something our 'hood so desperately still needs.

5. Red Mango
See No. 3.

A Perkier Starbucks on the Way?

A sign in the window this morning of the 71st/Continental Ave. Starbucks...