Arepa Lady: A Queens Legend Serving Arepas With Heart Since 1990
Where buttery arepas and an even better story come together in Jackson Heights
If you’ve ever searched for real arepas in NYC, chances are you’ve heard whispers about the legend of the Arepa Lady.
She started with a cart on Roosevelt Ave. and 79th Street in Jackson Heights, and over thirty years later, she’s still winning hearts—one cheesy, golden arepa at a time.
But what makes this spot special isn’t just the food (which is incredible), it’s the story behind it.
From Colombian Judge to NYC Street Food Icon
Before becoming a Queens food legend, María Cano was a lawyer, a judge, and one of the founders of the Universidad Autónoma de Medellín. In the 1980s, political unrest forced her to start over in the U.S., and she brought her family and her recipes to New York.
By 1990, she was known as the Arepa Lady, serving sweet corn arepas with melted cheese to the late-night crowd. The corner stand became a community symbol and eventually a brick-and-mortar restaurant still run by her family.
What I Ordered (and Loved)
Let me tell you — this is comfort food at its finest:
Arepa de choclo with queso – Sweet, buttery corn meets gooey cheese. It’s simple, and it’s perfect.
Patacones – Crunchy, garlicky, addictive fried plantains.
Colombian drinks – I grabbed a Pony Malta and it hit just right.
It’s the kind of place where the food speaks for itself, and you can feel the love in every bite.
Why You Should Go
Forget the trendy Manhattan spots. Arepa Lady is the move if you want food that tastes like home (even if you’re not Colombian).
It’s family-run, full of soul, and deeply rooted in NYC’s immigrant story.
Go for the arepa, stay for the warmth.
✨ Travel Tip:
Head to Jackson Heights during golden hour, order the arepa de choclo, and grab a seat by the window or take the trolley to walk the neighborhood. You’ll understand the hype immediately.
Have you been to Arepa Lady? Or do you have a favorite spot for Arepas in NYC? Hit reply; I want to hear your favorites.