Culture Guide: Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning
Housed in a converted church circa 1858, the Jamaica Performing Arts Center (15310 Jamaica Ave) is a multifunctional, state-of-the-art performance space. The building features a gabled brick facade with brownstone trim, arched entryways, asymmetrical towers and stained glass windows. JPAC is managed by the Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (16104 Jamaica Ave), a cultural institution which is headquartered a few blocks to the east in a neo-Renaissance building with two 1,650-square-foot visual arts galleries, a 99-seat proscenium theater, multiple dance studios, soundproof music studios and ceramics and digital art studios. The two nonprofits work together to promote the arts. Enjoy First Friday performances and special productions. Visit the visual arts galleries. Enroll in weekend classes to discover ballet, mural painting, video game design and much more.
Inside Scoop!
Both venues are visually stunning and steeped in history. JPAC was recently awarded the Lucy G. Moses Award, which is the New York Landmarks Conservancy’s highest honor for achievement in preservation. JCAL is a few pirouettes away from the Union Hall Street Clock. This cast-iron landmark is one of only seven gracing NYC’s streets.
Getting There!
SUBWAY: F Train to Parsons Blvd. E Train to Jamaica Center—Parsons/Archer
TRAIN: LIRR to Jamaica Station
Find out more about the borough’s attractions at ItsInQueens.com
RESTAURANTS: A Few of Our Faves!
While it doubles as a pizzeria, Xelajú is one of a few Guatemalan restaurants in New York. Indulge in a trusty platter of grilled meat heaping over a mound of rice and beans, or try the pepian, a creole stew made from a base of green pumpkin, chicken stock and sesame seeds.
There is something comforting about this nondescript Salvadorean café, with a menu that includes all the classics—papusas, tamales and a potent café con leche—in addition to occasional specials, including a surprisingly tender carne asada.
Skip the dollar pizza joints up the block and head for this unassuming gem. Margherita churns out piping hot New York–style slices topped with real mozzarella and a tomato sauce that is neither cloyingly sweet nor overly salty.
Rain or shine, there’s sure to be a line of hungry customers outside this little window. Known for their meat patties and coco bread, this is an excellent option for those looking for a quick, affordable and authentic taste of Jamaica Island.
On a commercial stretch dominated by fast-food chains, this small restaurant breaks the mold by serving plump homemade dumplings and hand-pulled noodles in broth, as well as bubble teas and smoothies with flavors including almond, coconut and durian.
For a more upmarket yet nonetheless cozy option, sit down for a meal at this Portuguese bistro, where aproned waiters, white tablecloths and dishes served in warm ceramic ramekins bring an Old World touch.
Visit ediblequeens.com for more on area restaurants.
Jamaica Performing Arts Center
New York Landmarks Conservancy | @nylandmarks
ItsInQueens.com | @itsinqueens
Luna de Xelajú
Rincón Salvadoreño
Margherita Pizza
Jamaican Flavors
Beijing Dumpling House
A Churrasqueira
