Finding a venue in New York usually feels like a second job. You spend hours scrolling, only to find places that are either the size of a shoebox or cost more than a year’s rent in Manhattan. Honestly, if you’ve been looking at Five Star Banquet Queens NY, you’ve probably seen the mixed bag of reviews and wondered what the deal actually is. Is it a hidden gem in Long Island City, or just another "hall" with fancy lighting?
Located at 13-05 43rd Avenue, this place has been around since 2004. That’s a lifetime in the New York event industry. It’s tucked away in an area of LIC that’s gone from industrial grit to "gleaming high-rises" almost overnight. Most people stumble upon it because they need space—real space—without the $50,000 price tag that usually comes with a Manhattan skyline view.
The Layout: More Than Just One Big Room
People often get confused about what they’re actually booking here. It’s not just one room. The "Five Star" setup is basically three distinct vibes under one management.
- The Main Hall: This is the big one. 6,000 square feet of "extravagance" (their word, not mine). It’s got those massive chandeliers and white velvet drapes that make every South Asian wedding or Quinceañera look like a movie set. It fits up to 600 people if you’re doing a cocktail thing, or 450 if everyone is sitting down and eating.
- The Rooftop: This is the sleeper hit. 11,800 square feet of raw space. If you want that industrial, "I’m in NYC" feeling with a panoramic view of the skyline, this is where you go. It can hold up to 1,000 people. It’s a literal blank canvas, which is great for some but a nightmare if you don’t have a decorator.
- The Marigold Room: For when you aren't inviting your third cousins. It’s for groups of 25 to 100. It’s cozy, modern, and way less intimidating than the main ballroom.
What It Actually Costs (No Gatekeeping)
Let’s talk money. New York venues love to say "inquire for pricing," which is code for "it depends on how much we think you can pay." Five Star Banquet Queens NY is actually surprisingly transparent, at least by 2026 standards.
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The Main Hall rental usually starts around $2,000 per hour for shorter events. If you're looking at a Saturday night, be prepared to drop about $16,000 for the whole day. Friday and Sunday are a bit cheaper, usually around $12,000.
If you want them to handle the food, packages start at $100 per person. That sounds like a lot until you realize it includes the tables, chairs, linens, china, and the staff. If you want an open bar, tack on another $25 per head.
Pro Tip: They allow outside caterers. This is a huge deal. Most high-end Queens venues force you to use their kitchen. If you have a specific family caterer for an ethnic wedding, Five Star is one of the few places that won't give you a hard time about it, though they'll still charge you a facility fee.
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The Reality of the "Five Star" Experience
Look, the name is "Five Star," but is it a five-star hotel experience? Kinda. Sorta.
The staff, particularly the manager Arun Vasudev, gets a lot of praise for being "Event Designers." They’ve been known to pull off weddings in six weeks for couples who had literally nothing planned—no flowers, no linens, nothing. That’s the "expert" side of things you’re paying for.
However, it’s still a banquet hall in Queens. Some guests have pointed out that the bathrooms can feel a bit tight when 400 people are trying to use them at once. Others have mentioned occasional service lapses when the house is packed. It’s an older building that’s been renovated, so while the inside looks like a palace, the surrounding LIC block still has that warehouse feel.
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Why People Keep Booking It
It comes down to the food and the flexibility. While they started with a focus on Indian and Punjabi cuisine (the owner, Mr. Binder, also ran the 5 Star Bar & Grill next door), they do everything now. Their Butter Chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala are still legendary in the neighborhood, but they’ve branched out to handle pretty much any menu you can dream up.
They also handle the "unfun" stuff. Their packages usually include:
- A Bridal Suite: Essential for outfit changes.
- Valet Parking: In LIC, this is worth its weight in gold.
- Sound and Lighting: They have a built-in stage for an orchestra or band.
Making the Decision
If you’re looking for a sterile, corporate Marriott ballroom, this isn't it. If you want a place that feels deeply personal and can handle the chaos of a 500-person celebration with 12 hours of dancing, Five Star Banquet Queens NY is probably on your shortlist for a reason.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Visit at Night: The lighting in the Main Hall looks completely different under the chandeliers than it does during a 10:00 AM walkthrough.
- Check the Train: Remind your guests that the E, F, and 7 trains are all nearby. LIC parking is a nightmare even with valet.
- Ask about the "All Day" rate: If you’re doing a traditional wedding with multiple ceremonies, the hourly rate will kill your budget. The flat day rate is where the value is.
Contact them directly at 718-704-4243 to see if your date is actually open. Saturday nights in the summer usually book out 12 to 18 months in advance.