Queens dining is weird. Usually, you have to choose between a hole-in-the-wall with the best food of your life or a fancy spot that tastes like cardboard. Rove Forest Hills tries to bridge that gap. Located right on the bustling Austin Street, it’s basically become the de facto clubhouse for people who want Manhattan vibes without paying for a Long Island Rail Road ticket into Penn Station.
It's loud. It's crowded. Honestly, if you're looking for a quiet place to read a book, this isn't it. But if you want a solid cocktail and a burger that actually drips when you bite into it, Rove is doing something right.
What's the Deal with the Vibe at Rove?
Walking into Rove feels like you accidentally stepped into a trendy Brooklyn loft, but everyone is a little bit nicer. The interior is heavy on the "industrial chic" look—think exposed brick, warm wood, and lighting that makes everyone look five years younger. It's cozy. It's also tight. You're going to be close to your neighbors, so don't come here to discuss top-secret government business or your messy divorce unless you want the table next to you to weigh in.
The music is usually pumping. On a Friday night, the energy is electric, bordering on chaotic. It captures that specific Forest Hills energy where young professionals and long-time locals collide.
Why People Keep Coming Back to Austin Street
Austin Street has seen a lot of restaurants come and go. It’s a graveyard of "concept" bistros that lasted six months. Rove has staying power because it doesn't try to be too clever. It’s a New American spot. That means they serve the stuff people actually want to eat: tacos, sliders, and crispy Brussels sprouts that are probably more oil than vegetable but taste incredible.
People often compare Rove to other local staples like Dirty Pierre’s or Station House. While those places have their own cult followings, Rove feels a bit more "polished." It’s where you go when you want to feel like you’re out out, rather than just grabbing a quick bite.
The Menu: What Hits and What Misses
Let's get real about the food. Not everything is a home run, but the batting average is high.
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The Rove Burger is the star. It's topped with bacon jam and white cheddar. The jam is sweet, the beef is salty, and the bun holds up. Too many places use brioche buns that turn into a soggy mess halfway through the meal. Rove doesn't do that. It stays structural. It’s a solid, dependable burger.
Then you have the small plates. The Truffle Mac and Cheese is exactly what you expect. It's rich. It’s heavy. You’ll regret it tomorrow, but you’ll love it in the moment. The truffle oil isn't too overpowering, which is a rare feat in the year 2026 when every chef seems to want to drown their kitchen in the stuff.
- Short Rib Tacos: These are surprisingly tender. The pickled onions on top give it that acidity you need to cut through the fat of the rib.
- Crispy Calamari: It’s fine. It’s calamari. If you’ve had it once, you’ve had it a thousand times, but Rove’s version isn't rubbery, so that's a win.
- The Cocktails: This is where Rove actually beats most of the competition in Forest Hills. Their "Spicy Paloma" is actually spicy. They don't play around with the jalapeño.
Some people complain that the menu is too small. I get that. If you're a regular, you might run out of new things to try within three visits. But I’d rather a kitchen do ten things perfectly than fifty things poorly. It’s a focused menu.
The Service Reality Check
Service in Forest Hills can be hit or miss. At Rove, the staff is generally fast, but they are busy. If you go during peak brunch hours on a Sunday, don't expect the server to linger and chat about your weekend. They are moving. They are pivoting. They are basically athletes in aprons.
Reservations are a bit of a nightmare. Or rather, the lack of them. If you show up at 7:00 PM on a Saturday without a plan, be prepared to stand by the bar for forty minutes. Luckily, the bar is a decent place to be. The bartenders know what they're doing and they don't skimp on the pours.
Is Rove Actually Good for Families?
This is a common question because Forest Hills is such a family-oriented neighborhood. The answer is: sorta.
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During the day or early evening, you'll see strollers. The staff is accommodating. But as the sun goes down, the "bar" side of the restaurant takes over. It gets louder. The lights get dimmer. It’s not "unfriendly" to kids, but it’s definitely more of a date-night or girls-night-out destination once the clock hits 8:00 PM.
If you have kids, go for an early dinner. The noise level actually works in your favor then—nobody will notice if your toddler decides to have a meltdown because the music will probably drown them out anyway.
Comparing Rove to the Queens Dining Scene
Queens is arguably the best food borough in New York City, but Forest Hills is its own ecosystem. You have the legendary Jewish delis, the high-end Italian spots near the West Side Tennis Club, and then you have the modern American wave that Rove leads.
It isn't trying to be an authentic ethnic eatery. It isn't trying to be a Michelin-starred temple of gastronomy. It’s a neighborhood spot. It understands that people in Forest Hills want a place where they can get a $18 cocktail and a $22 burger and feel like they got their money's worth.
The Price Point Problem
Let's talk money. Rove isn't cheap. It’s not "Manhattan expensive," but it’s definitely "Forest Hills premium." You can easily drop $60-$80 per person if you’re getting drinks and appetizers.
Is it worth it? Most of the time, yes. You're paying for the atmosphere as much as the food. You're paying for the fact that you don't have to leave the neighborhood to feel like you’re in a cool spot.
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Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you're planning on heading to Rove, don't just wing it.
- Go Mid-Week: Tuesday and Wednesday nights are the sweet spot. You get the full menu, the same vibe, but you can actually hear your partner talk.
- The Brunch Hack: Everyone wants brunch on Sunday. Go on Saturday morning instead. It’s slightly less crowded and the eggs are just as good.
- Check the Specials: Rove often does seasonal rotations that aren't on the main printed menu. Ask your server. Sometimes they have a pasta dish or a seafood special that blows the regular burger out of the water.
- Commute Smart: Parking in Forest Hills is a disaster. It is a literal circle of hell. If you can, take the E, F, M, or R train to 71st-Continental Ave. Rove is a short walk from the station. If you must drive, give yourself twenty minutes to find a spot, or just bite the bullet and pay for the garage on 71st Road.
What Most People Get Wrong About Rove
Some critics say Rove is "basic." I think that’s an unfair label. There’s a difference between "basic" and "consistent." Rove is consistent. You know exactly what you’re going to get.
It doesn't try to reinvent the wheel. It just makes the wheel look really good and taste like truffle fries. In a neighborhood that is rapidly changing, having a reliable anchor like Rove on Austin Street is a good thing. It’s a place that knows its identity. It’s a bar-restaurant hybrid that leans into the social aspect of dining.
If you want a quiet, experimental meal with fermented ants and foam, go to Long Island City. If you want a great burger, a strong drink, and a room full of people having a good time, go to Rove.
Final Verdict on Rove Forest Hills
Rove is the heart of the "New Forest Hills." It’s polished but approachable. The food is high-quality, the drinks are expertly made, and the vibe is unmatched on Austin Street. While it can be loud and the wait times can be frustrating, it remains one of the best options in the area for a night out.
To make the most of your experience, arrive early, stick to the signature items like the Rove Burger or the short rib tacos, and definitely don't skip the cocktail menu. It’s a neighborhood staple for a reason, and even with the influx of new competition, it’s holding its own as a must-visit destination in Queens.