If you’ve ever found yourself wandering down Metropolitan Avenue in Queens, you’ve likely seen the green awning. It’s unassuming. From the outside, it looks like a standard New York neighborhood spot, the kind of place you'd duck into for a quick pack of gum or a lottery ticket. But Redwood Deli Forest Hills is a bit of a local legend for a reason. It isn't just a deli; it's basically the culinary glue holding this section of the neighborhood together. People don't just go there for food; they go there because they’ve been going there for twenty years, or because their dad took them there after a Little League game at Forest Park. It's got that specific, gritty, high-energy charm that you only find in the outer boroughs.
Forest Hills is a weird mix of upscale Tudor homes and bustling commercial strips. You have the high-end boutiques on Austin Street, and then you have the real-deal community hubs like Redwood. Honestly, if you live in the 11375 zip code and haven't had a sandwich here, are you even living in Forest Hills?
The Secret to the Redwood Deli Forest Hills Menu
What makes the food here actually good? It’s not molecular gastronomy. It isn’t "artisanal" in that annoying, over-priced way. It’s just solid. The Redwood Deli Forest Hills menu is massive, sprawling across several boards behind the counter in a way that can be slightly overwhelming if you’re indecisive. You’ll see the regulars walk in and order "the usual" without even looking up. That’s the goal.
The sandwiches are the main event. We’re talking about massive heroes that require two hands and a serious commitment. They do the classics—Boar’s Head meats sliced thin, stacked high. But the "Specialty Sandwiches" are where the magic happens. They have names that feel local, and the flavor profiles are aggressive in the best way possible. Think melted cheese, crispy cutlets, and gravy that probably has a higher calorie count than a whole salad elsewhere. The Redwood Special is usually the go-to for first-timers. It’s a beast.
One thing people get wrong about delis in Queens is thinking they’re all the same. They aren’t. The bread makes or breaks it. At Redwood, the rolls have that specific New York crunch on the outside and a soft, pillowy interior that soaks up the oil and vinegar without turning into mush. It’s a science, kinda.
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Why Breakfast Here is a Ritual
Breakfast in New York is a competitive sport. You have the bagel shops, the street carts, and the diners. But the BEC (Bacon, Egg, and Cheese) at Redwood Deli Forest Hills has a cult following. It’s fast. It’s hot. The griddle is seasoned by decades of salt and fat. You’ll see contractors in neon vests standing shoulder-to-shoulder with people in business suits waiting for their coffee.
The coffee is exactly what you expect. It’s hot, it’s strong, and it comes in that iconic blue-and-white Greek Anthora cup or a standard paper one. No oat milk lattes with lavender sprigs here. Just fuel.
Getting There and the Forest Hills Vibe
Location is everything. Situated at 7122 Metropolitan Ave, it’s perfectly positioned for anyone heading toward Forest Park or commuting into the city. Metropolitan Avenue is a different beast compared to the manicured streets of the Forest Hills Gardens. It’s industrial, busy, and feels like "Old Queens."
If you’re driving, parking is… well, it’s Queens. It’s a nightmare. You might have to circle the block three times or park four blocks away and walk, but that just builds up an appetite. Most locals just walk or double-park with their hazards on (though we didn't tell you to do that).
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- Proximity to Forest Park: It's the perfect pit stop before a hike or a round of golf.
- The Crowd: A total melting pot. You'll hear five different languages while waiting for your turkey club.
- The deli stays open late enough to catch the after-work crowd but early enough to feed the 5:00 AM commuters.
Honestly, the atmosphere is half the draw. It’s loud. The guys behind the counter move with a frantic efficiency that looks like chaos but is actually a well-oiled machine. They remember faces. They know who wants extra mayo and who wants their roll toasted "lightly."
What Most People Miss About the Deli Culture
A lot of people think a deli is just a place to buy a sandwich. In Forest Hills, a place like Redwood is a landmark. It’s survived the gentrification of Austin Street and the rise of delivery apps that charge $15 for a "curated" wrap.
There’s a sense of reliability here. When the power goes out or there’s a massive snowstorm, the deli is usually the first place to open its doors. They carry the essentials—milk, bread, newspapers (yes, people still read those), and those weirdly delicious packaged cookies you only see in bodegas.
The prices are fair. In an era where a sandwich in Manhattan can cost $22, Redwood keeps it grounded. You get value for your money, and you leave feeling full. That’s a rare thing these days.
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Tips for the First-Timer
If you’ve never been, don’t stand at the counter staring at the menu for ten minutes. The line moves fast. Have your order ready.
- Check the daily specials. They often have hot trays with things like chicken parm, meatloaf, or roasted potatoes that are surprisingly gourmet for a corner deli.
- Cash is king. While they take cards, having cash makes the whole process smoother, especially during the morning rush.
- The iced tea. They usually have a house-made or specific brand of iced tea that hits different on a July afternoon.
The Verdict on Redwood Deli Forest Hills
Is it the "best" deli in the world? Who knows. "Best" is subjective. But is it the soul of Metropolitan Avenue? Absolutely. It’s a place where the quality is consistent and the service is quintessentially New York—gruff but friendly once they know you.
When you look at the reviews online, you see a pattern. People talk about the "Metropolitan Hero" or the "Godfather." They talk about how the potato salad tastes like someone’s grandma made it in the back. It’s that level of detail that keeps a business alive for decades while flashy restaurants come and go within six months.
The complexity of a neighborhood like Forest Hills is reflected in its food. You have the high-brow and the low-brow. Redwood sits comfortably in the middle, serving everyone without pretense. It's a reminder that sometimes, you don't need a reservation or a tasting menu to have a great meal. You just need a solid hero and a cold soda.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning to head down to Metropolitan Avenue, keep these points in mind to make the most of the experience.
- Visit during the "Off-Peak": If you want to chat with the staff or browse the aisles without being jostled, go between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. The lunch rush is intense.
- Explore Forest Park: Grab your sandwich to go and head five minutes down the road to the park. There are plenty of benches near the carousel or the track where you can eat in peace.
- Try the Hot Specials: Don't just stick to cold cuts. The steam table often has hidden gems like authentic Spanish rice or hearty stews that change daily.
- Bring a bag: If you're doing a larger grocery run, bring your own bag. It’s New York; the plastic bag ban is real, and the paper ones they give you aren't always great for heavy hauls.
- Verify hours: While they are generally consistent, it's always worth a quick check on their social media or a phone call if you're heading there late at night or on a holiday.