969 NYC Coffee
37-61 80th St, Jackson Heights, NY
Crema's Take
“This Jackson Heights gem radiates genuine warmth through its famously kind owner who refuses tips and treats every customer like family, all while serving unexpectedly excellent onigiri sandwiches and specialty drinks at prices that feel almost too good to be true. The matcha lattes and creative sodas pair beautifully with their standout rice sandwiches—like the chicken onigirazu where perfectly balanced ingredients let each component shine—making it equally perfect for a quick grab or a lingering sit with a neighbor you just made.”
What to expect
Google Reviews
The owner is probably the KINDEST person I’ve ever met. He is so sweet and amazing. The food is wonderful, yummy, and fairly priced. I tried to leave a tip and he told me I didn’t need to tip, that he donates tips given to him anyway. Ahh. Such a rare and beautiful establishment.
Decently priced food. Got the mackerel onigirazu for $10. Husband got salmon onigiri for $4.50. The matcha latte was okay, but I guess it makes sense for the affordable price. Just be careful about fish bones in the mackerel. I'm used to eating fish with lots of bones so I didnt mind.
I live near the neighborhood for all my life, and I recently found out about this place through TikTok. I got myself the chicken onigiri and I got my husband the salmon onigiri. I really enjoyed it that I felt that it melted in my mouth. The owner is very nice and polite. I think I paid eight dollars each for each one which I think is a very fair price I will be coming back again. I highly recommend coming here.
The food was good. I got the chicken ongiri sandwich, Moshi white peach soda and a latte. The sandwich was good and the white peach soda was one of the best sodas that I've ever had. I also got a latte which was good. The service was ok. I came for the Ramen noodle soup, but I came too early. (I think he said 11am is when they start serving it). The ongiri sandwich flavors were chicken, beef, eel, calamari, salmon and shrimp. The picture outside the store also show an okra one but I didn't see it in the store. There is outside seating.
I had the chicken rice sandwich – really good. There wasn’t a lot of rice, which I loved because it let the other ingredients shine. The chicken was very crunchy and paired well with the avocado, cabbage, lettuce, carrots, and cheese. I also added their house sauce on top – so good. I would recommend getting here early since they run out of items fast, and there’s usually a wait. I believe the owner is working alone, so he’s handling everything himself, which is a lot. If you don’t mind waiting upwards of 30 minutes, definitely give it a chance – the food is great. I’d give it an 8.5.