Seemor
Cafe TriskellB+Worth Trying
33-04 36th Ave, Long Island City, NY 11106
· French restaurant, Cafe
· 4.6/5 Google (430 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Charming micro French cafe with standout French toast, crepes, and onion soup; excellent food but very slow, one-server service and tight space—go when patient and not in a rush.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Cafe Triskell delivers exceptional food quality anchored by truly memorable French toast and crepes that justify its loyal following, but inconsistent service pacing and a very tight physical space prevent a higher grade. The occasional quality variation in non-signature dishes and structural limitations—one chef, one server, minimal seating—create real friction that typical diners will experience, especially during peak hours. It's a hidden gem for those prioritizing authentic French cafe cooking over speed or comfort.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels tiny and cozy, the sort of neighborhood nook you might miss if you blink. Plates come out from a one-chef kitchen with care, and the vibe swings from calm to bustling. As one diner put it, "the toast was otherworldly but we waited for everything." Expect longer pacing when it is full, and embrace the unassuming charm over polish. The cooking leans classic French cafe with real heart: Breton-style buckwheat crepes, richly topped onion soup, and those now-famous skewered French toasts with berry compote. The culinary approach reads elevated traditional: ingredient-led and technique-focused rather than showy fusion. Best fits diners who prize authentic flavors and do not need speed or flash. Families will find kid-appealing choices like butter-sugar crepes, chocolate crepes, and the soft, sweet French toast. Portions on toast run large, but the very small space makes strollers and big groups tricky. No extensive substitutions and limited milk alternatives were noted, so plan accordingly.
At a Glance
- French toast and crepes are standout, destination-worthy items
- Authentic French onion soup and well-executed hollandaise dishes
- One server and one chef lead to slow service and long waits
- Very small, tight space with limited comfort and group capacity
- Prices higher than typical neighborhood cafes, especially at dinner
What Sets It Apart
- signature_french_toast_presentation
- authentic_buckwheat_crepes
- chef-driven_small_room
What People Love
- The pillowy, skewer-served French toast
- Authentic buckwheat crepes with balanced fillings
- Rich, satisfying French onion soup
- Warm, lived-in neighborhood vibe
Points of Concern
- Service can be very slow due to one server and one chef, especially at peak times
- Space is extremely tight; stroller and large-party logistics are difficult
- Strict no-substitutions approach frustrates some diners
- Pricing feels high to some, with QR menu higher than older online menus
- Review patterns show organic polarization around service speed rather than manipulation
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$44-66 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with French Onion Soup ($14), share the French Toast ($20 brunch context) or a dessert crepe ($10-12), and choose a savory buckwheat crepe ($16-18) for balance.
Perfect For
- Leisurely weekend brunch when you are not in a rush
- A cozy casual date with sweet tooth plans
- Solo mid-afternoon crepe stop
- Locals seeking authentic French cafe dishes
Location Insights
Area: Residential-meets-commercial strip near Astoria/LIC; local brunch crowd, casual daytime energy.
Safety: Generally safe, steady foot traffic daytime; typical NYC caution at night.
Nearby: Near neighborhood cafes, bars, small shops; convenient to Broadway/36th Ave corridors.
Long Island CityThe dining scene in Long Island City is diverse, featuring trendy cafes, upscale restaurants, and casual eateries that cater to a mix of residents and commuters. The area has a lively social atmosphere with a focus on innovation and cultural experiences, supported by its growing residential population and creative community.
Court SquareCourt Square is a sub-area within Long Island City known for its concentration of office buildings, tech companies, and convenient subway access. Dining options here often cater to the daytime working crowd with quick service and modern eateries, alongside some upscale dining for after-work socializing.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday17:00–21:30
Friday17:00–21:30
Saturday11:00–21:30
Sunday11:00–21:30
Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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