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39 Prince Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
39 Prince Cafe
7.8
39 Prince Cafe is a Hong Kong–style cafe that stays open until 4am, feeding night-shift workers and post-karaoke crowds with congee, noodles, and baked rice plates. The menu is sprawling and the room stays bright and busy, making it one of the truest late-late-night dining rooms in Flushing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp wonton noodle soup, Hong Kong milk tea, Baked pork chop rice with tomato sauce
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: True 4am Hong Kong–style cafe where you can still get full meals, not just snacks.
Who should go: Night-shift workers, insomniacs, and post-karaoke crews.
When to visit: After midnight when most other kitchens have gone dark.
What to order: Shrimp wonton noodles, baked pork chop rice, Hong Kong milk tea.
Insider tip: Scan the specials board—late-night combos often bundle drinks and a main for less.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Prince Street, but you can usually find a spot within a few blocks after midnight; nearby municipal garages remain open late.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are. Late-night crowds range from post-shift uniforms to hoodie-and-slippers comfort.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially after midnight; conversation is doable but expect a constant hum from busy tables and takeout traffic.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes around peak late-night hours (11pm–1am), but tables turn quickly.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait, though this isn’t a primary lunchtime destination.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—basic options like vegetable noodles, congee, and simple stir-fried greens are available.
Vegan options: Limited—most dishes include dairy or broth; a few vegetable-forward plates can be adapted but clarity varies by staff.
Gluten-free options: Minimal—many noodles and sauces contain wheat; safer to stick with plain congee or steamed vegetable sides if necessary.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal. The bright lights, busy room, and fast-paced service make it better for casual hangs or late-night refueling than a romantic first impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t used here. Even late-night rushes move quickly due to rapid turnover and ample seating.
Is it kid-friendly? During daytime and early evening, yes—straightforward comfort dishes work well for kids. After midnight, the scene shifts to night-owl crowds and may not be ideal for younger children.
Best For
Better for: One of the few true 4am full-meal destinations in Flushing—perfect for hearty Hong Kong–style plates when everything else is closed.
Skip if: You want a quiet environment, refined ambiance, or strict dietary control; the appeal here is speed, comfort, and volume rather than polish.
39 Prince Cafe
8.3
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
39 Prince Cafe is a Hong Kong–style cafe that stays open into the early morning with congee, noodles, baked rice, and tea drinks. It’s where night-shift workers and post-karaoke groups can still sit down to full plates without spending much more than a fast-food meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp wonton noodle soup, Baked pork chop over rice, Hong Kong milk tea
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Late-late-night Hong Kong cafe where you can still get full dim sum plates and hot tea at 3am for wallet-friendly prices.
Who should go: Night owls needing a real meal instead of another slice or snack.
When to visit: After midnight on weekends when most nearby kitchens are closed.
What to order: Shrimp wonton noodle soup, baked pork chop rice, Hong Kong milk tea.
Insider tip: Portions are large, so share a baked rice and one noodle soup between two people if you’re stopping in after a long night.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Prince Street and nearby roads is limited after 10pm; expect to circle. Municipal lots around Main Street usually have openings past midnight.
Dress code: Very casual. Hoodies, tees, and post-karaoke outfits all fit in fine.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially after midnight when groups come through, but still workable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes depending on late-night rush; turnover is fairly quick.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though lunch hours are less popular than evenings.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — congee, egg noodles with vegetables, baked rice with no meat, and several sides can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable noodle or congee options, but many dishes use dairy or broths with animal proteins.
Gluten-free options: Limited — rice-based dishes help, but many sauces, soups, and noodles contain gluten; ask staff which congee bases are safe.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if the goal is casual, cozy, and low-pressure. It’s more functional late-night comfort food than romantic ambience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they don’t take reservations. Late-night hours nearly always have seats, though expect short waits during post-karaoke peaks.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during earlier hours; booths and mild dishes work well for kids. After midnight it skews more adult with louder groups.
Best For
Better for: Late-night, sit-down comfort plates when everything else is closed — especially baked rice, noodles, and hot drinks.
Skip if: You want refined Cantonese cooking, quiet ambience, or a fast takeout-only experience.