Mariscos El Submarino — The Line & How to Get In · Jackson Heights, NYC

//The line

Mariscos El Submarino is counter service. The Infatuation says you order at the counter, grab a tamarind soda or a beer from the fridge, and wait for your plastic tray — no host stand, no waitlist app. The wait here is a wait for a table, not a rope line. Time Out New York (May 2024) reports it's hard to hit on a weekend without finding it packed with locals and diners in from other boroughs.

The room is small. The Infatuation describes a 'fluorescent, nondescript lunch counter,' and Time Out notes the place opened around 2020 with few customers and minimal seating. Time Out credits a 2021 Pete Wells review in the New York Times with the turnaround — the owner told the outlet he started seeing people 'who I never saw before' from across the city. Demand outgrew the seats, which is why a Tripadvisor reviewer writes that 'the line outside will show you how good this place is.'

Turnover is quick. Julia With a Good Appetite calls the counter service 'even keeled and efficient,' and both The Infatuation and Eat This NY describe a fast order-at-the-cashier flow. No source reports a reservations option; it's walk-in. damnlines has no camera at this address, so nothing on this page is a live count — for a real-time read on this stretch, check our nearest live cameras.

//When the line peaks

Weekends (Sat–Sun): Time Out New York (May 2024) reports it's difficult to visit on a weekend without finding it packed with locals and diners from other boroughs. Busy mealtimes: a Tripadvisor reviewer notes 'the line outside will show you how good this place is' — a line forms on the sidewalk when the small room fills. Since a 2021 Pete Wells New York Times review, crowds skew citywide rather than neighborhood-only, per Time Out New York.

Patterns as reported by press and regulars — not measured by damnlines.

//Getting in

Reservations: No reservations - per its Yelp listing this is a walk-in Mexican seafood spot (aguachile, ceviche, tostadas, cocktails) in Jackson Heights; no booking system is referenced.

Walk-ins: Walk-ins are welcome per Yelp/local listings, though reviewers note lines and waits during peak hours.

Mon-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 10am-10pm, per its Yelp listing.

//FAQ

How long is the wait at Mariscos El Submarino?

It's counter service (you order at the counter, per The Infatuation), so any wait is for a table rather than a host line. Time Out New York reports weekends get packed, and a Tripadvisor reviewer describes a line forming outside when it's full. (No live damnlines camera here — nothing on this page is a live measurement.)

Does Mariscos El Submarino take reservations?

No source indicates reservations. The Infatuation describes ordering at the counter and grabbing a drink from the fridge, so it functions as a walk-in, counter-service spot.

When is the best time to go to Mariscos El Submarino to avoid a line?

No source gives exact quiet windows. Time Out New York frames weekends as the packed time, so a weekday visit is the reported lighter bet. Treat this as reported pattern, not a live count — damnlines has no camera at this address.

Why is Mariscos El Submarino so popular?

Its aguachile, especially the aguachile negro. Time Out New York credits a 2021 Pete Wells review in the New York Times with turning it into a citywide draw, and Eat This NY named its aguachiles mixto verde a Dish of the Week.

Is Mariscos El Submarino counter service or sit-down?

Counter service. The Infatuation says you order at the counter, grab a drink, and wait for a plastic tray, and Julia With a Good Appetite calls the counter service 'even keeled and efficient.'

Can you walk into Mariscos El Submarino?

Yes, per its Yelp listing walk-ins are welcome, though reviewers mention lines and waits can build during busy periods.