You are reading

Donovan’s Pub in Woodside wins inaugural Queens best burger establishment contest

Photo courtesy of Anat Gerstein, Inc.

June 26, 2024 By Bill Parry

Donovan’s Pub in Woodside was declared the winner of the inaugural Queens’ Best Burger Competition by the Queens Chamber of Commerce on Friday, June 21.

The contest kicked off on Memorial Day weekend and asked foodies to nominate and vote for their favorite burger establishments in every corner of the borough, with the cornerstone of the Woodside community emerging as the champion.

Photo courtesy of Anat Gerstein, Inc.

“The votes have been tallied and Queens residents have made their choice, and we are delighted to honor Donovan’s Pub,” Queens Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tom Grech said. “Congratulations to Dan Connor and the entire team at Dovovan’s on winning this competition. This recognition is a testament to their commitment to serving up delicious versions of a summer staple. I suggest everyone go check them out.”

Queens Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Tom Grech is flanked by Donovan’s Pub co-owners Dan Connor (left) and Jimmy Jacobson (right). Photo courtesy of Anat Gerstein, Inc.

Grech was flanked by Connor and his brother-in-law, Jimmy Jacobson, who grew up in the neighborhood and both worked at Donovan’s in their youth.

Donovan’s Pub. Photo courtesy of Donovan’s Pub

When the restaurant’s original owner, Joe Donovan, decided to sell in the summer of 2012 after 46 years, regular patrons grew concerned that the restaurant would close down for good when no buyer initially came forward. That’s when Connor and Jacobson decided to buy the bar in late 2012.

“We are honored to be voted Queens’ Best Burger,” Connor said. “We know that our borough is loaded with great restaurants, many serving up great burgers, so we are incredibly proud of our amazing team who truly make us a Woodside landmark gathering place.”

Located at 57-24 Roosevelt Ave. across the street from St. Sebastian’s Church, Donovan’s Pub was forced to close during the COVID-19 pandemic. The owners feared they may have to shutter permanently until a regular patron launched a GoFundMe campaign, and Woodside residents responded by raising nearly $90,000.

Connor said the money went toward covering payroll and expenses such as rent, supplies and utility bills. The fundraiser was largely responsible for getting the restaurant back on its feet.

“We are also incredibly thankful to the amazing community who support us,” Connor said. “They are the reason we work so hard, why we push ourselves to evolve and why we better ourselves at every opportunity. This community means the world to us, and we will continue to do all that we can to be a comfortable place to meet and enjoy quality food and drinks.”

Before he ran for public office, Assemblymember Steven Raga was the executive director of Woodside on the Move. “Donovan’s Pub is a true Woodside staple for both its food and role in the community,” Raga said. “Congratulations to Dan Connor and the Dovovan’s Pub team on winning the Queens Chamber of Commerce inaugural Best Burger Competition. I’m looking forward to them holding this title for many years to come.”

Ryan’s Irish Bar and Grill in Bayside was the runner-up and Acey Ducey’s in Forest Hills finished third. All three restaurants are in Congresswoman Grace Meng’s district.

“I’m thrilled to congratulate Donovan’s Pub for winning the top spot in the Queens’ Best Burger contest,” Meng said. “I also commend Ryan’s Irish Bar and Grill and Acey Ducey’s for coming in second and third place. All three are located in my congressional district, underscoring how some of the best food in our borough exists in areas that I’m honored to represent.”

Meng also thanked the Chamber for highlighting the vital role that restaurants play in the borough’s economy.

“The World’s Borough isn’t just the proud home of outstanding international cuisine. It’s also where you’ll find some of the best American classics, like the burger,” Queens Borough President Donovan Richards said. “It must be in the name because it’s hard to find a more delicious or juicy burger than the ones they serve at Donovan’s Pub in Woodside.”

In total, 12 establishments were nominated for the contest. After nearly 3,000 votes were tallied, Donovan’s Pub was named the winner.

“District 26 is known for some of the greatest food in Queens, including this newest title of best burgers at Donovan’s Pub,” Council Member Julie Won said. “Congratulations to this Woodside institution for winning. Small businesses are cornerstones of our neighborhoods. I encourage my neighbors to support local restaurants and try the top burger in the borough.”

email the author: news@queenspost.com
No comments yet

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

May races in Queens: JFK Airport 5K, Forest Park trail classic and a Queensborough 5K

May. 16, 2025 By Paulina Albarracin

The energy of May is on full display across Queens, with a lineup of local races that invite runners of all levels to hit the pavement and the trails. With mild temperatures and sunny skies setting the stage, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of the spring weather before the summer heat sets in. From the Forest Park 4 Mile Road and Trail Classic to the festive Great Hawaiian Luau 5K at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, these events offer more than just a workout—they foster community spirit and personal growth. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen before lacing up and heading out. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or new to the sport, these May races offer a chance to challenge yourself and connect with others in motion.

Two women shot at Ocean Bay Apartments in Far Rockaway, gunman still at large: NYPD

Police from the 101st Precinct in Far Rockaway are looking for a gunman who shot two women at the Ocean Bay Apartments in Arverne on the night of Saturday, May 10.

The suspect is seen on video surveillance at around 9:35 p.m. approaching the southeast corner of the NYCHA complex at Beach 54th Street and Arverne Boulevard, where he pulled out a handgun and opened fire at a group of people, striking two women before running off. When officers responded to a 911 call of an assault in progress at the complex, which is also called the Oceanside Apartments, they found the two victims: a 34-year-old woman who was shot in both legs and a 32-year-old woman with a gunshot wound to her leg. EMS responded to the location and transported the victims to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where they were both listed in stable condition.

Op-ed | Justice for all delivery workers: It’s time to close the grocery pay gap

May. 15, 2025 By Rev. Dr. Phil Craig 

While one’s worth is not determined by an abundance of possessions, our faith teaches us that all workers deserve a just living. However, for many people in our communities, the way our laws are written are keeping them from enjoying equal pay for equal work. This is especially true for New Yorkers who support themselves and their families doing delivery work — and we stand alongside our lawmakers who are looking to change that.