Best Pharmacies in Queens NYC 2026: Neighborhood-by-Neighborhood Guide
Complete guide to finding pharmacies in Queens, NYC. Compare options in Glendale, Forest Hills, Flushing, Astoria, and every Queens neighborhood with delivery, hours, and services.
Queens is the largest NYC borough by area and the most diverse county in the United States. With 2.4 million people spread across neighborhoods from Astoria to the Rockaways, finding the right pharmacy can feel overwhelming. You've got chain pharmacies on every major corner, but independent pharmacies offer personalized service that many Queens residents prefer.
Whether you're in Glendale looking for compounding services, in Flushing seeking a Korean or Chinese-speaking pharmacist, in Forest Hills needing same-day delivery, or in Far Rockaway searching for Medicaid-friendly options, this guide breaks down the pharmacy landscape neighborhood by neighborhood.
Queens Pharmacy Landscape 2026
Understanding pharmacy distribution across the borough
Queens has about 475 pharmacies serving 2.4 million residents. That's roughly one pharmacy per 5,000 people, which is actually higher than Brooklyn's ratio. But pharmacy distribution varies a lot by neighborhood. Some areas are well-covered, others are what you'd call "pharmacy deserts."
Quick Stats:
- • Total Pharmacies: ~475 locations (60% chain, 40% independent)
- • Most pharmacies: Flushing (30+)
- • Languages served: 75+ (Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Hindi, Bengali most common)
- • 24-Hour locations: 3-5 pharmacies
- • Pharmacies with delivery: 85% (up from 40% in 2020)
2026 Trends:
- 15+ new independent pharmacies opened 2024-2026
- Most pharmacies now offer delivery (pandemic changed everything)
- More multilingual staff being hired
- CVS closed 5 Queens locations 2023-2025, mostly in lower-income areas
- Pharmacist and tech shortages causing longer wait times
Glendale & Ridgewood
Central Queens on the Brooklyn border
Glendale and Ridgewood sit on the Queens-Brooklyn border with good pharmacy access along Myrtle Avenue, Metropolitan Avenue, and Fresh Pond Road. Mix of independent family pharmacies and chain options.
Featured: AV Chemist (Glendale)
Location & Access:
- • 68-28 Myrtle Avenue, Glendale
- • Q55, Q58, B13 buses
- • Street parking available
- • Free delivery to Queens, NYC, NJ
Services:
- • 24/7 emergency delivery
- • Compounding pharmacy
- • Immunizations (walk-ins welcome)
- • Personal injury pharmacy
- • Most insurance accepted
- • Bilingual (English/Spanish)
Other Options:
- CVS (Myrtle Ave): Extended hours, drive-thru. Can be crowded.
- Walgreens (Metropolitan Ave): 24-hour location, beauty section.
- Family pharmacies on Fresh Pond Rd: Personal service, competitive pricing.
Forest Hills & Rego Park
Upscale central Queens with excellent pharmacy access
Forest Hills and Rego Park are among Queens' more affluent neighborhoods with great pharmacy access along Austin Street, Queens Boulevard, and 63rd Drive.
Best Options:
- Austin Street Pharmacy: Boutique independent, compounding, beauty products, delivery
- CVS (multiple): Queens Blvd (24-hour), Austin St, 63rd Dr
- Duane Reade: Extended hours, well-stocked
- Independent pharmacies on Queens Blvd: Competitive pricing, shorter waits
Tip: Forest Hills pharmacies get busy 12-2 PM and 5-7 PM. Call ahead or use delivery.
Flushing & Bayside
Queens' pharmacy hub with multilingual services
Flushing has the highest concentration of pharmacies in Queens (30+). Many have Korean and Chinese-speaking staff. Some specialize in traditional Asian medicine alongside Western prescriptions.
Multilingual Services:
- Korean-language pharmacies: Northern Blvd and Union St, full Korean staff
- Chinese-language pharmacies: Main St and Kissena Blvd, Mandarin and Cantonese
- Major chains: CVS, Walgreens on Main St have bilingual pharmacists
- Specialty Asian pharmacies: Herbal medicine alongside prescriptions
Top Pharmacies:
- • 24-hour CVS (Main St): Always open, busiest in Queens, long waits expected
- • Care RX Pharmacy: Independent, good service, Korean/English
- • Bayside Apothecary: Compounding, specialty meds
- • Rite Aid (Bell Blvd): Less crowded than CVS
Parking warning: Flushing parking is terrible. Use 7 train or opt for pharmacy delivery.
Chain vs Independent: What's Better?
Understanding your options
Chain Pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid)
Pros:
- • Multiple locations
- • Extended hours
- • Loyalty programs
- • Standardized service
Cons:
- • Often crowded
- • Long wait times
- • Less personal service
- • Delivery fees
Independent Pharmacies
Pros:
- • Personal service
- • Pharmacist consultations
- • Specialized services (compounding)
- • Shorter wait times
- • Free delivery usually
- • Community focused
Cons:
- • Limited hours sometimes
- • Fewer locations
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best pharmacy in Queens?▼
It depends what you need. For personal service and free delivery, independent pharmacies like AV Chemist in Glendale offer 24/7 emergency service and compounding. For convenience, CVS and Walgreens have multiple locations. Consider factors like hours, services, insurance acceptance, and delivery options.
Do Queens pharmacies offer free delivery?▼
Yes. Many Queens pharmacies offer free delivery. AV Chemist provides free delivery throughout Queens, NYC, and NJ with 24/7 emergency service. Most independent pharmacies offer free local delivery within 1-3 miles. Chain pharmacies may charge fees ($5-9) or require subscriptions.
Which Queens neighborhoods have the most pharmacies?▼
Flushing has the most pharmacies in Queens (30+ locations). Forest Hills and Astoria also have good pharmacy access with 15-20 options each. Glendale, Ridgewood, and Jackson Heights have solid coverage. Jamaica and Far Rockaway have fewer options but are improving.
Are there 24-hour pharmacies in Queens?▼
True 24-hour walk-in pharmacies are rare in Queens. A few CVS and Walgreens locations in Flushing and Forest Hills operate 24 hours, but call ahead as hours change. For 24/7 access, use emergency delivery services like AV Chemist (929) 387-8111 which delivers anytime.
Do Queens pharmacies accept Medicaid and Medicare?▼
Yes, almost all Queens pharmacies accept Medicare Part D and most accept Medicaid. Chain pharmacies accept all plans. Independent pharmacies generally accept Medicaid, Medicare, Healthfirst, Fidelis Care, and other NY plans. Always call ahead to confirm your specific plan.
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Find Your Perfect Queens Pharmacy
Whether you're in Glendale, Forest Hills, Flushing, or anywhere in Queens, you deserve pharmacy care that's convenient, personal, and always available.