Sunnyside is ready for prime time.

That western Queens neighborhood is the setting for Kal Penn’s new sitcom, airing Thursdays on NBC. In “Sunnyside,” the “Harold & Kumar” star plays a disgraced former NYC councilman who wants to salvage his reputation while maybe, just maybe, helping some of his ex-constituents along the way.

” ‘Sunnyside’ is a great name for a show,” real-life Queens councilman Jimmy Van Bramer tells The Post. “Better than Flushing!”

Van Bramer says Penn’s showrunners may also have been attracted to the area because of its diversity: The combined population of Sunnyside and neighboring Woodside is 36 percent Asian and 31 percent Latino.

That diverse population has brought an influx of new and different restaurants far beyond White Castle.

One thing that hasn’t changed in Sunnyside: the 40-foot-tall metal, art-deco emblazoned arch that greets those arriving at the 7 train’s 46th Street-Bliss Street stop.

Here are some of the nabe’s sunniest spots.

FUELING UP

Sanger Hall boasts six varieties of “loaded fries” ($10), all named after Queens neighborhoods. The Sunnyside fries are a wacky combo of chopped hot dog, bacon, salsa saltado and pepperocini peppers. “It’s salty, savory and delicious — the most stoner of all the fries,” jokes Ori, the single-named co-owner and chef. 48-20 Skillman Ave.

De Mole owner Ramiro Mendez is a Sunnyside guy at heart, even though his place is technically in Woodside. “This community made me feel good,” he says. It’s a far cry, he says, from the Manhattan restaurant where he worked 20 years ago. “It was a lot of, ‘We have a VIP table.’ What do you mean about ‘VIP table’?” Mendez says. “I used to hate that.” At De Mole, he serves ceviche de veracruz (citrus-cured scallops or fish, $8) and other Mexican dishes with a side of appreciation. “I think everybody’s a VIP,” he says. 45-02 48th Ave.

I Love Paraguay is known for its vori vori chicken soup with dollops of soft cheese ($8.50) — it was named a 2018 best dish by foodie site Eater. But owner Nancy Ojeda also makes an impressive array of South American desserts, such as mousse de mburukujá (passion fruit mousse, $7) and torta de tres leches (three-milk cakes, $8). “We’re not just selling food,” says server Pamela Gomez. “People want to eat and find out about our culture.” 43-16 Greenpoint Ave.

After Jeremy Leach visited Turkey last year, the Long Island City resident become a fan of Chakra Cafe, Ahmet Albayrak’s 6-month-old, aqua-hued Turkish coffee shop, which serves imported coffee ($4.50), baklava ($1.75) and other treats. Leach’s mother, Katie, who joined him for brunch while visiting from Weatherly, Pa., was enchanted: “What can we do to bring this kind of thing to Weatherly?” she says. 44-01 Queens Blvd.

Bajeko Sekuwa draws crowds for such savory Indian cuisine as paneer pakora (battered and fried farmer’s cheese, $6.95). But Karma Lhamo of Jamaica, Queens, headed downstairs, where Hindi singers performed onstage at this Nepalese restaurant. “I like dancing!” she says, over the sounds of Hindi pop and Bollywood. 43-16 Queens Blvd.

The Skillman keeps regulars happy with inventive fare, such as a lamb burger ($22) topped with feta cheese, fresh cucumber and cumin mayonnaise on a brioche bun. But the restaurant also keeps folks coming with fun game nights, such as bingo on Monday. Be warned: Boisterous regulars closing in on a win often shout a thunderous “Whoop-whoop!” 45-20 Skillman Ave.

Ariyoshi Japanese Restaurant serves sizzling platters of seafood and more than 50 kinds of sushi rolls. Not surprisingly, the best seller is the Sunnyside ($8.25), filled with salmon and yellowtail. 41-13 Queens Blvd.

SHOPPING AND HOPPING

Sensational sunset views are yours when you ride the elevated east-west 7 train line along Queens Boulevard at dusk. Small tables in the public plazas at the 40th and 46th Street stops make great gathering spots. No wonder the Sunnyside Shines Business Improvement District hosts events there, such as this weekend’s two-day pop-up bazaar at 40th Street — with food, dance and crafts sponsored by the Turkish Cultural Center of Queens — and the annual Sunnyside Restaurant Week, slated for Oct. 22 to 28.

Sunnyside Gardens is a green oasis on 55 acres between Barnett and Skillman Avenues on the neighborhood’s northern edge. Its brick row homes surround a lush — and private — series of interconnected yards that give residents an escape from the city’s hustle. But you don’t need to trespass to appreciate the vibe: Meander along north-south streets and you’ll hear a chorus of sparrows, doves, cardinals and, at night, crickets.

Want gifts that give back to the community? Check out Bliss Vintage, where Rebecca “Violet” Vicars sells not only vintage clothing but handmade candles, aromatherapy products, greeting cards and jewelry from nearly two dozen local craftspeople. 41-03 46th St.

The intimate (99-seat) Thalia Hispanic Theatre opened 42 years ago, and has since offered more than 200 bilingual productions. Its latest, “La Golondrina” (“The Swallow”), in Spanish with English supertitles, was inspired by the 2016 mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla. “It’s very important to entertain,” says artistic director Angel Gil Orrios, “but also make people think.” 41-17 Greenpoint Ave.

Every Saturday year-round, Sunnyside Greenmarket offers everything from local fresh fruit and seafood to maple syrup from Vermont’s Consider Bardwell Farm. The market is just one reason that keeps third-generation Sunnysider David Mesagno in the nabe: “I tell my wife all the time, ‘You wanna go, you go,’ ” he quips, “but I would never leave here!” 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays on Skillman Avenue between 42nd and 43rd Streets