Consuming in Rockaway Seashore, Queens

Meals distributors and eating places in Rockaway Seashore have solely gotten higher over time. Right here’s the place to eat this summer season, and past.

For New Yorkers, hitting the seaside on sunny summer season days affords some much-needed wide-open, saltwater respite from the city jungle we name dwelling. However when it’s a seaside you’ll be able to take public transit too, we’re rightfully a bit of smug. Rockaway Seashore, proper off the A practice, the Q22 bus (amongst different traces), and the unbeatable NYC Ferry, with its attractive limitless boardwalk, lodge rooftop bars, and nice and various eateries, is the proper instance. Who wants the Jersey Shore with this Queens seaside a stone’s throw away?

Don’t get me mistaken—I’m a Jersey Shore native. However I’m additionally a 16-year Queens diehard, and final summer season our household lastly made the leap to a Rockaway Seashore staycation. Renting a bungalow close to the seaside 35 minutes from our dwelling proved an excellent thought that permit us expertise the Rockaways in a complete new means: not as repeat day-trippers, however as neighborhood locals.

Naturally, between hours on the sand, we ate so much in Rockaway Seashore’s eating places. We discovered that throughout the span of some blocks, you’ll be able to have Jamaican meals for breakfast, Venezuelan for lunch, and Uzbeki delicacies for dinner. Then there’s the summers-only taco and ceviche spots, the ice cream store that’s a should, and the lodge rooftop bar with among the finest views in NYC.

However we additionally discovered that the good spots to hit are unfold out over some 40-odd blocks, so it helps to have a plan. There may be nonetheless extra we need to discover on this neighborhood, however for now, right here’s your roadmap for the place to eat in Rockaway Seashore.

Tacoway Seashore

That is the previous Rockaway Tacos many people knew and beloved, and whereas the seasonal eatery is a 10-minute stroll from the seaside, the surfer vibes and crispy fish tacos are nonetheless incredible (we additionally appreciated the vegetarian black bean, cheese, and candy plantain taco). Served two to an order with a hefty scoop of guacamole, cabbage slaw, and sliced radish, the tacos are perfect for mixing and matching with a companion.

Our household of 4 paired 4 taco orders with chips and guac and a guajillo-flecked cucumber-mango salad for an ideal dinner al fresco within the festive picnic table-strewn yard. Seize your margaritas on the Rockaway Surf Membership, open until midnight, which shares the outside area. Tacoway Seashore; open each day, 11am-8pm; 302 Seashore 87th St., map

 

Ripper’s

Is any boardwalk price its salt and not using a good burger joint? Ripper’s is right here in your carnivorous, hangover-fueled seaside cravings with its easy menu of (grass-fed) burgers, (pasture-raised) sizzling canines, and fries, all of which may have a gooey slice of American cheese melted on prime, in the event you select. (Vegan burgers can be found too, in addition to beers and juices.) This being Rockaway Seashore, beer, wine, and cold-pressed juices are additionally obtainable.

If you happen to’re like me, you’ll come right here to feed hungry children, after which end up eagerly downing half a cheese canine. However the traditional burgers, with smashed patties, pickles, cabbage, and potato buns, and cheese fries are the issues to get after a couple of stable hours on the seaside. Gasoline up within the colourful beachfront picnic space, and get again to these sands. Ripper’s; open each day, 11am-8pm, climate allowing; 86-01 Shore Entrance Pkway, map

 

Mara’s Ice Cream Parlor

A visit to Mara’s is a Rockaway should. It hits all of the notes required of a beachy ice cream spot: home made ice cream in all kinds of flavors; a candy sandy yard by which to park your self; a salty-enough location, only a few blocks from the ocean. Oh, and there’s boozy ice cream too!

The last decade-old store modified possession since we visited final, so we hope the nice and cozy ambiance and scrumptious wares stay. I beloved the wealthy and creamy peanut butter pie ice cream. Mara’s Ice Cream Parlor; open each day for summer season, noon-10pm; 92-14 Rockaway Seashore Blvd., map

 

Finest Caribbean

Jamaican breakfasts are all the time a deal with, and the saltfish and callaloo we took out from this no-frills nook store one morning (eaten in our home rental’s patio) was very satisfying. The fried dumplings helped mop all of it up, and we snacked on the thick, candy peanut porridge for days in our fridge. Subsequent time I’ll go for lunch and gorge on curry goat or oxtails. Finest Caribbean; open each day, 6:30am-10pm; 91-02 Rockaway Seashore Blvd., map

Rockaway Roasters

If you happen to stay (or keep) close by, that is your native espresso store, and it’s a very good one. As is becoming for an area surfer-owned spot, the ambiance is chill and rustic, with a reclaimed wooden espresso bar and burlap bean baggage on the ceiling. The espresso is Stumptown, and it hits the spot nonetheless you want your caffeine. However the meals is terrific too.

Our youngsters beloved the enormous Nutella waffles, whereas I loved the frozen banana bowl, a intelligent, honey-drizzled mixture of frozen bananas, almond milk, and almond butter, topped with contemporary fruit, hemp granola, uncooked cacao nibs, and coconut flakes. The acai and pitaya bowls look scrumptious too, and an exquisite pre-beach meal. Juices, smoothies, pastries, and savory croissant sandwiches spherical out the menu. Rockaway Roasters; open Mon-Fri, 7am-3pm; Sat-Solar, 8am-3pm; 92-06 Rockaway Seashore Blvd., map

 

Tremendous Burrito

You’ll discover Tremendous Burrito farther east in Arverne (Seashore 69th St.), proper subsequent door to Delicacies by Claudette’s, which we additionally function beneath. It’s a really perfect pre- or post-beach meal, whether or not you go for a scrumptious, fats Mission-style burrito (shrimp is pictured), a quesadilla or a burrito bowl. Bottled beers can be found too, or go seize an espresso drink or smoothie from Claudette’s when you wait at an outside desk. Tremendous Burrito; open Solar-Thurs, 11am-9pm; Fri-Sat, 11am-10pm; 190 Seashore 69th St., map

Connolly’s Bar

If you happen to’ve pushed or walked down Seashore ninety fifth St. to achieve the sands, you’ve probably handed this place many a time. I do know we have now. And so we lastly handed underneath the maroon awning to enter this iconic native pub, which was established in 1962 however has been a bar because the late 1800s. The factor to get, in the event you’re getting only one merchandise, is the cherry-topped frozen piña colada. It’s their signature drink, and so they’re fairly happy with it. We had children in tow, so we obtained ours to go in a Styrofoam cup for a roving comfortable hour.

It’s a piña colada—you understand what you’re getting. However it is vitally tasty: chilly and candy and refreshing. Piña coladas on the seaside are all the time a good suggestion. There’s a spacious entrance patio space (the place yoga courses are generally held), stay music and DJs on most weekends, and trivia and bingo occasions. Connolly’s Bar; open each day, midday until late; 155 Seashore ninety fifth St., map

Uma’s

A vigorous family-owned Uzbek restaurant with a couple of sidewalk tables (and, randomly, a location in Puerto Rico too), Uma’s makes for a pleasant change of tempo at lunch or dinner. Our household loved the squash-filled manti and the baked lamb samsa, however don’t sleep on the each day specials: We beloved a hearty Georgian hen dish on the specials board referred to as hen chehambli, stewed with peppers, onions, and eggplant, and served with kasha. Uma’s; open each day, noon-10pm; 92-07 Rockaway Seashore Blvd, map

La Cevicheria

This common seasonal vendor contained in the Rockaway Bazaar meals court docket at Seashore 97 focuses on Peruvian ceviche. It is likely to be the proper summer season lunch, gentle, citrusy, and refreshing—and right here you’ll be able to eat it beachfront, precisely how we all the time need our ceviche! We beloved the common shrimp selection, and one other that paired ceviche mixto (hake and shrimp) over quinoa and causa (mashed potato with ají amarillo), for a extra filling meal. It will get a bit expensive, nevertheless it’s a Rockaway Seashore should! La Cevicheria; open Mon-Fri, 11:30am-7:30pm; Sat-Solar, 11:30am-8:30pm; 97-01 Shore Entrance Pkwy, map

 

The Rooftop on the Rockaway Resort

Head as much as the sixth flooring of the gorgeous, art-strewn Rockaway Resort to achieve this expansive oasis of a rooftop bar and restaurant. The views are phenomenal, stretching throughout the cottages of Rockaway and Jamaica Bay to the Manhattan skyline on one aspect and full-frontal Atlantic Ocean on the others. What a particular POV.

You’d suppose it’d be overrun with hipster vacationers or raucous day-trippers, however we discovered the vibe was chill at sundown—a wonderful time to go to—and even welcoming to our household (on Fridays and Saturdays, you should be 21 to enter after 6pm). It’s an unbelievable spot for a cocktail, and the snack-focused menu is surprisingly good too, not less than the lone dish we tried (and shortly devoured): a Mason jar of plump sardines served with home made potato chips and onion dip. (Replace: That is now not on the menu, however related gadgets sound good!)

Notice that the lodge affords non-guests day passes to its candy heated swimming pool. Subsequent time! The Rooftop on the Rockaway Resort; open Thurs, 4pm-9pm; Fri, 4pm-9pm (bar is open later); Sat, 2pm-9pm (bar is open later); Solar, 2pm-9pm; 108-10 Rockaway Seashore Dr., map

 

Caracas Arepa Bar

We’ll shamelessly date ourselves by saying we frequently ate at Caracas when it was nonetheless new within the East Village, within the early 2000s. Venezuelan stuffed arepas had been such a novelty in NYC again then, and this place stays iconic for them. Whereas the unique location has since closed, Queens of us are fortunate that Caracas Arepa Bar is a summertime fixed on the boardwalk at Seashore 106. The arepas, whereas a bit smaller and positively pricier than I recall, are simply as scrumptious, and so they’re fairly generously crammed (and subsequently filling). We beloved the straightforward black bean and cheese arepa, and the arepa de pollo, with a number of shredded hen, plantains, avocado sauce, and pickled jalapenos. That is additionally the place to attempt a frozen sangria, a visually pleasing and refreshing twist of slushy white and pink wine. Caracas Arepa Bar; open each day, 11:30am-7:30pm; 106-01 Shore Entrance Pkwy, map

 

Rocco’s of Roc Seashore

We drove a bit of west to this pizzeria and red-sauce joint on the recommendation of a pal, who instructed us it was their favourite Italian restaurant in Queens. We wouldn’t go that far, nevertheless it was a enjoyable, tasty, splurgy night time. All the restaurant’s pastas and breads are made contemporary in-house, which is fairly particular. We beloved the meatballs and one of many pasta specials, a pile of seafood over black squid ink spaghetti. Pictured is the bucatini all’Amatriciana—scrumptious, however served a bit of too al dente for my style.

Rocco’s has a clubby vibe to it, with a DJ three nights per week, together with throughout our weeknight go to, however there’s an outside backyard in again too. In the course of the summer season, there’s a hand-crafted gelato bar on the sidewalk. The menu is huge, and the Parm sandwiches look divine, however its pizza was just lately voted finest within the borough in a brand new Queens Chamber of Commerce competitors, so subsequent time we’ll attempt that. Rocco’s of Roc Seashore; open Tues-Thurs, noon-10pm; Fri-Sat, noon-11pm; Solar, noon-9pm; 115-10 Rockaway Seashore Blvd, map

Coastal Frozen Yogurt

Close to the Rockaway Resort, there’s a bit of cluster of bars and eating places, plus this cute and colourful fro-yo store! Really it carries ice cream, milkshakes, and sorbet too, and appears to focus on sundae cups with many various toppings. We’re all in regards to the Reese’s Cup topping in our household. Coastal Frozen Yogurt; open Tues-Solar, 1pm-9pm; 108-19 Rockaway Seashore Dr., map

Delicacies by Claudette

Moroccan-born Jewish chef Claudette Flatow opened up her causal counter-service Mediterranean spot on 116th St. in 2012—proper earlier than Sandy struck—and the place has change into a neighborhood staple, with two areas (a 3rd will open quickly in Howard Seashore). The beneficiant, health-conscious menu spans espresso drinks and pastries (together with vegan choices), juices and smoothies, acai bowls, pita sandwiches, and protein bowls. We beloved the falafel bowl and iced halva latte. Speak about a incredible lunch to deliver to the seaside! Delicacies by Claudette; open each day, 8am-8pm; 143 Seashore 116th St. + 190 Seashore 69th St. (Arverne), map

Nutcrackers … on the Seashore

Whereas not invented right here (that honor goes to a Chino-Latino restaurant on the Higher East Facet within the early Nineties), nutcrackers are a Rockaway custom I’ve all the time been cautious of … who is aware of what goes in these candy-colored frozen drinks peddled on the sands? For the uninitiated, a nutcracker isn’t any one drink; reasonably, it’s a normal identify for any candy, boozy beverage peddled illegally on the road, in bodegas and barber outlets, and most positively on the seaside. Nonetheless, we had been fortunate to run into a man working for The Beachtender, apparently one in all only a few “official” distributors with an LLC. The Beachtender himself is Anthony Robinson—peep his Instagram, so you understand who to search for—however he does have a couple of different guys roaming round.

The gentleman we met (pictured right here) defined that they used actual fruit and greens of their drinks, demonstrating by taking each taste out and displaying us the seen seeds. Passionfruit with Hennessy, a mudslide with mushrooms, strawberry lemonade vodka, peach-mango Maker’s Mark, watermelon tequila, rum punch—we tried the latter two, and so they had been scrumptious, icy and refreshing. Search for the Beachtender! (We’ve since tried one other vendor on the seaside and it was not almost pretty much as good, with a synthetic taste and grain-alcohol style.)

That is actually not an exhaustive listing of the place to eat in Rockaway Seashore … we have now hit up lots of spots over time, however not all of them! We all know Thai Rock is well-liked for Thai eating overlooking the bay, whereas the Bungalow Bar, which we’re means overdue to revisit, is iconic for waterfront meals and cocktails. Goody’s BBQ Rooster + Ribs has been on my listing for a very long time, over in Arverne. Whit’s Finish, common for pizza and so many each day seafood specials, is on our listing for subsequent time, as is Kimo’s Kitchen for Mediterranean meals. Each Faucet That and Sayra’s Wine Bar sound like enjoyable locations to seize a drink. Additionally the newish Postcard Brewing Co.! We had been bummed to study that Rockaway Brewing closed its brewery out right here, however Postcard serves its house-made beers at its enviable location on the bay by the ferry touchdown, with views of the Manhattan skyline.

I assume you understand the place you’ll discover us this summer season!