NYC News

Justin Bozza of Panino Bozza (Photos: Cititour.com)

Where to eat, sip, and vibe between swims.

Adrienne’s
Located at 25 Van Brunt Road, Adrienne’s is a contemporary Italian-ish restaurant inspired by the Amalfi Coast with a breezy waterfront setting. Expect elevated coastal fare like squid ink calamarata, veal Milanese, charred octopus, and a show-stopping raw bar featuring Island Creek oysters and tuna crudo. Come for sunset views, stay for the lobster agnolotti.

Amor
Located at Beach 97th Street, Amor serves up flavorful tacos in a casual boardwalk setting. Expect juicy fillings, zesty toppings, and a prime seat to catch the sea breeze. Add in a frozen drink and you’ve got lunch done right.

Brothers Rockaway
Now in its 10th season, Brothers is a weekend café with serious fanfare. Think pesto egg sandwiches, fig-and-ricotta toast, smoothies, and Sarah’s Sweet Things for dessert. Pop-ups, DJ sets, and all-around good vibes keep it buzzing all summer.

Bungalow Bar
Set on the bay at Beach 92nd Street, Bungalow Bar is your spot for crab cakes, lobster rolls, seafood paella, watermelon salad, and boozy cocktails with waterfront views. Come for brunch, stay for sunset and a lychee martini or classic cosmo.

Callie’s
Located at 410A Beach 129th Street in Belle Harbor, Callie’s is a comfort food powerhouse offering everything from loaded cheese fries and buffalo chicken mac & cheese to roast beef sandwiches, coconut shrimp, and burgers on toasted brioche.

Caracas Arepas Bar Rockaway
A boardwalk favorite, Caracas Arepas Bar serves Venezuelan arepas stuffed with shredded beef, chicken, plantains, grilled fish, and more. Add a frozen sangria, grab a paleta from La Newyorkina, and vibe to the music at Beach 106th.

Cevicheria
Part of the Beach 97th concessions, this stand is all about citrusy ceviches that hit the spot on hot days. Light, refreshing, and full of Latin flavor—it’s beach snacking at its freshest.

Clemente’s Crab House
Docked bayside at 3939 Emmons Avenue just off the Belt Parkway in Brooklyn, Clemente’s Crab House is all about waterfront relaxation and serious seafood. From fried calamari and Blue Point oysters to their signature Angry Lobster Sandwich and housemade crab cakes, served with a view of the Venice Marina.

Connolly’s
A Rockaway legend on Beach 95th, Connolly’s is back with its signature frozen piña coladas, nostalgic décor, and live music, DJs and dancing outdoors. Saved by locals, it’s the ultimate comeback story with drinks to match.

Edible Island
Serving up Caribbean flavors on the boardwalk, Edible Island brings jerk chicken, island sides, and big flavor energy to the Beach 97th scene. Perfect for spicing up your beach day.

Happy Jack’s Burger Bar
Located at 108-13 Rockaway Beach Blvd, Happy Jack’s is a go-to for juicy burgers, bacon cheeseburger sliders, and footlong hot dogs with all the fixings. Don’t miss the crispy risotto bites served with ranch or Jack’s Famous Wings in heat levels from mild to inferno.

Panino Bozza
This humble trailer off Beach 97th cranks out seriously good sandwiches. From rosemary-mayo roast beef to a PB&J with fig jam and cornflakes, it’s proof that low-key spots often bring high flavor.

Pico Kitchen and Cantina
Over in Belle Harbor at 419 Beach 129th Street, Pico is a vibrant cantina known for its housemade guac, shrimp empanadas, and enchiladas drenched in ancho chili sauce. Tacos come stacked with your protein of choice, guacamole, pico de gallo, and crema.

Red Hook Burger
Classic beach burgers with a Brooklyn twist await at this Beach 97th concession. Juicy patties, melty cheese, and a post-surf burger that hits the reset button. Also offering beef and vegan hot dogs, and sweet potato fries.

Red Hook Lobster Pound
The NYC classic lands at Rockaway with its buttery Maine and Connecticut-style lobster rolls, along with a Lobster BLT. Other optings include a shrimp po' boy and shrimp skewers. Grab one with some chips and you’ve got a boardwalk feast in hand.

Rippers
This longtime Beach 86th institution slings burgers, hot dogs, vegan eats, beer, and soft serve from morning to dusk. A rowdy and reliable hangout for boardwalk regulars.

Rocco’s of Roc Beach
Locals love this spot for coal oven pizza, homemade pastas, and standout Italian seafood. From meatball pies to grilled octopus, Rocco’s brings the flavors of Southern Italy to Rockaway.

Sandshark Bar
Cool off at this laid-back boardwalk bar on Beach 97th with frozen cocktails and beach views for days. A prime people-watching perch and chill-out zone between ocean dips. Look for drinks like the Surfer Spritz, Bikini Punch and Jetty Mule.

Tacoway Beach
Tacos meet surf shack at this 302 Beach 87th Street spot. Fried fish tacos, carnitas, mushroom pepita “meat,” guac and chips, watermelon juice, and paletas—all served with a side of sunshine.

Tap That
This self-pour taproom offers 30 rotating beers, wines, and ciders, plus comfort food like steak frites, steakhouse burger, clam & bacon pizza, and buffalo tots. With live music and a spacious outdoor setup, it’s a Rockaway crowd-pleaser.

The Wharf Bar & Grill
Located at 416 Beach 116th Street, The Wharf offers laid-back comfort food and beachy vibes with a killer view. Expect a big menu—from fish tacos, burgers, and Reubens to coconut shrimp baskets, lobster rolls, and summer specials like mussels or grilled salmon with mango salsa.

Uma’s
Located at 92-07 Rockaway Beach Blvd, Uma’s is a cozy, family-run spot inspired by the cultures of the Silk Road. From lamb kebabs and handspun lagman noodles to butternut squash stuffed oastries and borscht, every dish brings a Eurasian twist. Don’t skip their sesame halva ice cream for dessert.

Wise Clock Café
Fuel up with sandwiches, coffee, and chill vibes at this Beach 97th favorite. Look for fresh pressed panini sandwiches like Suprema with prosciutto, mozzarella and red peppers to the Going Fishing with Italian tuna. Whether you’re rising early or brunching late, it’s the go-to for a solid start to your beach day.

See our interactive map of restaurants mentioned here.

Keep up with New York at Cititour.com and watch our video here:

Also See:

Rockaway Rocket Returns with Direct Beach Service for Summer 2025