Boardwalk
Rippers is more than just a snack stop, it’s a Rockaway Beach institution. Located right on the boardwalk at Beach 86th Street, this seasonal spot serves up juicy grass-fed burgers, hot dogs, crispy fries, and refreshing drinks alongside ocean views. The menu mixes classic beach fare with creative touches (think veggie burgers, grain bowls, and seasonal specials), making it a favorite for both locals and day-trippers. Whether you’re grabbing lunch between surf sessions or catching live music on a summer evening, Rippers delivers that perfect Rockaway blend of good food and laid-back vibes.
Just steps from the sand at Beach 97th Street, Boardwalk Pizzeria serves up the kind of pizza that keeps beachgoers coming back year after year. Their menu covers all the classics, from thin-crust cheese and pepperoni slices to hearty Sicilian pies, plus creative specialty pizzas loaded with fresh toppings. It’s a no-frills, grab-and-go kind of place, perfect for refueling after a swim or packing a box to enjoy right on the beach. With fast service and that unmistakable New York pizza flavor, Boardwalk Pizzeria is a Rockaway Beach staple for locals and visitors alike.
A true Rockaway Beach go-to, Boardwalk Bagel & Delicatessen has been fueling early mornings and beach days for years. Known for their hand-rolled bagels baked fresh daily, this local favorite also serves up stacked deli sandwiches, hearty breakfast platters, wraps, salads, and fresh-brewed coffee. Whether you’re stopping in for a classic bacon, egg & cheese before hitting the sand or grabbing a hero to take to the boardwalk, Boardwalk Bagel delivers big flavors with fast, friendly service. It’s comfort food with that unmistakable New York deli touch, and the kind of place that makes you feel like a regular from your first visit.
Super Burrito brings a taste of San Francisco’s Mission District right to Rockaway Beach. Located on the boardwalk at Beach 97th Street, this laid-back spot is all about big, flavorful Mexican comfort food made with fresh ingredients. Their signature Mission-style burritos are packed with rice, beans, protein, salsa, and all the fixings, wrapped in a warm tortilla for the perfect beach meal. Tacos, quesadillas, and nachos round out the menu, and everything is easy to grab and take to the sand. Whether you’re refueling after a surf session or need something hearty before catching the ferry home, Super Burrito delivers West Coast flavor with a breezy Rockaway twist.
Goody’s BBQ Chicken & Ribs is one of Rockaway Beach’s most beloved Black-owned restaurants, known for serving up smoky, tender barbecue that feels like it came straight from a backyard cookout. The menu features fall-off-the-bone ribs, perfectly grilled chicken, and all the classic sides; mac and cheese, collard greens, cornbread, all made with love and flavor. Portions are generous, prices are fair, and the vibe is pure neighborhood hospitality. Whether you’re grabbing a platter to take to the beach or sitting down for a family-style meal, Goody’s delivers comfort food that keeps locals coming back again and again.
A brand-new addition to Rockaway’s food scene, Bagel Station Express is your go-to for hearty bagel sandwiches and deli classics just steps from the beach. From stacked breakfast sandwiches to fresh-baked bagels with all the fixings, it’s the perfect grab-and-go option before hitting the sand or pairing with a glass of wine next door at Vino by the Sea. With a focus on quality ingredients and quick service, it brings a little New York deli energy right into Rockaway Beach.
Sit Down
Pilot House Bar & Grill brings a taste of the waterfront indoors with its warm, nautical-inspired atmosphere and a menu full of satisfying coastal comfort food. Located in the heart of Rockaway Beach, it’s the kind of place where you can sip a cold beer while watching the game, share a plate of fresh oysters, or dig into a classic lobster roll. The menu mixes seafood favorites with hearty burgers, steaks, and salads, making it a solid choice for groups with different cravings. Friendly service, generous portions, and a lively neighborhood crowd make Pilothouse a go-to for both casual weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings after the beach.
Batesy’s Bar & BBQ brings the art of slow-smoked barbecue to Rockaway Beach, pairing bold flavors with a fun, laid-back atmosphere. The menu is a love letter to classic American BBQ; tender brisket, juicy pulled pork, smoky ribs, and perfectly charred chicken, all cooked low and slow for that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Add in scratch-made sides like mac and cheese, cornbread, and baked beans, and you’ve got the kind of comfort food that sticks with you long after the last bite. With a full bar, friendly service, and a location just minutes from the ocean, Batesy’s is as much about the vibe as it is about the food.
Perched right on the bay, The Wharf Bar & Grill is a Rockaway Beach institution for fresh seafood, cold drinks, and views that steal the show. The menu covers all the crowd-pleasers from lobster rolls and fish tacos to juicy burgers and crisp salads, alongside a rotating selection of seasonal specials. With both indoor and outdoor seating, it’s the perfect spot for a casual lunch, a sunset dinner, or late-night drinks with friends. Add in live music, a lively bar scene, and that golden-hour glow over the water, and you’ve got one of the best dining experiences in Rockaway Beach, Queens.
Rockaway Tiki Bar turns any day at the beach into a mini island vacation. With colorful tiki décor, open-air seating, and a menu full of beach-friendly bites, it’s the perfect spot to sip something cold while soaking up the Rockaway breeze. Now, they’ve leveled up with a brand-new sushi menu, crafted by chef Jun Lin of Montauk; expect fresh, inventive rolls that wrap perfectly into the tropical vibe. Picture sipping your frozen pain chiller while nibbling tuna rolls or poke. Season after season, Rockaway Tiki Bar is the place where tiki cocktails meet sushi magic, just steps from the sand.
Rhythms on the Rock brings the taste and spirit of the Caribbean straight to Rockaway Beach. This vibrant local spot is known for its bold, flavorful dishes; think jerk chicken, curry goat, oxtail, and fresh seafood, all seasoned to perfection and served with classic island sides. The atmosphere is just as flavorful as the menu, with live music, DJs, and community events that turn dinner into a celebration. Whether you’re here for a plate of authentic Caribbean comfort food or to dance the night away, Rhythms on the Rock is a taste of island life right in Queens.
Bungalow Bar is where Rockaway Beach goes to unwind. Perched right on the bay, it’s known for fresh seafood, creative cocktails, and one of the best sunset views in Queens. The menu balances casual favorites, like fish tacos, burgers, and flatbreads; with elevated dishes such as seared tuna, lobster rolls, and seasonal salads. In summer, the outdoor deck is the place to be, with live music and a salty breeze rolling in off the water. Come for brunch, happy hour, or a lingering dinner, and you’ll see why Bungalow Bar is a year-round neighborhood favorite
Global Flavours
Walking into Uma’s feels like stepping into a friend’s home (if your friend also happened to be an incredible Uzbek cook). The menu is a mix of Central Asian flavors and family recipes: plov with tender lamb and fragrant rice, hand-pulled lagman noodles, crisp samsa pastries fresh from the oven. The space is warm and colorful, with art on the walls and a welcoming buzz from both locals and visitors. It’s the kind of place where you settle in for a meal and end up staying for dessert, maybe even a pot of tea. For something different in Rockaway Beach, and deeply satisfying, Uma’s is it.
Sal y Lima brings the vibrant flavors of Latin America to the heart of Rockaway Beach, with a menu inspired by coastal cooking and seasonal ingredients. Known for their fresh ceviches, flavorful tacos, and bright, zesty salads, this spot is all about dishes that taste like summer. The name means “salt and lime,” and that balance of tangy, salty, and fresh runs through the entire menu, from grilled seafood to handcrafted cocktails. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick lunch or lingering over drinks on the patio, Sal y Lima delivers a colorful, flavorful dining experience that fits Rockaway’s sunny, laid-back vibe.
Brisas Del Mar is a neighborhood gem known for hearty Dominican comfort food that never misses. Picture plates piled high with yellow rice, slow-roasted pork (pernil), mangú with onions, fried plantains, empanadas, and mofongo, all served with bold, home-cooked flavor in generous portions. It’s the kind of place locals lean into when they want something soulful and satisfying before or after a day by the ocean. Every visit just hits different.
Kimo’s serves the kind of Mediterranean food that’s fresh, flavorful, and satisfying without being heavy. The menu covers classics like chicken and lamb gyros, falafel, shawarma, kebabs, and crisp Greek salads, all made to order and packed with vibrant spices. Portions are generous, prices are friendly, and everything is easy to grab for a quick lunch or take down to the beach. Whether you’re in the mood for a warm pita wrap or a platter piled high with rice, salad, and grilled meats, Kimo’s delivers a taste of the Mediterranean right here in Rockaway Beach.
At Pico, the energy hits you first; the buzz of conversation, the clink of glasses, the scent of fresh lime in the air. The menu leans into bright, bold flavors: tacos stacked with fresh cilantro, burritos packed to bursting, guacamole that disappears faster than you expect. Margaritas are a must here, whether classic or in a seasonal twist, and the easygoing atmosphere makes it just as good for a quick lunch as a long, lingering dinner. Nab a table outside when the weather’s good and let the ocean breeze do its thing — the beach is only steps away.
Tacoway Beach has earned its cult status the honest way by serving some of the best tacos in New York. Operating out of the Rockaway Beach Surf Club, this seasonal pop-up runs only during the sunny months, making each visit feel like a summer ritual. The menu stays simple but flawless: beer-battered fish tucked into warm tortillas, topped with crisp cabbage, fresh salsa, and a squeeze of lime. Add in a side of elote, a cold beer, or a frozen margarita, and you’ve got the perfect post-beach meal. With picnic tables in a sandy courtyard, live music, and that unmistakable Rockaway energy, Tacoway Beach is summer in food form.
Open only when the sun’s shining, Caracas Arepa Bar pops up right on the Rockaway boardwalk (around 106th Street) and quickly became a summer staple. Think Venezuelan arepas: warm corn pockets stuffed with everything from shredded beef and black beans to avocado and guayanés cheese, plus crisp empanadas and frozen sangria that go down like a seaside dream. If you hit it on a weekend, you might even catch live music spilling into the salty air. It’s one of those Rockaway experiences that blends beach vibes and bold flavor into one unforgettable bite.
Imagine pulling a wood-fired, blister-hot Neapolitan pizza straight from the oven and walking out onto the boardwalk with sand under your feet, that’s Seany Pizza in a nutshell. Run by Sean Aiken, this seasonal pop-up (located at Beach 97th Street) serves 10-inch pies loaded with fresh mozzarella, basil, and creative toppings like the “Jessie’s Pie.” It’s relaxed, it’s delicious, and it’s exactly the kind of spot you hit after a surf session or before a classic Rockaway sunset. Follow their social updates on Instagram, Seany Pizza only fires up when the weather’s right.
Cafes
Since 1978, Mara’s Ice Cream Parlor has been cooling down Rockaway Beach with hand-scooped ice cream and old-school charm. Family-owned and operated, it’s the kind of spot where locals bring their kids, day-trippers make a point to stop, and everyone leaves a little happier. The menu is pure nostalgia: over 30 flavors of hard ice cream, rich milkshakes, sundaes piled high with whipped cream, and refreshing Italian ices. Whether you’re taking your cone for a walk along the boardwalk or grabbing a sundae to enjoy on the benches outside, Mara’s delivers that timeless summer-in-Rockaway feeling.
Locals Collective isn’t just a coffee shop, it’s a Rockaway gathering place. Part café, part creative hub, it serves expertly brewed espresso drinks, fresh pastries, and light bites in a bright, welcoming space just steps from the ocean. The menu keeps it simple but quality-focused, with locally roasted coffee, house-made baked goods, and seasonal specials that change with the mood of the beach. It’s the perfect stop before a morning surf session, a mid-day boardwalk walk, or an afternoon of remote work with a view. At Locals Collective, good coffee meets that unmistakable Rockaway community vibe.
New to Rockaway Beach since May 2025, Jack’s Corner already feels like neighborhood tradition in the making. Step inside and you’ll find an Italian-style café with oversized focaccia sandwiches; think crispy chicken cutlets drenched in vodka sauce, stacks of Italian cold cuts, or a pesto-grilled chicken hero, all built on house-made focaccia and finished with signature spreads. The display case also shines with pastries and baked goods, and yes, they’ll even deliver your meal to the boardwalk in a fold-out “lunch box table” to keep the sand at bay. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 am-8 pm. Perfect for a brunch stop, beach picnic, or afternoon recharge.
Rockaway Beach Bakery has a well-earned reputation for drawing lines down the block, and once you’ve had one of their famous morning buns, you’ll understand why. Owned and operated by pastry chef Tracy Obolsky, the bakery turns out small-batch pastries that balance comfort and creativity: buttery croissants, savory scones, seasonal galettes, and inventive cookies that change with the market. Everything is baked fresh daily, and when they sell out, that’s it. So getting there early is part of the ritual. Whether you grab a pastry to-go on the way to the beach or linger over coffee at a sidewalk table, Rockaway Beach Bakery delivers pure joy in every bite.
Tucked away in Rockaway Beach, Fat Cardinal Provisions is the neighborhood spot for baked goods that are both indulgent and made with care. Think giant cookies, creative pastries, and rotating seasonal specials that locals rave about. Beyond sweets, they also serve savory bites and hearty sandwiches, making it a perfect stop whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee-and-muffin before the beach or sitting down for something more filling. Their focus on small-batch baking and bold flavors sets them apart from your typical café, every visit brings a new favorite.
If your beach day starts with coffee, make it Rockaway Roasters. This local café is known for its smooth espresso drinks, cold brews, and a laid-back vibe that matches the neighborhood. Beyond the caffeine fix, they’ve got pastries, breakfast bites, and light eats that make it a go-to for both early risers heading out to surf and anyone in need of a cozy pick-me-up after the boardwalk. It’s casual, friendly, and a true community staple; the kind of place where the baristas know locals by name but welcome newcomers just as warmly.
Shops
Vino by the Sea isn’t your typical liquor store, every bottle here is handpicked for quality and character. Specializing in small-batch wines and craft spirits from a variety of regions around the world, they skip the mass-produced labels in favor of unique finds you won’t spot on big-box shelves. Whether you’re after a bold red for dinner, a crisp white for a beach picnic, or a craft gin for sunset cocktails, you’ll find something distinctive here. Bonus: they offer local delivery right to your door, so your next perfect pour is never far away.
Beyond the espresso machine, Locals Collective doubles as a retail space for gear, apparel, and accessories inspired by Rockaway’s surf culture. You’ll find cozy hoodies, sun-faded tees, beach towels, wax, and other surf-day must-haves; many designed in-house or sourced from local makers. The shop’s vibe is laid-back but intentional, with high-quality pieces built to last through sand, salt, and repeat summer seasons. Whether you need a fresh rash guard, a tote for your boardwalk stroll, or a gift that screams “Rockaway,” this is the spot to find it.
Sunlight spills across a table of beaded bracelets. A corner shelf holds hand-poured candles, each with its own soft scent. At The Gift Is Love, everything feels personal, because it is. The owner curates pieces from local makers and small-batch artisans, turning the shop into a little gallery of Rockaway creativity. You might leave with a driftwood photo frame, a necklace that catches the light just right, or a gift you didn’t know you were looking for until it found you.
Racks of breezy maxi dresses, crisp white blouses, and soft knits line the walls, all ready for a day that might start on the boardwalk and end at a rooftop bar. Lana’s Loft is Rockaway Beach’s go-to for women’s fashion with a coastal twist, polished enough for the city, easy enough for the sand. Accessories are tucked into every corner: chunky bangles, wide-brimmed hats, woven totes that look better with a little salt on them. Step inside and it feels like shopping in a friend’s sunlit apartment (if your friend had a perfect eye for mixing casual and chic).
If you surf in Rockaway, you’ve been to Boarders. Maybe you stopped in for wax and walked out with a new hoodie. Maybe you rented your first board here and came back for your own. It’s not just the gear, though they’ve got plenty of it… it’s the way the crew remembers your name, tells you where the swell’s best, and asks how the water was when you get back. You can buy a wetsuit anywhere, but you can’t buy that kind of local.
It’s part surf shack, part backyard hangout, part art space, and somehow all of it works. Rockaway Beach Surf Club is where you go to grab wax, check the swell, and then stay for a beer you didn’t plan on having. The shop carries boards, gear, and merch with that worn-in, salt-kissed look, plus art and goods from local makers. In summer, the patio fills with live music, tacos from Tacoway, and the hum of every kind of beach person. You could come here for a leash, but you’ll probably end up staying until the string lights come on.
A true hub for Rockaway’s surf culture, Breakwater Surf Co. has everything you need whether you’re a seasoned surfer or just picking up your first board. They carry boards, wetsuits, and all the gear to keep you wave-ready year-round, along with apparel and accessories that channel the laid-back Rockaway lifestyle. What sets them apart is their community vibe; they’re not just a shop, but a go-to place for local surf knowledge, lessons, and connecting with the neighborhood’s beach culture. If surfing is on your Rockaway to-do list, this is the place to start.
Though the Rockaway storefront has closed, Zingara Vintage is still very much alive online and at local pop-ups. Known for its dreamy, bohemian aesthetic, Zingara now focuses on one-of-a-kind vintage and curated clothing pieces; the kind that feel effortless on the beach but chic enough for a night out. Founder Regina regularly hosts pop-up events around the city and Rockaway, so the best way to keep up is by following along on social media to catch where she’ll be next. Every piece is hand-selected, with that signature mix of seaside spirit and timeless style that Zingara has always been loved for.
Surf School
If you’re looking for personalized surf lessons in Rockaway, Surf with Chris is a local favorite. Chris is a licensed NYC surf instructor who offers one-on-one and small group sessions, perfect for beginners who want patient guidance or intermediate surfers looking to sharpen their skills. Lessons include all equipment: surfboard, leash, and wetsuit, so all you need to bring is your energy (and sunscreen). With a focus on safety, fun, and building real confidence in the water, Chris has earned a loyal following of students who come back year after year.
With roots in Long Island and a strong presence in Rockaway Beach, Skudin Surf is one of New York’s most established surf schools. They offer everything from beginner lessons to advanced coaching, plus summer surf camps for kids and teens. Their certified instructors emphasize safety and ocean awareness while keeping lessons fun and accessible. Whether you’re catching your first wave or training to improve your technique, Skudin Surf has programs to fit every level. They also provide all necessary gear, making it easy to show up and start surfing.
Since 2004, New York Surf School has been helping locals and visitors alike ride their first waves at Rockaway Beach. They specialize in beginner-friendly lessons, focusing on fundamentals like paddling, popping up, and reading the ocean. Private, semi-private, and group sessions are available, as well as kids’ programs that make it fun and safe for younger surfers to get started. Their instructors provide all the gear you need; boards and wetsuits included, so you can just show up and hit the water.
Founded by lifelong Rockaway surfers, Locals Surf School is one of the most popular spots for surf lessons in NYC. They’re known for their professional yet approachable instructors who tailor lessons to all levels; from first-timers to more experienced surfers fine-tuning their style. Alongside private and group lessons, they also run multi-day surf camps and clinics, making it easy to build real skills over time. With an emphasis on safety, fun, and local surf culture, Locals Surf School has built a reputation as a go-to for both New Yorkers and visitors eager to ride Rockaway’s waves.
If you want a surf school that captures the full spirit of Rockaway, Seasons Surf is it. Founded by lifelong locals, the team here blends technical coaching with the laid-back culture that defines the neighborhood. They’re known for their small group lessons that keep things fun and approachable, plus seasonal programs that take advantage of Rockaway’s waves year-round. Whether you’re chasing your first ride in July or looking to refine your style in shoulder-season swells, Seasons offers an experience that feels both professional and deeply connected to the community.
More than just a surf school, Surfs Up NY blends ocean time with fitness and mindfulness. Their approach combines traditional surf lessons with yoga-inspired warmups and strength training, helping students connect body, breath, and wave. It’s a great option for anyone who wants more than just the basics; the team focuses on building confidence in the water while also giving you tools to improve balance, endurance, and flow. Sessions are tailored to all levels, and they provide the boards, wetsuits, and good vibes.
For anyone who wants to train like a surfer, even off the waves, Surf Skate Fitness brings a unique twist to Rockaway’s surf scene. They specialize in surf-inspired fitness, combining land-based workouts with surf and skate techniques to help students build strength, balance, and flow. Their program is perfect for beginners preparing to get in the ocean or experienced surfers who want to sharpen their performance year-round. Think resistance training, balance boards, and cardio that translates directly to the lineup. It’s not your typical surf school, it’s a full-body approach to riding stronger and longer.
Run by experienced local surfer Sierra Lerback, Sierra Surf School offers a warm, welcoming introduction to the waves. What makes this school stand out is Sierra’s teaching style; equal parts technical and encouraging, creating a space where beginners feel comfortable and supported. Lessons are intimate, with a focus on safety, ocean awareness, and finding joy in the ride. Perfect for first-timers, families, or anyone nervous about getting started, Sierra Surf School makes learning to surf in Rockaway feel approachable and personal.
Led by veteran surf instructor Frank Cullen, NYC Surfing brings more than 20 years of experience to Rockaway Beach. Known for his patient, down-to-earth coaching style, Frank offers private and small-group lessons that focus on fundamentals while keeping things relaxed and fun. Many students highlight his ability to break down technique in a way that feels easy to understand, making it a great choice for true beginners. Lessons include boards and wetsuits, and sessions are tailored to your pace, whether it’s your first wave or your fiftieth.
Blending surf instruction with Rockaway lifestyle, Dawn Patrol Surf Company is more than just a surf school, it’s a community hub. They offer lessons for all levels, from first-timers to experienced surfers, but also host yoga classes, pop-up events, and creative collaborations that celebrate beach culture. Their vibe is inclusive and welcoming, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to connect with the local community as much as with the waves. Beyond the surfboards and wetsuits, Dawn Patrol brings a social, creative energy that feels uniquely Rockaway.
Based in both Brooklyn and Rockaway Beach, Brooklyn Surf Club combines city convenience with authentic surf instruction by the ocean. Their lessons are beginner-friendly but also designed to help intermediate surfers push their skills further. What makes them unique is their community-driven approach: students often stick around long after their sessions to connect with instructors and fellow surfers. With a mix of private lessons, group sessions, and seasonal programs, Brooklyn Surf Club is a solid choice for anyone who wants a supportive introduction to NYC’s surf scene.
