The 18 best places to eat and drink around Rockaway Beach

The tiny, beloved seasonal destination Rockaway Taco evolved into Tacoway Beach 2015, keeping its fish, chorizo and black bean tacos in the move and adding plenty of space to sit (though it does get crowded!) along the way. The summertime-only operation opened for 2023 earlier this spring. 

The sprawling Rockaway Hotel opened in September of 2020. Hit the 6,000-square-foot, sixth floor space for skyline and ocean views, raw bar and cocktails. Pool passes are also are also available for $100 a day, should you need a mini-staycation without the actual beach or overnight commitment. 

With a lovely wood-lined interior and a leafy garden in the back, Sayra’s is a splendid place to settle in for wine by the glass, carafe or bottle, and tapas like burrata and marinated Greek olives, plus larger plates at brunch and dinner. One of the overall best restaurants in Queens, Sayra's also hosts chef pop-ups, live music and comedy shows. 

Caracas Arepa Bar clocked its twelfth year by the beach when it reopened for 2023 on May 19. It's known all over the shore for its titular specialty, available in a few varieties to mix and match. This outpost also boasts all the lovely, breezy, sunshiney perks you’d expect from its ideal summertime location. 

Although it’s open year-round, spring and summer are Bungalow Bar’s time to shine. It’s situated right on the water, so you can create the beach day experience without getting sand in your swimsuit, plus there’s table service for cocktails, beer, wine, and a wide-ranging menu of items like guacamole, wings, tacos, salads, sandwiches and burgers, plus plenty of seafood. 

Specializing in Uzbek food, this family-owned restaurant has been a Rockaway staple since it opened in 2013. Try their bichakis (stuffed and baked pastries), various soup offerings, salads and kebabs. But, make sure to check out their manti or handmade steamed dumplings filled with meat or, butternut squash for veggie appetites.

This old favorite’s been frequented by everyone and their grandma since the 1920s. We’re partial to the scruffy subterranean tavern’s frigid piña coladas and vodka pink lemonades, which come in nondescript disposable cups with a cherry on top. Ownership recently changed hands, but Connolly's new operators have kept the humbly asserted "best frozens in the universe" flowing. 

With a sign that reads “Welcome to the Family” on the front window, Rocco’s is all about comforting eats and hospitality. From brick-oven sandwiches to their margherita pizza, Rocco’s will satisfy your craving before, during or after your beach adventure. And if that doesn’t convince you, Rocco’s was named Queens Best Pizza in 2023. 

RBC, which has a brewery in Long Island City, too, got its start right here in the neighborhood. The taproom has seating inside and out, its own beers on tap, and a menu that has previously included fried chicken sandwiches, burgers and vegan hot dogs. 

Overlooking Jamaica Bay, the Wharf Bar and Grill is a relaxed seafood restaurant perfect for any Rockaway beach day. If you successfully lathered up with SPF and aren’t sick of the sun, take a seat on their outdoor patio space (with umbrellas for those in need of shade) and enjoy a perfect view of the Manhattan skyline. When you’re hungry, they’ve got lobster rolls, fish tacos and shrimp baskets, alongside casual bar classics like burgers and turkey clubs. Just don’t forget that it’s cash only!

Located in the heart of Rockaway Beach— just two blocks away from the water—Kimo’s is the perfect meal to start or end your beach day. Self-described as a restaurant where “Greece meets Egypt, meets New York,” Kimo’s is quick, affordable and healthy. They serve build-your-own pita or bowls, along with their own famous and traditional dishes like the Fatboy Pita and mezze plates. Take the dish to the beach or sit on their patio out back.

In addition to fresh ceviche, this Peruvian staple has chicken salad sandwiches, quinoa salad and empanadas. Refreshments include Inca Kola, frozen no-booze mojitos, and of course, the salty ocean breeze rolling off the boardwalk.

Just off of the Rockaways in Broad Channel is Adrienne’s, a contemporary Italian restaurant serving oysters, calamari, and a full menu of pastas and meats. Get the rigatoni Bolognese, or, if you’re feeling extra bold, the 32-ounce prime cut porterhouse. Finish it all off with a digestive walk along the beach.

Rippers has beach burgers of the cheese and veggie variety, fries, ice cream beer and wine, all on the boardwalk. Dine on the adjacent picnic tables or share with the seagulls back on the sand. (Please do not feed the gulls.)

A quaint, family-run cafe and provision shop since 2012, Cuisine by Claudette is open year-round. Its lengthy menu includes all manner of espresso and coffee drinks, smoothies, bowls, falafel, shawarma and veggie pitas, grilled cheese variations and larger entrées like lemon pepper chicken and baked salmon. 

If you feel like you have to have seafood, but are also craving the comfort meal of warm bread and cheese, look no further. Whit’s End serves wood-fired pizza and seafood – from pan-seared swordfish to scallop tartare. Their handwritten menus change daily, so check out their Instagram to see what’s on offer.

Mix together authentic Thai food with groovy music and you'll get Thai Rock. The restaurant is situated on the bay and is best enjoyed from its patio seating as live local music plays in the background. Their menu includes your classic favorites, from  Pad Thai and Red Curry to Thai cilantro-marinated grilled skirt steak and a fried whole red snapper. With music, views and good food, your day trip to the beach will start to feel like a whole week’s vacation.

Stop by this cute cafe, where the ceiling’s lined with coffee bean bags, for a caffeine kick before you hit the waves or lounge all day. In addition to its bevy of hot and cold coffee options, Roasters has smoothies, bowls, sandwiches, pastries and sweet treats.