Stepping into Smith & Mills is like stepping back into the 1800s, and not in a weird steampunk kind of way. The tiny bar sits in an old carriage house, and the bathroom (believe it or not) is something you’ve got to see. Twists on classic cocktails are the main thing here; the wine list is small but good, and the ricotta cheese with honey pretty much rules when it comes to bar snacks. They’re also open for lunch and dinner.
71 N Moore Street (Tribeca)
212-226-2515
BBQ-lovers, you are in luck with Swingbellys. Not only is their food delicious, but they have the following specials that you need to pay close attention to:
Mondays – all-you-can-eat Monster wings for $9.99, and $10 pitchers
Tuesday – Fried chicken night, with 5 pieces, a side, and cornbread for $12.95
Thursdays – $1 rib night. Yes, you heard us – each rib is only ONE DOLLAR. Seriously?
Plus, they have a live surf cam.
(images courtesy Thomas Brookins)
909 West Beech Street, Long Beach
516-431-3464
Wanna get your weekend sports fix while taking a break from the beach? The Beach House is your jam, with plenty of TVs broadcasting every game or match possible (well, maybe not curling)…and buffalo calamari!
906 West Beech Street, Long Beach
516-208-8733
Classic deli sandwiches, including those of the breakfast (like bacon, egg, and cheese) and hero (like the “Raging Bull”) variety. Note: the heroes are massive and can easily serve as two meals. Also – they deliver to the beach!
250 West Park Ave, Long Beach
516-432-1918
From the owners of Paddy McGee’s comes another great waterfront joint, with a rowdy bar scene and the occasional live band. Perfect for your liquid or lobster dinner after the beach.
104 Waterview Road, Island Park
516-889-8009
Located right on the water in Island Park (close to Long Beach), Paddy McGee’s feels like a local New England fish house where you’re just as likely to see the dudes who caught your fish eight hours earlier downing a beer and a bowl of chowdah at one of the outside bars. Local tip: it gets super crowded on the weekends, but in a fun way.
Paddy McGee’s Fish House & Bar
6 Waterview Road, Island Park, NY
516.431.8700
Gino’s is the main spot in Long Beach that surfers and locals hit to get their pizza fix, and their location right by the LIRR can’t be beat. The Sicilian and Grandma slices are almost as good as, er, Grandma’s!
16 West Park Ave., Long Beach NY
516.432.8193
Just up the block from the beach, George Martin’s Grillfire has got something for everyone: they accommodate large and small parties, have free delivery and a bar where you can get your drink on. You may not run into the 5th Beatle while you’re here, but you WILL get a discount on your order (including booze) when you show your Quiksilver Pro NY press pass!
152 West Park Avenue, Long Beach, NY
516-889-3366
Local-endorsed A Whale’s Tale is right by the beach, and straddles the line between bar and restaurant. Kick back at the bar with a cheap beer and some fish tacos or conch fritters (or the $10 unlimited lobster on Thursdays; call ahead to reserve your lobster), feed the jukebox some money, and watch the world go by.
(images courtesy Thomas Brookins)
916 W. Beech Street, Long Beach, NY
516.432.9587
French-Canadian diner M. Wells makes us ask, “Canadians, do you really eat like this?” Our Québécois friend says “Yes”, but he also bellows nonsensical French-Canadian curses when drunk. We’ll just go ahead and believe that our pals to the north always gorge on burgers the size of a small cow, sweetbreads, veal brains, and escargots and bone marrow.
21-17 49th Avenue at 21st St, Long Island City (Queens)
718-425-6917
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