Named after a small volcanic island off the coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, Réunion calls itself a “French surf bar” and the description is pretty spot on, minus the French. Owner, surfer, and resterauneur Thomas Wilson (of Mas (farmhouse) fame) reunited with some old buddies to bring you things like the Dodo dog and the Shark Fry tacos, along with slushy frozen drinks that’ll have you singing “Tiny Bubbles” in no time.
(image via alwayshungry)
630 9th Avenue (Hell’s Kitchen)
212-582-3200
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
If Vito’s was a person, he’d be a big Italian guy that was all, “Oi mate, how’s about a pint and some chips? Fuhgeddaboutit!” ‘Cause see, the big thing about Vito’s is its fish and chips – not pizza, as the name might imply. Prime location right on the beach side, next to the showers. Showers!
Vito’s (no website)
5 New York Ave, Long Beach
516-889-4650
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
Just one short block from the beach, Minnesota’s has got you covered with American fare, a focus on seafood, and a large bar area and outdoor patio. Chill here after being in the sun all day long.
(image courtesy Thomas Brookins)
959 West Beech Street, Long Beach
516-432-4080
1016 West Beech Street, Long Beach
516-432-9185
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
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
Talk about a secret local spot! Colonie is located in a thoroughfare not exactly known for its culinary prowess, easily one of the best new restaurants in South Brooklyn. Yeah, we’ve been throwing around the words “seasonal” and “local”, but we really mean it. Portions aren’t huge, but they’re superb. The menu changes by, er, season, but we recommend the shrimp & grits, Brussels sprouts, and wines on tap.
127 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn
718-855-7500
Quiksilver Pro NY Guide 