How to spend a day in Rockaway’s resilient beachfront community

Rockaway Beach Bakery (87-10 Rockaway Beach Blvd.), a shop helmed by popular pastry chef Tracy Obolsky, that serves up La Colombe coffee, teas, housemade baked goods (walnut sticky buns, old fashioned doughnuts, blackberry-glazed lemon pound cake) and a cozy atmosphere. The ham-and-swiss everything croissant is the most popular, as is the quiche-of-the-day. You’ll leave feeling ready for your day out and about.” data-id=”135310795″ data-link=”https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/5969_image.jpg” class=”wp-image-1.35310795″/>
Photo Credit: Tracy Obolsky

Photo Credit: Dylan Johnson

Once you’re ready for lunch, head to the Rockaway boardwalk where the refurbished, old-school concessions offer a dizzying variety of eats. Caracas at Beach 106th Street features arepas and empanadas; Brothers offers fresh smoothies and juices. The busy stalls at Beach 97th Street are home to more than 10 stands featuring beer and wine, natural ice pops, lobster rolls, BBQ, central Asian cuisine and burritos. Beer, burgers and fries can be found a few blocks down at Rippers, in the Beach 86th Street concession. If Caribbean food is more your style, the Dredsurfer Grill at Beach 17th Street serves up a large Caribbean menu.” data-id=”113661913″ data-link=”https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/5971_image.jpg” class=”wp-image-1.13661913″/>
Photo Credit: Linda Rosier

nps.gov. It’s a short walk west from the beach and can be a nice getaway from the crowds and fun to explore. Two local arts groups, the Rockaway Artists Alliance and the Rockaway Theater Company, have set up shop in the buildings. The theater hosts live performances, while the alliance has exhibitions and art classes for all ages.” data-id=”135311980″ data-link=”https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/6612_image.jpg” class=”wp-image-1.35311980″/>
Photo Credit: Linda Rosier

Lola Star at 1-74 B 116th St. is one shop that has heart. The store, owned by Lola Star, a Coney Island resident who also runs the Dreamland Roller Disco in Prospect Park, sells fanciful objects, from unicorn-themed items to mermaid-themed hats and T-shirts. Star designs the apparel, mugs, magnets and jewelry in her shop, and even has a Rockaway collection of mugs and magnets for a souvenir that’s a little more special.” data-id=”135376692″ data-link=”https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/5973_image.jpg” class=”wp-image-1.35376692″/>
Photo Credit: Lola Star Rockaway

riisparkbeachbazaar.com.

If you’re there during the summer, the Parks Department regularly holds outdoor movie screenings at the beach, so check nycgovparks.org to see if there’s one playing soon.
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Photo Credit: Dylan Johnson

Bungalow Bar is one of the best places to catch a sunset in Rockaway (377 Beach 92nd St.). The bar and restaurant, located on the shore of Jamaica Bay, offers indoor and outdoor seating as well as live entertainment.

Check out the specialty cocktails, which include Huckleberry Lemonade and the Pineapple Express — rum, Coco López and pineapple juice served in a frozen pineapple shell with rum-soaked pineapple skewers.

The large menu includes a raw bar as well as burgers, steak and chicken dishes. The impressive Seafood Tower stacks Maine lobster, east and west oysters, clams, shrimp and crab.

“We always say come for the sunset and stay until sunrise,” said co-owner Sean Tubridy. “We really focus on the customer experience.” ” data-id=”113661993″ data-link=”https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/5975_image.jpg” class=”wp-image-1.13661993″/>
Photo Credit: Linda Rosier

More New Yorkers are discovering what their Rockaway neighbors have known all along: eating, playing and working in the beachfront community is a pretty good way to live.

The popular peninsula was on the way to regaining its former status as a top city resort destination when it was ravaged by Superstorm Sandy in 2012. Homes were lost to fire and floods and swaths of the beloved boardwalk were torn from their foundations.

But Rockaway’s fighting spirit prevailed. While more reconstruction is needed, a wave of restaurants and shops — and of course the beach — is luring millions of visitors.

If you can’t hitch a ride, hop on the A train, try out the NYC Ferry (at $2.75 per trip) or grab a roundtrip ride with the $30 OvR Rockaway Beach Bus, the $14 Alexis Van Lines or the $20 Rockaway Brewing Co. Brew Crusier to get to Rockaway, where a newly rebuilt boardwalk awaits. Here are some places to check out: