“I’m not even sure I need a reason to love Coney Island,” says Ally Millar, TONY’s online business coordinator. “It’s not as far out there as everyone pretends it is, since the N and the D are express trains. And even the nicest neighborhoods in Manhattan can’t boast 44-ounce beers for less than $6 (thanks, Nathans!), a raw bar and a ferris wheel. The neighborhood might not have a bodega on every corner or the same grocery amenities and conveniences of your Park Slopes, but who needs quick access to these things when you can hang out on the beach all day?”
Read about her favorite places after the jump.
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Her favorite restaurants and bars
Gargiulo’s 2911 W 15th St at Mermaid Ave (718-266-4891, gargiulos.com) “Everyone needs to go to this place at least once. It’s your perfect gangster movie relic of an Italian restaurant with family-style portions. You are expected to dress in proper attire, so be forewarned: Don’t wander off the street in your bathing suit.”
Totonno’s 1524 Neptune Ave at 15th St (718-372-8606, totonnos.com) “One of the city’s landmark pizza destinations, Totonno’s was partially gutted by a fire back in March. Some in-person investigation revealed that the renovations are almost complete, and the pizzeria will be reopened in October.”
Steve’s Grill House Boardwalk West at Stillwell Ave (718-265-0347) “There are many places on the Boardwalk that do the exact same clam bar/fried foods/beer thing. I just happen to like Steve’s Grill House the best because their raw bar has oysters in addition to clams, and their location at the far end of the excitement makes it a chill location to hang out with a snack and a drink after the sun goes down.”
Ruby’s Bar & Grill 1213 Boardwalk West at W 15th St (718-372-9079, rubysbarandgrill.blogspot.com) “Oddly voted one of Travel Network’s Top 20 Sexiest Bars, Ruby’s is your classic mix of salty bartenders and grizzled regulars. Prices seem to change randomly, but it’s pretty reliable for great memories, so it doesn’t really matter.”
Her favorite shops
Flea by the Sea Boardwalk West between 10th and 12th Sts (fleabythesea.com) “The flea market is now closed for the season but is slated to come back next summer. Open on the weekends, it features a mix of vendors selling things from mix and match socks to pickles on a stick.”
Coney Island Beach Shop 3018 Stillwell Ave at Surf Ave (718-333-1110) “You are going to buy a novelty T-shirt from Coney Island at least once in your life. You might as well admit this fact and go to the biggest and best gift shop on the boardwalk.”
Her favorite places to hang out
Coney Island Aquarium Boardwalk West at W 8th St (718-265-3400, nyaquarium.com) “Is this the best aquarium in the world? No. Is it still totally fun and full of awesome things like otters and walruses? It’s rarely crowded and seems to attract fewer kids than the Prospect Park or Central Park Zoos do. The sea lions put on a show three times a day, and there are daily shark, penguin and walrus feedings if you need a little more excitement than just zoning out like a stoner in front of the jellyfish exhibit.”
The Beach “There is no address for the beach. It’s just there. Sure, the summer is over and no one is thinking about the beach, but during the fall and winter it’s one of the best places to sit and think. Just bring a coat and some (spiked) hot coffee in a thermos.”
