lifetime ago, a man I knew took me out to Rockaway Beach to spend a romantic weekend at his beach bungalow. It seemed like a hidden paradise, a 30-minute ride to a rustic beach enclave that was once the chosen getaway for New York’s middle class. There weren’t any hip restaurants to eat at or local bars to go to then, just a pack your own food and bring your beers to the beach type of experience. Times have really changed on the peninsula. For anyone looking forward to a beach day in NYC, Rockaway has become the spot to check out. Accessible to all by bus, ferry, and train, leave your cooler at home and have an urban adventure. The Q53 (taken from Woodside) will leave you out front of Rockaway Taco and close to the 96th Street beach hub. Each of the beach hubs located at 86th, 96th, and 116th have plenty of edible options to experience. There is a reason that there is always a line outside of Rockaway Taco. The food is that delicious. The lines move quickly, and it’s the perfect first stop before getting on the beach a block away. The fish taco is enfamous, and the fresh juices are the perfect compliment to the meal. Rockaway Taco is located at 95-19 Rockaway Beach Blvd. Save the Icee next door for your way home, and stop at the DiCosmos ice stand at 95-19 Rockaway Blvd. In business for 98 years, DiCosmos creates the freshest ice and sorbets you have ever had. Try the coconut, or be adventurous and sample the avocado sorbet (www.dicosmos. com). And for the pizza aficionado, Roberta’s has opened up a spot across the street from Rockaway Taco, but is only serving Fridays through Sundays for the moment. A livelier experience can be had 10 blocks away at Rippers at 86th Street (www.86badvibes. com). Ignore the hipsters, head straight to the drinks-only line, and grab one. I’ve seen a mix of every stereotype here, and this with a cold beer in hand makes for perfect peoplewatching. The food line is long, and consists of burgers, smoothies and burritos. Come for the cheap drinks ($3 Narragansetts) and soak up the environment, and even live music at times. On the other side of the 96th street hub, check out Caracas on 106th Street. They offer fresh Venezuelan fare that includes empanadas, arepas, and plantains. Cocktails are aplenty here, as well. Try the frozen sangria or the passion fruit mimosa at 106-01 Shore Front Parkway (www. caracasarepabar.com/ rockaway.php). There are plenty of other places to stop and eat at before and after you soak up the sun. Keep in mind that almost everywhere is cash only. Rockaway is expanding so quickly that I expect there to be many more options to enjoy in the future. JULY 2014 | BOROMAG.COM | 7
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