Rippers
8601 Shore Front Parkway
(86th Street and the Boardwalk)
Rockaway Beach
What it is: Rockaway beach boardwalk destination from the folks behind Roberta’s and the Meat Hook.
Why we love it: Beach party headquarters! Your one stop (seaside) shop for beers, bites, dancing and live music. Site of Tiki Disco dance parties and attractive people in bathing suits. Bring your danciest beach associate; your single friend who wants to mingle; a friend-with-potential whom you just met on the shore.
What to order: Here is where beach and brunch converge. Start off your day with a chorizo breakfast burrito ($6) and a fresh Green juice ($6). Later on, grab a burger ($5.50) and a craft draft or michelada for much-needed sustenance after a long swimming session. For the adventurous, try the fish torta ($10) of flaky Dogfish miniature shark with black beans, slaw, and hot sauce on a Martin’s roll.
Regular Tip: Rippers emerged back in 2011 when the Rockaway Taco proprietors approached the Parks Department about taking over a few boardwalk stands. They realized it was a good opportunity to form a partnership with businesses they admired, so they reached out to their friends at Meat Hook and Roberta’s, and Rippers was born.