Rockaway Beach Surf Club
302 Beach 87th Street
(Corner of Rockaway Freeway)
Rockaway
*reopens for the season Friday, May 1
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What it is: Surf shack stronghold and neighborhood cultural center of Rockaway, where folks stop in for a time out from the elements, or to top off a great beach day with a night of partying.
Why we love it: From the surf boards on the ceiling, to the hanging sculptures of puffer fish, to Endless Summer playing on the TV behind the bar, to the crowd of actual surfers—or at least those embodying the surf aesthetic—we are in beach bar heaven. It’s the perfect place to replenish your thirst after a day in the sun, or to rally for a live band or DJ at night. Art exhibitions and film series will stimulate your wave-wracked brain. Stop in for post-surf beers with your ocean partner. If you want to really get into character, take a lesson before hand at Locals Surf School; then, maybe you’ll feel like less of a groupie (probably not).
What to order: Fish tacos and a watermelon juice from Tacoaway Beach, Rockaway Taco’s new home in RBSC’s backyard. At the bar, order a Bloody Mary or one of the rotating drafts.
Regular tip: In the wake of Sandy, the Surf Club was one of the largest grass roots relief centers in Rockaway, mobilizing over 5,000 volunteers to distribute supplies and clear debris.
Rockaway Beach Surf Club is a featured bar in our South Brooklyn & the Rockaways Beer Book, on sale now!