Down By Da Beach! All summer long the only thing on our mind besides eating, drinking, and traveling is… “This day needs to end so I can hit the beach.” It’s one of the beauties of living in the New York City/ Long Island area. We truly have it all here.  Not only is the best city on earth our playground, but some of the best beaches are as well. It’s no wonder why people from outside the area think New Yorkers are spoiled. We are!

The South Shore of Long Island is full of beach towns each with their own personality. In Brooklyn, Coney Island is known as a gritty and Bohemian neighborhood, famous for the Cyclone, Wonder Wheel, boardwalk, sideshows, and of course, Nathan’s Famous hot dogs. The farther east from the city you go, the more laid back and suburban each town gets. Drive far enough and eventually you reach Montauk… “The End.” It may only be 90 miles from Coney Island, but the differences are stark. In the winter, Montauk is a sleepy fishing town where all the locals know each others’ names. In the summer, the town awakes with energy, as droves of people flock to enjoy its world famous beaches, golf courses, fishing, and the best surfing on Long Island.

We are getting off topic here because this Eat-a-Sode is not about Brooklyn or Montauk beaches (see Eat-A-Sode 42 for our review of the Hamptons and Montauk); this Eat-a-Sode is about the South Shore of Nassau County. More specifically, this Eat-a-Sode is about the now World Famous (after the recent Quiksilver ASP surf event) enclave of Long Beach and the most famous of all Long Island public beaches, Jones Beach.

Since moving from NYC to Long Island, A and L have been frequent visitors to Long Beach. Throw in M and L’s surfing addiction and you can imagine that the crew spends a lot of time there searching out the best the town has to offer. Below, for your reading enjoyment, we have assembled a smattering of our Long Beach favorites. From a stroll on the boardwalk and a surf on the beach, to the Famous Gino’s Pizza (a Long Beach institution and the best Pizza in the area) and the awesome burgers at the Beach House. Long Beach has it all.

A recent addition to the Long Beach scene is the boutique and luxurious Allegria Hotel. Homebase for the epic Quiksilver Pro, the Allegria Hotel played host to the most famous and talented surfers in the world and their sponsors. The hotel has the first rooftop bar in Long Beach and has become an instant hot spot. The restaurant and bar that front the boardwalk is the perfect weekend people watching spot.

Just ten minutes away from Long Beach, down the beautiful Ocean Parkway, is historical Jones Beach. The vision of New York legend Robert Moses, its massive size (over 10 miles long), and accessibility from Manhattan make it not only the most visited in New York, but one of the most visited on the East Coast. Anyone who grew up on Long Island has memories of Jones Beach. Whether it’s sunning in the sand or catching a concert at the theater, Jones Beach is a Long Island landmark and institution. Surf’s Up!

Check out all of our pictures!

Activity- 2+2

Long Beach

Long Beach Island

www.LongBeachNY.org

Beach and Boardwalk, Nassau

A: I just love Long Beach! The town is a close knit community of beach lovers… something I am envious of. Beach cruiser bikes, vespas, runs on the boardwalk… sigh. I live only ten minutes away, but its just too far. There is nothing like having it out your front door.

K: I can’t imagine NOT living on the coast and just a short drive to the beach. Night drives to Long Beach always hold a special place in my heart and gives me the greatest sense of comfort when all else feels out of control. Just stop and enjoy the view.

L: Beach front surf town with real New Yorkers. What is not to love.

M: Love the surf, love the town. Can spend all day and night here. Too bad work gets in the way.

Our Rating Scales…

• Scene-  Classic beach front town, with a city twist
• Coordinates- 4: Neighborhood- Centrally located
• Return Rate- Green Light!
  

Activity- 2+2

Jones Beach State Park

Ocean Parkway, Hempstead

516-785-1600

www.JonesBeach.com

Beach and Boardwalk, Nassau

Known the world over, Jones Beach has always been recognized as one of New York’s sandy playgrounds. Although millions literally flock to Jones every summer to lay out in the sun, 2+2 have never been big fans of its beach area… mainly because you can’t surf and it’s always mobbed… we mean towel to towel mobbed. If we are planning on hitting the waves or working on our tan, we always choose Lido Beach, Long Beach or the recently suspended ‘Drive-on’ beach across from Gilgo… all equally as close, but smaller and with a more local feel; however, the complex that is Jones Beach State Park is vast and offers much more than sand.

Developed as a seaside resort in the 1920s by Robert Moses, the park is located on Jones Beach Island, a barrier island hugging Long Island’s coast. The way Jones looks today is a far cry from how it started out at the turn of the century. The swampy island was literally built up to rise above sea level; the sand was brought up from the bottom of the ocean and all the beach grass was planted by hand. Today, after thousands worked for almost 10 years, the park is thought to be one of the most beautiful in the world. With the ability to accommodate 250,000 visitors a day, Jones Beach is a popular weekend destination for New Yorkers.

Walking the two-mile long boardwalk, particularly on a summer evening, is one of our favorite Jones Beach pastimes. Along the way, pass the impressive, Art Deco, East and West Bathhouses, each featuring public pools. The vintage bandshell hosts live summer concerts, often high energy with lots of dancing (think salsa on the beach)! And the activities are aplenty, as an influx of people visit for volleyball leagues at the public fields, mini golf (A is the current reigning 2+2 Mini Golf Masters Champion!), shuffleboard, and even a nine hole ‘Pitch and Putt’ Golf Course. Top that off with an ice cream cone and you are good for some low key summer fun.

Our latest discovery is the four mile long greenway along the Wantagh State Parkway. Originating at the Cedar Creek County Park, we had a perfect Sunday afternoon biking along the shore breathing in the sweet ocean air. A popular path for runners, rollerbladers, and groups of kids hitting the beach (sans parents), we were instantly jealous that the Meadowbrook Parkway didn’t have the same type of path to the beach… we would be on it daily. The trail ends at the Jones Beach Theatre, and from there you must lock up your bike and continue on by foot (unless you are rebels like us!)… bikes are not allowed on the boardwalk during the summer.

The Nikon at Jones Beach Theatre is a large scale concert venue right on the water! With Zach’s Bay surrounding the stage, 15,000 people in the stadium, plus tons of boats on the water, rock out to summertime concerts with a view of the stars. The concert line-up is always totally beach appropriate with lots of rock legends like Lynyrd Skynyrd and Jimmy Buffet, and plenty of melodic chill bands like Sublime and 311. Tailgating is embraced fiercely and leaving a concert here, even in the open air, will make you wonder if you can still pass a drug test. It is the ultimate summertime concert venue.

In addition, throughout the warmer weather, popular events are also held at Jones Beach like the annual Memorial Day weekend Air Show featuring classic planes and stunt routines, a Fourth of July Fireworks extravaganza and lots of ‘Walks for a Cure,’ like the Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Walk in October.

A: I often take Ocean Parkway home just to get a taste of the salty ocean air. The drive down the waterfront stretch is like an hour of yoga. Although not a fan of the crowds during the summer days, I adore strolling the boardwalk at night and playing some minigolf (I am the current champ baby!). The bike path along the Wantagh Parkway is a new favorite outdoor activity. I must try to fit in one more ride before the beautiful weather disappears.

K: My memories are filled with concerts at Jones Beach, long walks with ice cream cones and the fam on the boardwalk, and relaxing drives with the windows down. Maybe not the best place to lie on the beach (although Field 2 has always treated me well), but certainly a beautiful place for all else.

L: There is nothing like catching a concert at the Nikon Jones Beach Theater. The cool ocean breeze and a direct view of the water, while some of the biggest acts in the world perform.

M: Growing up I spent everyday at field 2 with my family and always loved the drive around the tower (pencil). The feeling is still the same. Too bad they don’t let you surf at field 6 where the ice cream is!

Our Rating Scales…

• Scene- A beach complex with an active boardwalk!
• Coordinates- 2: State- Bring your GPS
• Return Rate- Green Light!
  

Cocktails- A+L

Allegria Hotel of Long Beach

80 West Broadway, Long Beach

516-889-1300

www.AllegriaHotel.com

Cocktails, Nassau

For years, we have frequented the Long Beach boardwalk for summer strolls and nighttime star gazing, and we’ve always made the same comment… it’s missing something. Filled with block after block of private condos or bungalow-style homes, the Long Beach locals have kept their beach on lock-down for a long time. But a boardwalk this beautiful and well maintained would be that much more awesome with a place to grab a bite or a cocktail, so that more patrons can partake in its beauty, too. I’m not just talking about city visitors riding the LIRR into town, or actual out-of-state tourists… but other residents of nearby towns. Hey, A+L live a mere five minutes from Long Beach and definitely still feel like outsiders. Well, we’ve finally found our way in.

Located on the boardwalk, on the corner of National Boulevard (the main five block strip connecting the beach and the LIRR train station), the Allegria Hotel is a beautiful, modern, beachfront retreat. The brand new hotel boasts high end furnishing, plenty of technology, and the best view of the Atlantic Ocean a non-resident can find. It’s perfect for a quick weekend beach getaway while still maintaining a close proximity to the excitement of the big city. As the host hotel of the Quiksilver Pro Surf event this September, the building was swarming with pro surfers like Kelly Slater, tons of TV crews, and a massive crowd of fans… as well as some of our favorite pro snowboarders, Todd Richards and Travis Rice!

During the event, we made it a point to visit the sea-themed lobby bar on several occasions… you know, to test it out. Right on the boardwalk level and full of shimmery aquatic references, the lovely establishment is our new best friend. Spinning thumping beats, the chill vibe will put you right into vacation mood, even if it’s 8pm on a work night. Considering, the drinks were even pretty reasonably priced!

Although we weren’t able to visit it during our recent trips, the rooftop of the hotel has nightly themed events around the picturesque pool, of course with views of the sea. Visit the L’Onda Lounge for reggae nights, dance beats, and even disco; although, we will pass on that last one. The hotel also houses the Atlantica Restaurant, which we’ve heard great things about. We will have to give it a go during one of our future visits, as we will definitely be back soon (maybe even this week) for some more vacation inspiring cocktails after a session in the waves.

A: I really liked the scene. I felt transported to a lobby of a hotel while on vacation. A walk on the boardwalk and a couple of drinks in the lobby bar and I am a happy camper.

L: An upscale spot for drinks and food right on the boardwalk. It is not typical Long Beach and that makes it awesome.

Our Rating Scales…

• Scene- A modern hotel with a seaside decor
• Food/Drinks- 3: Pleasantly surprised
• Tip Worthy- 3: Gratuity included
• Coordinates- 4: Neighborhood- Centrally located
• Return Rate- Green Light
  

Lunch/ Dinner- A+L

The Beach House

21 South Park Avenue, Rockville Centre

516-678-SURF

906 West Beech Street, Long Beach

516-208-8733

www.TheBeachHouseLBNY.com

Classic Comfort and Bar Food, Beer and Cocktails, Nassau

Rockville Center is a Long Island mecca for dining spots. The town has a diverse collection of offerings from our favorite French bistro Aperitif, to the super casual and fun Beach House. While nearby Croxley Ale House and Cabo will provide you with a rowdy, college experience, The Beach House presents a much more relaxed atmosphere for a burger and a beer. With its open air front (weather permitting), high-end but decorative surfboards hanging from the ceiling and big wave photography lining the walls, the atmosphere exudes ‘chill’. We love heading over for the amazing Toasted Truffle Lobster Mac and Cheese and the enormous and tasty burgers! We’ve sampled both the beef-with-lobster and turkey burgers and were astounded by their size and taste. They are meant for sharing or for a massive appetite!

Live music is showcased for the extended weekend (Thursday – Sunday) and late night DJs make the place really come alive on Friday and Saturday nights. A second location in the constantly mobbed West End of Long Beach offers a more fish-heavy menu and even more nightly action. All in all, it’s the perfect local joint for an impromptu meeting with friends and some classic comfort foods with a twist! We will definitely be back to sample their Sunday Brunch.

What we ate… (Over several visits)

• Toasted Truffle Mac and Cheese with Lobster [Cheddar, Cave Aged Gouda, Pecorino] (A+L)
• Beach House Sesame Teriyaki Wings (A+L)
• Warm Spinach and Artichoke Dip with Housemade Corn Tortilla Chips (A+L)
• Surf and Turf Burger [Classic Burger, Lobster Meat, Truffle Runny Egg] (L)
• Turkey Burger [Sautéed Spinach, Goat Cheese] (A)

A: An awesome joint for a couple of casual cocktails and a juicy burger. A lively, fun atmosphere without replicating the Jersey Shore (ugh… gross).

L: Amazing and huge burgers. The truffle mac and cheese with lobster left a lasting impression. I love the surfboards on the ceiling and the photos on the wall.  The owners of this place get it!

Our Rating Scales…

• Scene- A surf inspired burger joint
• Food/Drinks- 3.5: Pleasantly stellar!
• Tip Worthy- 3: Gratuity Included
• Coordinates- 5: Fun is right next door
• Restaurant Return Rate- Green Light!

Lunch/ Dinner- A+L+M

Gino’s of Long Beach

16 West Park Avenue, Long Beach

516-432-8193

www.GinosPizzaOfLongBeach.com

Pizza, Nassau

A forever Long Island staple, this pizzeria serves some of the best slices in New York. On any night of the week, locals, and those on a pizza pilgrimage, mob Gino’s for a true piece of New York heaven. Summers are particularly busy with patrons also stopping in for the classic Italian Ices. Of course, they serve all the standard pizzeria offerings… specialty slices, everything parmesan, rolls and pinwheels… however, the flavor is a step above… well, pretty much everyone!

A: It’s true, I am addicted to pizza. Their grandma slice sure does rank high on the list!

L: I have been eating pizza here for 13 years. I love Gino’s. Hands down still my favorite grandma slice in New York. That may be blasphemy to certain people, but it’s true. Gino’s is the perfect apres surf spot for a bite.

M: Both the grandma and the regular slice are great here. Grab about three to four slices and a sit outside. It’s a great time after a good night of surfing.

Our Rating Scales…

• Scene- A LB staple. A NY staple. One of the best grandmas ever!
• Food/Drinks- 4: Stellar! Wouldn’t change a thing about their pizza.
• Coordinates- 4: Neighborhood- Centrally located
• Restaurant Return Rate- Green Light!